Post
by MicroGuy » Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:55 pm
Another old post I can put my 2 cents worth in.
Getting a bum brand new battery isn't all that uncommon. They run off of lithium batteries, which are "supposed" to have a shelf life of about 10 years.
Now, that particular battery has been out for a while, it's a popular style/type, so it's been in use for a long time.
How long has it been sitting on that little rack at the store?? Some can get pretty dusty.
I've had my share of bad batteries. I have one device that uses 6 of the dang things, and unless I get six good ones at one time, it doesn't work.
And it's becomes such a problem (and expensive), I"ve pretty much quit using it.
And it could be you have a bad scope too. If it's not wired up right, has a short or something, it could have a higher power drain on it. The batteries are made for long life, not high current drain.
So, if you get one that does that, I would go back to the store, talk to them about it, tell them what you're doing, pick up another and see if it's the same thing. if it works, they owe you a battery. if you get the same drainage thing, I'd go else where and try to get a fresh one. Then send the scope back if it drains right off again.
(and be sure you're turning the thing off, I always leave 'em on and drain it)