I would like to have an idea of battery life with this item. I am wondering if it would be better to have 8 rechargable AA batteries for this or the $70 Celestron Power Tank. Realizing I wouldn't be using this telescope every night, and probably not even every week, plus I can use the AA batteries elsewhere around the house. I would like to have an idea of battery life with this item. I am wondering if it would be better to have 8 rechargable AA batteries for this or the $70 Celestron Power Tank. Realizing I... » Read More I would like to have an idea of battery life with this item. I am wondering if it would be better to have 8 rechargable AA batteries for this or the $70 Celestron Power Tank. Realizing I wouldn't be using this telescope every night, and probably not even every week, plus I can use the AA batteries elsewhere around the house. « Show Less
2070588
Rechargeables work the best rather than burning through 8 AA's, which it does. I use a jump starter box with a cigarette lighter connection raher than spending the $70 for the power tank. I think it was $40 on amazon.
1879956
If you're not using for extended period every night its fine. I have the pack and its very handy since it has a light in it.
2070589
AA batteries do not work for more than 15 mins if you use tracking. The scope will operate but tracking will be very poor.
2070590
I used 8 standard AA batteries and they lasted about 7 outings. When the batteries get low the software malfunctions and the telescope will not slew or track correctly. Note that rechargeable AA batteries are 1.2V not 1.5V. When you use 8 of them that 0.3 difference adds up. So instead of a 12V total you will have a 9.6V total. This may underdrive the motors, which would be really bad for a precision based instrument like this. I would not recommend rechargeable unless you plug in to a true 12V.
403108
Let me say befor my answer that this gadget is really awesome ...IT IS battery operated.....how long does it last?. It depends on the way you use it,I do not keep it going for long periods,and still works fine.but if you keep it on for several nights it will go on for several days,as for the batteries ,it needs 3 small rounded ones.TAREK
1883232
I don't have an exact number for you.. I've only used mine a few times as I just got it 2 months ago.. I had it fully charged and went on a 6 hour kayak trip in the Everglades. I had it on the whole time and interacted with it every 10-15 minutes or so. When we pulled outta the water the indication showed well over half the battery life remaining. One thing I like about this GPS is that the included rechargeable battery has decent life, but even if it drains, you can use normal AA batteries. Compared to the Magellan Explorist that I have, this is far superior battery life.. But not a good comparison because the Explorist is AA batteries only, and the Garmin has a lithium battery pack. I don't have an exact number for you.. I've only used mine a few times as I just got it 2 months ago.. I had it fully charged and went on a 6 hour kayak trip in the Everglades. I had it on the whole time and interacted with it every 10-15 minutes or so. When we pulled outta the water the indication showed well over half the battery life remaining. One thing I like about this GPS is that the included rechargeable battery has decent life, but even if it drains, you can use normal AA batteries. Compared to the Magellan Explorist that I have, this is far superior battery life.. But not a good... » Read More I don't have an exact number for you.. I've only used mine a few times as I just got it 2 months ago.. I had it fully charged and went on a 6 hour kayak trip in the Everglades. I had it on the whole time and interacted with it every 10-15 minutes or so. When we pulled outta the water the indication showed well over half the battery life remaining. One thing I like about this GPS is that the included rechargeable battery has decent life, but even if it drains, you can use normal AA batteries. Compared to the Magellan Explorist that I have, this is far superior battery life.. But not a good comparison because the Explorist is AA batteries only, and the Garmin has a lithium battery pack. « Show Less
864575
I use rechargeable AA batteries. The initial investment might seem pricey, but it takes years of use for them to wear out, making them a great deal in the long run. Seriously, about $12 for 2, 3, or 4 years of service? So much better than using throwaways!
1283174
I beleive the less expensive one is not the extended life batt.....you want the extended life batt....the one that comes with the unit only runs it for a 2 to 2.5 hours....not long enough....;the extended will do 4 hrs. I usually take both with just in case...
1123341
I think it has to do with cost. Paid over $120 for a pair the rechargeable types as a set. After the batteries died, I bought one like this for $28 and use rechargeable AAs. That's better. No beeps on when to change quadrants but I don't need that kind of direction. Am going to get another one.
57725
The CPC 1100 is a "go to" telescope. You can even run it off your computer and use a free program called Stellarium to navigate the night sky. If you are considering purchasing this telescope, make sure you pick up a JMI custom case for it. You should also get a power tank for it, since you will need one. You could also consider the AC adapter for it, if you are near an outlet with it. Also consider getting the Celestron StarSense. That device makes aligning your scope so much easier! You will also want to get 2" eye pieces for it. 1.25" is to small on this huge scope. Celestron has a nice 2" eyepiece kit you can get, that comes in a nice case. :) The CPC 1100 is a "go to" telescope. You can even run it off your computer and use a free program called Stellarium to navigate the night sky. If you are considering purchasing this telescope, make sure you pick up a JMI custom case for it. You should also get a power tank for it, since you will need one. You could also consider the AC adapter for it, if you are near an outlet with it. Also consider getting the Celestron StarSense. That device makes aligning your scope so much easier! You will also want to get 2" eye pieces for it. 1.25" is to small on this huge scope.... » Read More The CPC 1100 is a "go to" telescope. You can even run it off your computer and use a free program called Stellarium to navigate the night sky. If you are considering purchasing this telescope, make sure you pick up a JMI custom case for it. You should also get a power tank for it, since you will need one. You could also consider the AC adapter for it, if you are near an outlet with it. Also consider getting the Celestron StarSense. That device makes aligning your scope so much easier! You will also want to get 2" eye pieces for it. 1.25" is to small on this huge scope. Celestron has a nice 2" eyepiece kit you can get, that comes in a nice case. :) « Show Less
801416
The 70 Travel Scope can handle a "Shorty Barlow" from the top of the diagonal. The Scope is 70 mm, so It's Magnification Max is 140 power. Your 20 delivers 22.5 Magnification, the 10 mm 45. The Scopes power is the ability to not surpass 2 X the MM appeture (front Lens Diameter) so 70 X 2 +140. A Two times barlow would double your current numbers; a triplet would get you 135 Power with your 10 mm. That's 5 mm under the scope capacity so as not to darken the Picture. This Scope is great BTW, we used It to film the Venus Transit across the Sun and other Dark Sky Objects, great for Landscape photography as well (on a budget :) Though make sure It's a "Shorty" Barlow Lens, some are too long to go into the "top" of the diagonal (you need the Diagonal because It's part of the 450 mm Focal lenght ) from the "tube side" you won't be able to focus. Celestrons shortys work well as Meades. Hope this helps.
527336
I don't know about the battery. Everyday, I put it out side, until no more sunlight, I bring it in. I don't use the solar lantern every day. Maybe once a week and during 8 hrs of operating, the brightness is still pretty good, better than night light. It depends on how often you use it. Myself, I like it.
2175268
Agree with the Powertank. Using regular batteries won't give you an accurate goto. The other accessories you will need are eyepieces. Consider getting one in the 9-11mm range and go from there.
1182384
Great Questions. I have had mine for almost a year. I use it several times a week and it is great. It charges in little sunlight. I experienced discharge of battery and replaced the battery after a year ( keeping in mind I used it on a daily basis but I let it sit for about 4 months). My suggestion is to remove the battery for long term storage or when you need to use it or only putting battery in once every month to recharge if needed. I have found it very useful when camping, in the office, and in power outages for getting emergency alerts when the power goes out. From my understanding you should be able to find a replacement battery (only one needed) on amazon for around $10 (Ambient Weather WR-BATT 3.7V / 800 mAh Rechargeable Battery (LIR123A)) . One of the reasons I chose this unit is because the rechargeable battery could be changed. Allot of these rechargeable type units the battery can not be changed. But overall the reception is good, all the charging options are included with the unit, the unit recharges small electronics, and it is compact and lightweight. The volume is not overly loud, some may want a louder unit but i think it is loud enough. I would recommend this unit if you are looking at alternatives like this one for a reasonable price.
483439
Hello Debbi, to be honest the batteries suck. They drain very fast despite the description.The plus side is that you can charge multiple batteries if you purchase the charger. I found that one of the two battteries last longer than the other. Hope this helps
1895636
My guess is that they last as long as any rechargeable better that recharges via electricity, which is not forever. I did have an issue with the Ambient solar-powered radio. Their response to me may be helpful if you are using this battery for that radio: "The solar collector was meant to be a battery life extender but was never intended to fully charge the battery. Thus, we recommend you "hard charge" through the USB port once every few weeks. Best practice is to leave it plugged into the power port all of the time. It will not damage the radio." per Ambient
1272027
Two AA batteries are included with the binoculars. I'm sure battery life depends on how often and how long the binoculars are used. For bird watching, a few minutes at a time, while walking the dog, I assume that I will get a year or two from the batteries.
28763
Hmmm, I think I've recharged my batt's 14-16 times each... and they seem to be producing about the same flight times so far. Don't know how many cycles on average the batteries should last, but I would think they would/should provide good performance up to about 35-40 cycles ("educated guess"). Make sure the battery has cooled down to ambient temperature before recharging; helps them last longer. Also... try not to operate plane at full throttle for more than say ten seconds at a time. High long current drains are hard on a battery. Sorry I can't give more specific info. Hope this helps somewhat. Chris
1816848
No problems to report except for battery life is very low. I always have two extra batteries. After I am done using the range fider I always take out the batteries and put them back in. This shuts off the 2 hour stand by mode the scope goes into after you activate it the first time. The stand by mode is for active shooting it slows the remote to activate the scope range finder when a target appears. I have the button just above my trigger. Batteries run about $18 for two good Duracells. I do not store it below freezing I just use it in temps as low as 19F with no problems. I hope this helps you. No problems to report except for battery life is very low. I always have two extra batteries. After I am done using the range fider I always take out the batteries and put them back in. This shuts off the 2 hour stand by mode the scope goes into after you activate it the first time. The stand by mode is for active shooting it slows the remote to activate the scope range finder when a target appears. I have the button just above my trigger. Batteries run about $18 for two good Duracells. I do not store it below freezing I just use it in temps as low as 19F with no problems. I hope this helps... » Read More No problems to report except for battery life is very low. I always have two extra batteries. After I am done using the range fider I always take out the batteries and put them back in. This shuts off the 2 hour stand by mode the scope goes into after you activate it the first time. The stand by mode is for active shooting it slows the remote to activate the scope range finder when a target appears. I have the button just above my trigger. Batteries run about $18 for two good Duracells. I do not store it below freezing I just use it in temps as low as 19F with no problems. I hope this helps you. « Show Less
1259192
Battery life is ok. I bought an extra battery at local radio shack because I use it at night.I use it a lot for the infared light so not real sure about normal light but it does well at night. Only real problem I have yet to figure out is you can only use the software they have included and I cannot figure out how to put anything I have recorded on dvd.