Pro-106 "Low Voltage Replace or Recharge Batteries"

[gr8rcall]

Has anyone noticed that if you suddenly move, jerk, or twist the cord of either the AC or DC adapters that the scanner (Pro-106) will display this message "Low Voltage Replace or Recharge Batteries?"

 

[krokus]

I get that with my PSR-500, and seems to be from the transition to external power.

 

[gr8rcall]

I went to radioshack and got some "Adaptaplug" tip B's (not c's). That seemed to solve the problem for me.

 

[stlouisx50]

I get that message when I drop the sucker

 

[gr8rcall]

I get that message when I drop the sucker

I get it when I do that to.

 

[DickH]

I went to radioshack and got some "Adaptaplug" tip B's (not c's). That seemed to solve the problem for me.

If I owned an expensive digital scanner I would not use an A/C adapter. Many people here recommend buying an extra set of batteries and a charger and keep swapping batteries. I do that using both battery holders.
When I used my PRO-95 with an A/C adapter something failed in the voltage regulator circuit and a resistor burned out so it would not operate with the adapter. Fortunately nothing else happened and it still works OK. Others have reported more serious failures - even ruined scanners.
When you use an A/C adapter you take the risk of power surges, lightning strikes, etc.

 

[stlouisx50]

If I owned an expensive digital scanner I would not use an A/C adapter. Many people here recommend buying an extra set of batteries and a charger and keep swapping batteries. I do that using both battery holders.
When I used my PRO-95 with an A/C adapter something failed in the voltage regulator circuit and a resistor burned out so it would not operate with the adapter. Fortunately nothing else happened and it still works OK. Others have reported more serious failures - even ruined scanners.
When you use an A/C adapter you take the risk of power surges, lightning strikes, etc.

I have to say that rechargeable batteries have saved thousands of dollars. I would not run without rechargeable. Far too expensive. As far as batteries, you can got to Big Lots and buy the cheapest batteries they have which are 1.7 volt. Its 13% more voltage and I have not seen damage to the scanner. The downside is the Big Lots batteries come in an 8 pack for $5.00, but you will get 1-3 batteries that will never charge right. Just toss those. You will usually get about the same time with these as the name brand. However, if you want some batteries that will last, I have tried many, get Energizer. They allow many repeated charges, last 8+ hours and are highly dependable without battery breakdown like other rechargeable that I have tried. They are a bit more in price, but well worth it for their performance.

 

[jaspence]

Scanner batteries

The damage to electronic devices is not always easily detected over a short term. The batteries you get from Big Lots can be over 1.8 volts after a full charge, and sooner or later your luck will run out in a sensitive device. I use these in a walkie talkie that has a voltage range of 4.8 to 12 volts, but using them in a device designed for 4.8 to 6 volts is asking for trouble. The reason those batteries are in Big Lots is that they have proven to be less useful that other types due to high internal resistance which limits run time and a failure rate that seems higher than normal in my experience.

 

[stlouisx50]

This explains why one battery will drop to .85 volts, while the others will be at 1.3 volts. What is the maximum allowed voltage for the Pro-106


I found it,

Operating Voltage
6 VDC (4 AA alkaline, Ni-Cd, or Ni-MH)
External Power and Charge Voltage
9 VDC 500 mA regulated power supply

So it looks like 4 X 1.8 volts would be 7.2 volts. I see no big deal with that vs 4 X 1.5 Volts = 6 volts.

They both would be under the 9 volt power supply amount.

 

[k3cfc]

This explains why one battery will drop to .85 volts, while the others will be at 1.3 volts. What is the maximum allowed voltage for the Pro-106


I found it,

Operating Voltage
6 VDC (4 AA alkaline, Ni-Cd, or Ni-MH)
External Power and Charge Voltage
9 VDC 500 mA regulated power supply

So it looks like 4 X 1.8 volts would be 7.2 volts. I see no big deal with that vs 4 X 1.5 Volts = 6 volts.

They both would be under the 9 volt power supply amount.

I will never understand why a person would spend hundreds of dollars on a scanner and go to big lots for batteries. it's like putting $2000,00 worth of sound system in your auto and not spending $150.00 on an alarm.

 

[k3cfc]

I will never understand why a person would spend hundreds of dollars on a scanner and go to big lots for batteries. it's like putting $2000,00 worth of sound system in your auto and not spending $150.00 on an alarm.

 

[stlouisx50]

I will never understand why a person would spend hundreds of dollars on a scanner and go to big lots for batteries. it's like putting $2000,00 worth of sound system in your auto and not spending $150.00 on an alarm.

Why, because you spent all the money on a $400.00 scanner. Why go buy the most expensive when the cheaper works?

You can afford more later, when you save money by buying something cheaper that works. Thats why.

 

[W6KRU]

No thanks! There is no way anyone is going to convince me that it's a good idea to save a couple of bucks by putting sub-standard batteries in an expensive scanner. That could be penny wise and pound foolish if one of those cheap batteries leaks. I'll spend the extra money for peace of mind.

 

[stlouisx50]

No thanks! There is no way anyone is going to convince me that it's a good idea to save a couple of bucks by putting sub-standard batteries in an expensive scanner. That could be penny wise and pound foolish if one of those cheap batteries leaks. I'll spend the extra money for peace of mind.

Thats fine, spend more. I have never had any leaks