Lithium Ion batteries

[Kentexile]

I`m still trying to navigate my way round this vast and informative forum, so i have a question regarding the above.
I still haven`t bought a new detector yet (so many to choose from) RE the subject what happens when these batteries come to the end of their life? Can you buy replacement batteries and what cost? Or does the detector need replacing?
This will help me which detector to buy!

[SimplexSimonx]

Modern li batteries are likely to last a pretty long time. Replacement batteries can usually be found somewhere on the internet for a fairly small sum. Changing the battery depends on how the detector had been put together and the skills of the person changing it. Skills required are somewhere between changing a watch battery and changing a smartphone battery (eg Deus coil battery seems hard but do-able).
Obviously if your machine is still covered by a warranty, this will be a consideration. I am not aware of any machine that cannot be made to work with a new battery. I really wouldn't let this put you off buying any particular m/c.

[ratty]

Most detectors have a protection circuit that prevents the battery from being over discharged, roughly 15% is the lowest I would go . A well looked after battery will give years of service and even when it starts to fade most will still charge to 80%... As these L-ion have no memory it's ok to just top them up.

[Junior]

Had my dues for 8 yrs same controller battery and same coil battery but did have headphones battery replaced due to a speaker fault a year or so ago , keep them topped up and should be ok, think li on batterys u can prob leave from full charge a good 6 months plus of not beingused and are ok

[Kentexile]

Thanks Junior that`s put my mind at rest! I`ll start looking at all my options now.

[theoriginalfatcat]

Personally I have my doubts about rechargeable detectors. I know it's the sort of in thing at present - but are they really convenient if there's nowhere to charge them? If you're away for the weekend at a rally or camping etc.

And, will they actually save you any money if you have to replace, or get someone else to replace the Lithium-ion unit, because at some point it will fail.

The 4 AA Duracell batteries I put in my machine cost £2 and last for 20 hours plus and it's easy to carry a spare set and pop them in if I need to, therefore guaranteeing I won't get inconvenienced.

[Pete E]

Personally I have my doubts about rechargeable detectors. I know it's the sort of in thing at present - but are they really convenient if there's nowhere to charge them? If you're away for the weekend at a rally or camping etc.

And, will they actually save you any money if you have to replace, or get someone else to replace the Lithium-ion unit, because at some point it will fail.

The 4 AA Duracell batteries I put in my machine cost £2 and last for 20 hours plus and it's easy to carry a spare set and pop them in if I need to, therefore guaranteeing I won't get inconvenienced.

Have had detectors powered by both options and prefer the new rechargable's. I wouldn't like to argue the pros and cons ( expect one) and I think it's generally a personal preference thing. The one advantage of Li Ion batteries is that they can be sealed into the machine and it's easier for the manufacturer to make the unit waterproof, which may or may not be a factor depending on the type of detecting you do...

As for recharging away from mains power, I use a powerbank that also charges my headphones, torch and phone ect...I even have a small one I can attach to the machine if I want to extend its run time in the field....