Table of Contents
Advertisement
Battery Life and Depletion
Battery life depends on many variables. First of all, not all batteries are created equal, so use "good
quality" (Name- Brand) alkaline batteries. Batteries (even if unused) have a limited shelf life, so make
sure batteries are "fresh". Even so, "brand new" batteries may be faulty or partially depleted.
In addition, the rate at which batteries are depleted is influenced by several factors. The power consumed
by the valve varies individually. Altitude and respiration rate (as well as temperature, humidity, etc.) also
affects the rate of battery depletion.
Once the OPC has successfully powered-up (without issuing a BAD BATTERY Alarm), it will continue
to operate as long as possible until the batteries are completely exhausted. As the batteries deplete, the
OPC will first issue a LOW BATTERY-1 Alert indicating that no more than 8 hours of operation remain.
With further depletion, the OPC will issue a LOW BATTERY-2 Alarm indicating that, at best, about 2
hours of operation remain.
Ultimately, the batteries will deplete to the point where the OPC will no longer be able to operate the
oxygen-dispensing valve. When the valve ceases operating, the OPC unit will no longer be dispensing
oxygen! This is typically heralded by the onset of FLOW-FAULT alarms for each breath.
Note: Alkaline batteries will sometimes "rejuvenate" if allowed to "rest". So although a LOW BATTERY
Alert may have been received at the end of a previous mission, no warning may be given when
powering-up the OPC the next day. This is misleading, and should not be a rationale for postponing
battery replacement. Once a LOW BATTERY Alert has been issued, the batteries are unreliable and
should be replaced immediately.
Installing and Replacing Batteries (Fig. 35)
The OPC uses two (2) AA alkaline batteries. Remove the battery door
by gently pressing down on the battery cover tab, then slide the door
out and away from the unit. Insert the batteries with proper polarity as
shown on the label inside the battery compartment. Replace the door by
sliding it back in until it snaps into place.
Notes:
•
Batteries will be a tight fit. Take care not to damage the batteries
and/or connectors when inserting or removing the batteries. Do not
short the battery terminals.
•
Install the batteries with the proper polarity as shown.
•
Use good quality alkaline batteries only (DURACELL ULTRA,
ENERGIZER MAX or equivalent).
•
DO NOT USE LITHIUM BATTERIES!
the LOW BATTERY Alerts WILL NOT function correctly as they are
calibrated for alkaline batteries.
•
DO NOT mix old and new batteries! Replace all batteries at the same time.
•
Remove the batteries during long periods of non-use. Battery leakage
and corrosion can damage the OPC.
•
Fresh batteries should be installed prior to each mission, and
removed at the completion of each mission.
Dispose of batteries properly. Do not burn. Use collection points
•
when available.
•
See OPC-M2 SPECIFICATIONS for battery-life information.
No damage will result, but
−
+
+
−
Figure 35
21
Advertisement
Table of Contents
