F1n Replacement Batteries

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Can I substitute 1.5v alkaline batteries--say, Energizer E625G--for original 1.35v mercury batteries without damaging the meter. I realize, of course, I'd probably have to adjust either the ASA setting or the meter itself to compensate for voltage change. None of the answers to related questions on the forum clearly answers mine. Thanks.

-- Bill Wheeler (wmwhee@datawest.net), November 12, 2000

Answers

You can use it, but there is more to it than just adjusting the ASA setting. AFAIK there is no damage using the alkaline cell.

The problem is the voltage of the alkaline cell changes a good bit over the life of the cell. It will start with a higher voltage, which will require a change in one direction of the ASA. As the cell is used, the voltage drops until it is the same as the original mercury cell. At this point you would need no correction. And then the voltage drops further, requiring a correction in the opposite direction as the beginning. And the correction is always changing as the battery voltage changes.

Bottom line, use Wein cells, a CRIS adapter, of buy mercury cells from the suppliers who offer them.

-- Terry Carraway (TCarraway@compuserve.com), November 13, 2000.


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