SPOT Customer Service (NOT)

[Canadian FJR]

I have used my first generation SPOT for several years and am very happy with it. During my last ride, the batteries died. I was not able to find Lithium batteries which it specifies so let it be for the ride. This evening I called the customer service number to see what issues there would be if I did go with another good quality non Lithium battery. She told me that it would fry the board. When I questioned her on how this would happen I think I hurt her feelings and she got a little defensive. Has anyone used non lithium batteries and why do they specify Lithium.

I fully plan to replace with Lithium batteries but I was curious just in case I was in a similar situation.

Just found part of my answer:

"SPOT uses lithium batteries for very important reasons, all of which are very important for proper operation of your SPOT. The SPOT device operates with Energizer 1.5V non-rechargeable size AA lithium batteries. Any other brand of AA lithium will be rechargeable and may be high voltage, which will damage the unit. The most important reason is that lithium batteries work over a wide operating temperature range allowing SPOT to work from -40C to +85C. Other battery types only work down to 0C. As well, lithium batteries store up to 2.5 times more energy than other batteries, are 33% lighter and have a shelf life of 10 years. However, in an emergency, alkaline batteries will function but provide limited performance and longevity."

No mention of a fried board.

Canadian FJR

 

[jmgrif]

Hey Scott, I used my Spot on my cross Canada/USA trip a couple of years ago! I had continuous tracking so found I needed to replace the batteries about every 12/15 days! I always used the recommended type but have wondered about why? Your answer seems about the best, because I wasn't getting off the beaten path so to speak I probably could have save quite a bit by using less expensive batteries and changing them more often? I can see wanting extended battery life if you're going into the back country!

 

[RaYzerman19]

In an emergency, you can use alkaline. I've done that (Spot 2) but they only last 4-5 days. I believe Spot 1's were easier on batteries..... FYI, the lithium's have a higher voltage (1.8) than alkalines (1.6).

 

[Bungie]

My Gen 1 Spot batteries last for ages. Like an entire season of multi-day trips. So long I couldn't tell you how long a set of batteries have lasted. I just throw a set of extra batteries in a baggy for when the need arises.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I have used my first generation SPOT for several years and am very happy with it. During my last ride, the batteries died. I was not able to find Lithium batteries which it specifies so let it be for the ride. This evening I called the customer service number to see what issues there would be if I did go with another good quality non Lithium battery. She told me that it would fry the board. When I questioned her on how this would happen I think I hurt her feelings and she got a little defensive. Has anyone used non lithium batteries and why do they specify Lithium.
I fully plan to replace with Lithium batteries but I was curious just in case I was in a similar situation.

Just found part of my answer:

"SPOT uses lithium batteries for very important reasons, all of which are very important for proper operation of your SPOT. The SPOT device operates with Energizer 1.5V non-rechargeable size AA lithium batteries. Any other brand of AA lithium will be rechargeable and may be high voltage, which will damage the unit. The most important reason is that lithium batteries work over a wide operating temperature range allowing SPOT to work from -40C to +85C. Other battery types only work down to 0C. As well, lithium batteries store up to 2.5 times more energy than other batteries, are 33% lighter and have a shelf life of 10 years. However, in an emergency, alkaline batteries will function but provide limited performance and longevity."

No mention of a fried board.

Canadian FJR

 

[Geezer]

My Gen 1 Spot batteries last for ages. Like an entire season of multi-day trips. So long I couldn't tell you how long a set of batteries have lasted. I just throw a set of extra batteries in a baggy for when the need arises.

Yes, I have had other people with the original SPOT say this. The SPOT II uses up a set of Lithiums in 10 to 15 days of all day tracking and they go dead a lot faster when I forget to turn the device off at the end of the day.

I don't always carry spare batteries. I find that the SPOT II still tracks for about a day even with the low battery lights flashing.

I never tried Alkalines, but I'm glad to hear that they do work.

 

[Wild72]

I have been using a Spot 2 for a couple of years now, and have never put Lithium batteries in. I have always used regular AAA's, usually getting them in bulk from Radio Shack (36 for @12), and while they do only last a few days, they are cheap enough that I don't mind.

I have been thinking about moving up to the Spot 3 when my older unit gives up, but so far the 2 still keeps on rolling on.

 

[PhilJet09]

I've been using the Spot 3 now for a couple months on the original, lithium batteries. I believe the disclaimer about a certain type of battery has to do with the implied performance expectations in case of an actual emergency and time the unit sits idle. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Spot 1's take AA size and mine lasted a long time, Spot 2 take AAA and only last a couple of weeks or so..... almost kicked myself for getting it..... What do the Spot 3's take??

The alkalines don't last long because they start out with a lower voltage and once the voltage drops a bit, the red light comes on..... same behaviour with the lithiums but they start out with a higher voltage and have a bit more capacity. If you check your old lithiums, they're nowhere near dead, so use them in your LED flashlight for months.

 

[yamafitter]

One of the advantages to the new SPOT 3 is that there is the possibility of powering the unit from an external 5V USB power supply in addition to 4 AAA lithium batteries. It is recommended that you keep batteries installed in case of a loss of external power.