on 28/07/2011, Bob Minchin supposed :
The only indication of low battery is a flashing display and as the cells are
hardwired together, they would be no indication of which had failed. Indeed
connecting them that way means their terminal voltages are identical and so
possibly have similar remaining charge in each.

Usually the minimum voltage required for memory retention requirements
is much lower than the minimum required for operation.

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Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk