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#1
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
Hi there,
Since September we have been running a Vaillant VRC430f Weather compensator*, it all works very well apart from one thing; it seems to drain batteries for fun. The batteries only last a few months before the unit displays a warning, then the backlight won't come on and then then you can't use the unit at all but it will continue working in accordance with the last settings. I haven't let it go further than this. In 7 months, we have used replaced the 4 x AA batteries, twice. The batteries I am currently using are Duracell Procell** Can anyone suggest some better batteries? The manual states that rechargeable batteries are not suitable although it doesn't say why and apparently good quality alkaline batteries should last 1.5 years! The unit was simply set up with a small amount of tweaking in the first few weeks but after that it is simply left alone (the display turns it self off completely if it isn't tampered with), the only time it is actually used is when the heating is required earlier. I have no clue why it's using batteries so quickly. * http://www.vaillant.co.uk/homeowners...-vrc-430f.html ** http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Pro.../dp/B000KHDXLG Cheers -- David |
#2
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On 12/03/2012 18:37, gremlin_95 wrote:
Hi there, Since September we have been running a Vaillant VRC430f Weather compensator*, it all works very well apart from one thing; it seems to drain batteries for fun. The batteries only last a few months before the unit displays a warning, then the backlight won't come on and then then you can't use the unit at all but it will continue working in accordance with the last settings. I haven't let it go further than this. In 7 months, we have used replaced the 4 x AA batteries, twice. The batteries I am currently using are Duracell Procell** Can anyone suggest some better batteries? The manual states that rechargeable batteries are not suitable although it doesn't say why and apparently good quality alkaline batteries should last 1.5 years! The unit was simply set up with a small amount of tweaking in the first few weeks but after that it is simply left alone (the display turns it self off completely if it isn't tampered with), the only time it is actually used is when the heating is required earlier. I have no clue why it's using batteries so quickly. * http://www.vaillant.co.uk/homeowners...-vrc-430f.html ** http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Pro.../dp/B000KHDXLG Cheers -- David Dunno why it's getting through batteries, butb the reason you can't use re-chargables is probably that they are usually only 1.2v whereas alkaline batteries are 1.5v -- Cheers, Roger ____________ Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom checked. |
#3
Posted to uk.d-i-y
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
gremlin_95 wrote:
Hi there, Since September we have been running a Vaillant VRC430f Weather compensator*, it all works very well apart from one thing; it seems to drain batteries for fun. The batteries only last a few months before the unit displays a warning, then the backlight won't come on and then then you can't use the unit at all but it will continue working in accordance with the last settings. I haven't let it go further than this. In 7 months, we have used replaced the 4 x AA batteries, twice. The batteries I am currently using are Duracell Procell** Are you noticing an excessive number of heating on/off cycles? The controller sends a pulse to the receiver every time something changes, so the more cycles you have, the less time the batteries will last. It's also possible you have a rogue unit which has a higher current draw than the standard for some reason. Can anyone suggest some better batteries? The manual states that rechargeable batteries are not suitable although it doesn't say why and apparently good quality alkaline batteries should last 1.5 years! The unit was simply set up with a small amount of tweaking in the first few weeks but after that it is simply left alone (the display turns it self off completely if it isn't tampered with), the only time it is actually used is when the heating is required earlier. I have no clue why it's using batteries so quickly. One reason for not using rechargeables for this sort of application is that most AA and AAA cells are NiMh types, which will self discharge within a couple of months, even when left disconnected. They also start from a slightly lower terminal voltage than primary alkaline type cells. It might be worth trying a set of the Duracell Lithium AA cells. -- Tciao for Now! John. |
#4
Posted to uk.d-i-y
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
Roger Mills wrote:
On 12/03/2012 18:37, gremlin_95 wrote: Hi there, Since September we have been running a Vaillant VRC430f Weather compensator*, it all works very well apart from one thing; it seems to drain batteries for fun. The batteries only last a few months before the unit displays a warning, then the backlight won't come on and then then you can't use the unit at all but it will continue working in accordance with the last settings. I haven't let it go further than this. In 7 months, we have used replaced the 4 x AA batteries, twice. The batteries I am currently using are Duracell Procell** Can anyone suggest some better batteries? The manual states that rechargeable batteries are not suitable although it doesn't say why and apparently good quality alkaline batteries should last 1.5 years! The unit was simply set up with a small amount of tweaking in the first few weeks but after that it is simply left alone (the display turns it self off completely if it isn't tampered with), the only time it is actually used is when the heating is required earlier. I have no clue why it's using batteries so quickly. * http://www.vaillant.co.uk/homeowners...-vrc-430f.html ** http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Pro.../dp/B000KHDXLG Cheers -- David Dunno why it's getting through batteries, butb the reason you can't use re-chargables is probably that they are usually only 1.2v whereas alkaline batteries are 1.5v Or that re-chargables self discharge too quickly? -- Adam |
#5
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On 12/03/2012 19:32, John Williamson wrote:
Are you noticing an excessive number of heating on/off cycles? The controller sends a pulse to the receiver every time something changes, so the more cycles you have, the less time the batteries will last. It's also possible you have a rogue unit which has a higher current draw than the standard for some reason. One reason for not using rechargeables for this sort of application is that most AA and AAA cells are NiMh types, which will self discharge within a couple of months, even when left disconnected. They also start from a slightly lower terminal voltage than primary alkaline type cells. It might be worth trying a set of the Duracell Lithium AA cells. Thanks for that, there isn't really excessive cycling but I know the controller is constantly sending signals to the boiler to knock down or increase the flow temperature especially during the initial warm up time. There is a red light on the fascia on the boiler which flashes when communicating with the controller. I guess I could phone Vaillant though I am not sure they will be interested. -- David |
#6
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
ARWadsworth wrote:
Dunno why it's getting through batteries, butb the reason you can't use re-chargables is probably that they are usually only 1.2v whereas alkaline batteries are 1.5v Or that re-chargables self discharge too quickly? never heard of Eneloop ? and you can now get 1.5volt Rechargeable Alkaline, but not tried them as yet. https://www.pureenergydistribution.com/ - |
#7
Posted to uk.d-i-y
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On 12/03/2012 20:04, gremlin_95 wrote:
On 12/03/2012 19:32, John Williamson wrote: Are you noticing an excessive number of heating on/off cycles? The controller sends a pulse to the receiver every time something changes, so the more cycles you have, the less time the batteries will last. It's also possible you have a rogue unit which has a higher current draw than the standard for some reason. One reason for not using rechargeables for this sort of application is that most AA and AAA cells are NiMh types, which will self discharge within a couple of months, even when left disconnected. They also start from a slightly lower terminal voltage than primary alkaline type cells. It might be worth trying a set of the Duracell Lithium AA cells. Thanks for that, there isn't really excessive cycling but I know the controller is constantly sending signals to the boiler to knock down or increase the flow temperature especially during the initial warm up time. There is a red light on the fascia on the boiler which flashes when communicating with the controller. I guess I could phone Vaillant though I am not sure they will be interested. I think it would be a very useful test of their tech support... (especially for those of us thinking of installing a Vaillant shortly ;-) -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
#8
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
Mark wrote:
and you can now get 1.5volt Rechargeable Alkaline, but not tried them as yet. https://www.pureenergydistribution.com/ No mention of capacity, or number of recharge cycles. |
#9
Posted to uk.d-i-y
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On 12/03/2012 22:34, John Rumm wrote:
I think it would be a very useful test of their tech support... (especially for those of us thinking of installing a Vaillant shortly ;-) Ahh, previous experience hasn't exactly been positive unfortunately. Phone is answered fairly quickly and is a standard rate number but I didn't have any confidence in what I was being told; I wanted to know what control strategy to set the VRC430f to use, I was told the which one to use in the end but no explanation of what it actually means or does so I had to experiment in my own time and see the difference. Emails were initially replied to within 24 hours but a follow up took over 5 days If you are considering a Vaillant, be aware that the current Ecotec range is being replaced with a new range next month. I would either get one now or wait till the new range has proven it self for a while! The current range is excellent now as all the initial problems such as rubber hoses, pressure sensors, pumps etc are all sorted out. http://www.vaillant-vip.co.uk/ Our Vaillant has been in over 3 years now though and hasn't missed a beat -- David |
#10
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
In message , Mark writes
ARWadsworth wrote: Dunno why it's getting through batteries, butb the reason you can't use re-chargables is probably that they are usually only 1.2v whereas alkaline batteries are 1.5v Or that re-chargables self discharge too quickly? never heard of Eneloop ? and you can now get 1.5volt Rechargeable Alkaline, but not tried them as yet. https://www.pureenergydistribution.com/ The prices look very good. However, unless I've missed it, there's no sign of any capacity ratings (which seems strange). -- Ian |
#11
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On 12/03/2012 22:55, Ian Jackson wrote:
In message , Mark writes ARWadsworth wrote: Dunno why it's getting through batteries, butb the reason you can't use re-chargables is probably that they are usually only 1.2v whereas alkaline batteries are 1.5v Or that re-chargables self discharge too quickly? never heard of Eneloop ? and you can now get 1.5volt Rechargeable Alkaline, but not tried them as yet. https://www.pureenergydistribution.com/ The prices look very good. However, unless I've missed it, there's no sign of any capacity ratings (which seems strange). Try some Energizer Lithium Batteries, they are expensive, around £8 quid for a pack of 4 but they do last longer. Really good for digital cameras. Failing that, whats to stop you from running a mails wall wart and feeding 3 volts via twin bell wire to the programmable room thermostats? Stephen. |
#12
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
ARWadsworth wrote
Roger Mills wrote gremlin_95 wrote Since September we have been running a Vaillant VRC430f Weather compensator*, it all works very well apart from one thing; it seems to drain batteries for fun. The batteries only last a few months before the unit displays a warning, then the backlight won't come on and then then you can't use the unit at all but it will continue working in accordance with the last settings. I haven't let it go further than this. In 7 months, we have used replaced the 4 x AA batteries, twice. The batteries I am currently using are Duracell Procell** Can anyone suggest some better batteries? The manual states that rechargeable batteries are not suitable although it doesn't say why and apparently good quality alkaline batteries should last 1.5 years! The unit was simply set up with a small amount of tweaking in the first few weeks but after that it is simply left alone (the display turns it self off completely if it isn't tampered with), the only time it is actually used is when the heating is required earlier. I have no clue why it's using batteries so quickly. * http://www.vaillant.co.uk/homeowners...-vrc-430f.html ** http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Pro.../dp/B000KHDXLG Dunno why it's getting through batteries, butb the reason you can't use re-chargables is probably that they are usually only 1.2v whereas alkaline batteries are 1.5v Or that re-chargables self discharge too quickly? Not anymore, there are plenty that dont now. |
#13
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
Ian Jackson wrote:
In message , Mark writes ARWadsworth wrote: Dunno why it's getting through batteries, butb the reason you can't use re-chargables is probably that they are usually only 1.2v whereas alkaline batteries are 1.5v Or that re-chargables self discharge too quickly? never heard of Eneloop ? and you can now get 1.5volt Rechargeable Alkaline, but not tried them as yet. https://www.pureenergydistribution.com/ The prices look very good. However, unless I've missed it, there's no sign of any capacity ratings (which seems strange). in nearly all cases I have found the dry cell to be better than a rechargeable, capacity wise. Just crap on high discharges .. -- To people who know nothing, anything is possible. To people who know too much, it is a sad fact that they know how little is really possible - and how hard it is to achieve it. |
#14
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
Andy Burns wrote:
Mark wrote: and you can now get 1.5volt Rechargeable Alkaline, but not tried them as yet. https://www.pureenergydistribution.com/ No mention of capacity, or number of recharge cycles. The seller on Amazon claims 500 re-charge cycles if not fully discharged, ordinary Alkaline cells dont normally have their capacity stated. as i said have not tried them and not recommending them just that they may be useful in a situation like the OP where a 1.5v cell are needed. - |
#15
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On 12/03/2012 22:53, gremlin_95 wrote:
On 12/03/2012 22:34, John Rumm wrote: I think it would be a very useful test of their tech support... (especially for those of us thinking of installing a Vaillant shortly ;-) Ahh, previous experience hasn't exactly been positive unfortunately. Phone is answered fairly quickly and is a standard rate number but I didn't have any confidence in what I was being told; I wanted to know what control strategy to set the VRC430f to use, I was told the which one to use in the end but no explanation of what it actually means or does so I had to experiment in my own time and see the difference. Emails were initially replied to within 24 hours but a follow up took over 5 days If you are considering a Vaillant, be aware that the current Ecotec range is being replaced with a new range next month. I would either get one now or wait till the new range has proven it self for a while! The current range is excellent now as all the initial problems such as rubber hoses, pressure sensors, pumps etc are all sorted out. http://www.vaillant-vip.co.uk/ Our Vaillant has been in over 3 years now though and hasn't missed a beat Yes good point... wonder if that means the current range will get discounted a bit to clear stocks? -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
#16
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:53:04 +0000, gremlin_95 wrote:
Our Vaillant has been in over 3 years now though and hasn't missed a beat I should think not! Change the 3 to 10 would be better and 15 good. What is it with boilers and people these days were a break down is expected within 3 years and replacement after 5? -- Cheers Dave. |
#17
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Batteries for wireless heating controller
On Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:37:32 +0000, gremlin_95
wrote: Hi there, Since September we have been running a Vaillant VRC430f Weather compensator*, it all works very well apart from one thing; it seems to drain batteries for fun. The batteries only last a few months before the unit displays a warning, then the backlight won't come on and then then you can't use the unit at all but it will continue working in accordance with the last settings. I haven't let it go further than this. In 7 months, we have used replaced the 4 x AA batteries, twice. The batteries I am currently using are Duracell Procell** Can anyone suggest some better batteries? The manual states that rechargeable batteries are not suitable although it doesn't say why and apparently good quality alkaline batteries should last 1.5 years! The unit was simply set up with a small amount of tweaking in the first few weeks but after that it is simply left alone (the display turns it self off completely if it isn't tampered with), the only time it is actually used is when the heating is required earlier. I have no clue why it's using batteries so quickly. If you need the ultimate capacity in primary cell AA's or AAA's then Energizer Lithiums are the answer - they are really expensive though! http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/l91.pdf -- |
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