SARAD
GmbH
Thoron-Scout
Manual_ThoronScout_EN_02-07-15.doc
5
Power supply
Power supply of Thoron-Scout is realised by two D size (Mono) batteries (also rechargeable).
To open the battery slot, screw out the cover anticlockwise using a screw driver or a coin.
Please pay special attention to the correct polarity of the batteries when inserted. The
positive pole needs to be contacted to the front panel.
Change both batteries at the same time as differing charging levels may lead to failures. Use
always batteries of the same type.
Close the battery slot by screwing clockwise for 45°. Ensure a tight sealing of the cover.
The Thoron-Scout offers an external DC input to supply the instrument by an AC/DC mains
power adapter.
ATTENTION: Connect the AC/DC adapter only if batteries had been inserted before.
Never use the instrument without batteries even if it is supplied by an external voltage,
otherwise malfunction cannot be excluded.
If the AC/DC adapter is connected, the batteries will not be discharged. They will work as a
buffer in case of mains power interruption. If rechargeable batteries are inserted, the
batteries have to be recharged from time to time because of the self discharge process
dependent on the used chemistry. They will NOT charged by the connected AC/DC adapter!
Using Alkaline batteries in combination with the external DC, the instrument can be operated
over several years.
The connector for the AC/DC adapter (4.5V/500mA) is placed at the rear panel of the
Thoron-Scout.
Changing the batteries will force you to adjust the re-set internal real-time clock. A
concerning message appears on the display of the Thoron-Scout. Stored data remain in the
memory and can be read out after changing of discharged batteries.
The selection of the right battery depends on the purpose and total duration of the
measurement. For principals, NiCd- and NiMH-accumulators with a cell voltage of 1.2 V as
well as alkaline-manganese or zinc-carbon batteries with 1.5 V can be used.
Important hint: Never use Lithium batteries - those cells provide a cell voltage of 3.0V or
3.6 V.
For long term measurements or frequent measurements with small periods of usage, the use
of alkaline-manganese cells is recommended as those batteries provide a high energy
density (up to 17000mAh) and a low self-discharging.
Time-to-time measurements for short term are best supplied by rechargeable batteries, as
they may be charged prior to usage. NiMH cells provide an energy density of up to 8000mAh
compared to NiCd-cells with a maximum of 5000mAh. In addition, maintenance to avoid
memory effects is not required for NiMH type but self-discharging is higher.
Because the capacity of any cell type is dependent on temperature, storage condition and
age (especially rechargeable batteries), the following data is only an approximation:
Alkaline-manganese 17000mAh:
up to 4 weeks
NiMH 8000mAh:
up to 2 weeks
NiCd 5000mAh:
up to 1 week
If the battery cell voltage drops below 1.1 Volts, a warning “LOW BATTERY!!” appears in the
display each minute. Nevertheless the measurement can last for many more hours.
LOW BATTERY!!