The standard avalanche transceiver battery test (as specified in EN 300 718) is to leave the transceiver in transmit mode for 200 hours at 10^C (50^F). It should then be able to receive a signal for at least one hour at -10^C (14^F). The transceiver comparison table displays the manufacture's stated battery life.

Always use fresh, high quality, alkaline batteries and replace them before they get low. All of the batteries should be replaced at the same time using the same brand. Never use rechargeable batteries.

Advertisement

Pulse Package

The batteries should be removed if you are not going to use the transceiver for a longer period of time (e.g., at the end of your winter) to prevent damage due to battery leakage. Leaking batteries will void most transceiver warranties.

Digital transceivers display the strength of the batteries on the screen. Some manufactures say that there is still enough reserve in the batteries to operate when the battery level displays 0%. However, I am unsure whether all manufactures say this. For example, the Barryvox Pulse manual says the beacon will send for at least 20 hours and then receive for one hour when the battery indicator says 20%. That isn't much time. Personally, I try to replace my batteries when they drop below 50% and I never let them get below 20%.

(Read about the recall of the Ortovox M1 and M2 dealing with the battery door.)