Does anyone have experience using PM2 with either a 6V or 12V Gel Cell?

I have the supplied Voltage Regulator, and have been told by Hayes Instruments that up to a 12V gel cell will be OK.

Has anyone actually used such a set up?

Or what have y'all found successful to run a PM2 for a whole day, basically?

Thanks.

My solution for a Mobile Mapper Pro, which uses the same data/power cable as the ProMark 2 can be found by using the "search" function above and using " desperados " as the search topic.

Dangerous Dave
Modified By Dave Huff on 1/20/2010 at 1:38 PM

I have a 4 D cell battery packs for both of my PM2's that hold up for months running for 6 to 8 hour sessions.

Using the Map 330 automobile dashboard mount cradle with a lighter adaptor plug works. The is a voltage limiter in the line. I would not just plug in 12 volts directly.
Modified By Lawrence Paul Lopresti on 1/20/2010 at 5:09 PM

Thanks, but can anyone give advice about gel cells, in particular. Would a 6V be workable. I can get smaller, lighter cells in 6V and still get enough AH rating to run a day or two/

Lets see, 4 * 1.5v = 6v. Lets figure about 8000 mah for a standard alkaline D cell battery. How long will a receiver run using 4 regular alkaline batteries (not talking about rechargeables, these will most likely have less capacity in the D size) last?

In any case, whatever battery you buy, whether it be lead acid, gell, agm, etc., make sure it is a true deep cycle battery. Otherwise once you run it down a few times you will ruin it.
Modified By Joe M on 1/21/2010 at 10:20 AM

split the diff...get 9 volt gel cell .....

actually for several thongs I've been using Radio Shacks 7.2V 3300Mah NiMh (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2147160)

battery pack and charger.....
many things working on 6 volts work fine on 7.2V .....and last a long time !!

I can even run my Topcon from this and it fits ion your shirt pocket..

jimbo
Modified By James Webb on 1/21/2010 at 2:58 PM

A couple years ago, my truck was visited by some teenaged aspiring criminals. They didn't know what they had and thought they had some recreation grade handhelds in my PM2s They put everything in a local river. So, I'm a PM3 person now. I'm still waiting on court ordered restitution.

To the point. For the PM2, I had removed the battery end of the external power cord and placed aligator clips on the ends. Connected to 6V lantern batteries. As I recall, the electronic device in the cord made the input power to the PM2, the correct voltage for the PM2. I don't know why a gell cell wouldn't work, it seems that a minimum of 6 volts was the magic number. I tried

I hate it when I push the wrong button.

...several combinations of disposable and rechargeable batteries and battery packs, but like the above described setup best. When a project had a deadline or I had a waiting list, a new 6V daily was good insurance, especially in Wisconsin winter temperatures.

Worn out leather mittens, duct tape, and disposable handwarmers turned out to be an effective tool for keeping the PM2 screens liquid.
Good Luck

I've run my PM2s with a 12v 7.2ah cell without problems.