THS700+ TPS2000+ TDS3000/3000B: How do I maximize battery life of these oscilloscope battery packs?

THS700+ TPS2000+ TDS3000/3000B: How do I maximize battery life of these oscilloscope battery packs?

TDS3BATB RECALL

Charging the Battery

Li-ion: Charge the battery frequently. Avoid charging at high ambient temperatures.

The TPS2000 charges the TPSBAT battery with the internal trickle charger, or for faster charging, you can use the TPSCHG. The TDS3000/TDS3000B charges the TDS3BATB battery with the internal trickle charger, or for faster charging, you can use the TPS3CHG.

NiCd: Charge the battery fully, as needed to prepare for next use, but do not over-charge. Leaving the battery connected to a trickle charger is acceptable, although it is best to remove the battery from the trickle charger after it is completely charged. Again, avoid charging at high ambient temperatures.

The THS700 charges the THS7BAT battery with the internal trickle charger, or for faster charging, you can use the THS7CHG external charger. The TDS3000/TDS3000B charges the TDS3BAT battery with the internal trickle charger, or for faster charging, you can use the TPS3CHG.

Discharging the Battery

Li-ion: The batteries will last longer with partial rather than full discharges. A maximum 80% of discharge is recommended. However, a full discharge every 30 charges may be needed to re-calibrate batteries with fuel gauges, or else the gauge may become inaccurate.

NiCd: Occasional full discharges in normal use do not harm the batteries. In fact, for best results, discharge the battery fully (to ~1V / cell) every 1-2 months and then recharge.

Battery Life

Li-ion: Li-ion batteries lose capacity due to aging, whether or not they are used. The capacity loss is caused by increased cell resistance, which eventually prevents the delivery of the stored energy.

Some deterioration may be noticeable after a year, and the typical lifetime is 2-3 years, providing 300-500 charge / discharge cycles. Notice that the lifetime begins when the battery is produced, so stocking up on Li-ion batteries is not recommended. (Be sure to determine the date of manufacture.)

Again, temperature and charge are the enemies of Li-ion batteries. Especially, if you are operating a battery-powered oscilloscope from line power in a high-temperature environment, consider removing the batteries to extend their life. Since both the TDS3000B and TPS2000 products will run on AC power without their battery installed, you may increase battery life by removing the batteries from the oscilloscopes when you’re not running on battery power.

NiCd: If properly maintained, NiCd batteries can provide over 1000 charge / discharge cycles over 5+ years.

Battery Technologies used

The Tektronix TPS2000, TPSBAT, TDS3BATB,  use Lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology.

The Tektronix THS700, THS7BAT, TDS3BAT, use Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) technology.