Minelab Equinox battery life?

[ScaredOfClowns]

I've had my Nox 800 for nearly five years (got it for Christmas 2018), and it's worked great for me so far. That said, I've found that lately the rechargeable battery does not seem to be holding a charge like it used to.

On my most recent hunt this past weekend, the battery level on my Nox dropped to nearly empty less than an hour into the hunt, despite the fact that I had charged it overnight. I had to plug it into an external battery to get through the day.

One of the things I miss about my old Garrett AT Pro was that it used standard AA batteries - if the battery got low in the field, it was easy to just pop in a fresh set and keep going.

I know you can buy replacement Equinox batteries, but was wondering what other people's experiences are - is five years a typical time to replace the battery?

 

[Martin_V3i]

Personally, "I quit topping off these, and most all batteries" before every hunt, and certainly overnight charging if I don't forget. I use an in-line what is called a Battery Doctor which monitors the current applied and I pull mine when it goes into micro apps.

That being said, you had a good 5 years. Buy a replacement. I would say that 5 years is a great if you are an avid detector.

 

[longbow62]

While I have not used my equinox much at all this year I've yet to notice a drop in run time. I got mine in Nov. 2018 and would say I detected far more than the average user. I always tried to top it off after each hunt if it was used more than a couple of hours. I also ran a backup battery that was used to top it off at times. I have really been surprised it lasted this long. With the Manticore it sucks battery really fast in ATHC. I've had to run the backup battery quite a bit to make it to the end of the day.

 

[UT_Dave]

With the Manticore it sucks battery really fast in ATHC. I've had to run the backup battery quite a bit to make it to the end of the day.

Same here. Worth it. I guess. I really do like the Manticore, a LOT. And have found my groove with it running ATHC. But man, does that eat some battery!

- Dave

 

[itsaring!]

Had mine since they first came out and the battery is still good. Also use the wireless headphones and they still work.

 

[jl1252]

Mine lasted a few years before I swapped it out for a new one. $40 from Fort Bedford detectors and took about 10 minutes to change.

 

[longbow62]

Same here. Worth it. I guess. I really do like the Manticore, a LOT. And have found my groove with it running ATHC. But man, does that eat some battery!

- Dave

Heck yeah, it's very much worth it. I think the Manticore is a fantastic machine! I certainly wouldn't part with it.

 

[metaladdict]

My 2018 battery still works.

 

[Surf Master]

Get a R&b Nox-Power for it , battery backup lithium works great ! BBH sells them . https://bigboyshobbies.net/rnb-pwr-nox-power-pack-for-minelab-equinox-800-and-600