Alkaline AAA Supply
This is the energy source of the LF200 transmitter in the SF100 and SF200 sets: 3 AAA cells. The battery chemistry is not stated in the product data; the common choice in this size is the alkaline cell. Its biggest advantage is that it can be swapped instantly with no waiting for charging; on the other hand a battery loses capacity at low temperature and is a consumable item that must be replaced with a new one when exhausted.
The logic of the alkaline solution is simple: the energy problem is solved with a spare cell, not with charging time. Keeping a pack of spare AAA cells on site fixes a remote control going out of service in the middle of a shift within minutes. On a rechargeable transmitter the same situation means a stoppage unless there is a spare transmitter.
Looked at comparatively:
- Alkaline advantage: available everywhere, long shelf life, instantly replaceable, requires no charging infrastructure.
- Alkaline disadvantage: capacity drops noticeably in the cold, the consumable cost continues indefinitely, and it requires waste management.
- Rechargeable advantage: shift continuity and low consumable cost.
Two warnings are important. First, do not leave a flat alkaline cell inside the transmitter; a leaking cell corrodes the contacts and often leaves damage that cannot be repaired. Remove the cells if it will not be used for a long time. Second, change all three cells at the same time and of the same brand/type; mixing cells reduces capacity.
The battery life of the LF200 in hours is not stated in the product data.
The context in which this term is used: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide