Why does the remote control run out so quickly in cold weather?
At low temperature the internal resistance of the cell rises and the usable capacity falls; this does not mean the battery has degraded. On alkaline AAA batteries the capacity drop is noticeable. On Li-Po cells the operating range is typically 0-40 degrees and charging must be done in the 0-45 degree range; charging below freezing causes permanent damage.
Two things happen in the cold. The electrochemical reactions inside the cell slow down and the internal resistance rises. The increased internal resistance causes the voltage to drop further the moment current is drawn; the device sees the voltage threshold and behaves as if "the battery is flat". When it warms up, the same battery can work again — which means the capacity was not really exhausted.
Chemistry difference:
- Alkaline AAA (the LF200 remote control of SF100/SF200): the capacity drop at low temperature is noticeable. On the other hand, a field spare is available everywhere and the shelf life is long.
- Li-Po (the LT200 remote control of ST100/ST200): the operating range is typically 0-40 °C. Charging must be done in the 0-45 °C range; charging below freezing point leaves permanent damage. In the cold, first bring the remote control up to room temperature, then put it on charge.
Practical measures on site:
- During breaks, keep the remote control not outside but in an inside pocket of your work clothing or in a heated space.
- Start the shift with a fully charged unit / fresh batteries.
- On the SF series, carry spare AAA batteries in your bag; replacement takes seconds.
- On the ST series, do not put a device coming in from the cold straight onto charge, wait for it to warm up.
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