(R)CR-123 batteries - Dakota Alert

JRobyn · Nov 4, 2015

Hi guys. I believe that a lot of folks on this forum use CR-123-type batteries for various things, specifically high-end flashlights and Dakota Alert equipment, right? One of my Dakota Alert MURS is powered by my solar gate operator battery (group 34 automotive) and is awesome, but the other, CR-123x4 powered, is killing me with frequent battery replacements. I thought I might just add a little 12vdc gel-cell battery in an outdoor box and a small 5-10 watt solar panel to it, but was surprised to find that there's not really anything ready-made out there (good opportunity for someone :2cents

. I did find a very nice packaged 12vdc 7Ah/10W (overkill) solar power "package" at RLH Industries for only $650!

RLH 10W Solar Power Supply

So I'm considering rechargeables. RCR-123a or 16340. That opens a whole new can of worms. I see that they are typically 3.7v vs 3.0v. And there are various chemistries available, Li ion, LiFePO4, IMR, etc., etc., and various current delivery options from 650mAh up to about 1000mAh. Plus, the different configurations can all be slightly different sizes!

So does anyone have actual experience with successfully using any rechargeables in a Dakota Alert (or other electronics)? Exactly what type? I've asked Dakota Alert if they have any recommendations, but have not yet heard back.

- Jay

dodge man · Nov 4, 2015

I have a flashlight that uses them. I've usually buy discount ones from Amazon, maybe a little over a $1 each, which is a lot less if you have been buying them at Wal-mart.

k0ua · Nov 4, 2015

A 10 watt solar panel is about $30, charge controller is less than $30 and a 7 amp hour 12 volt battery is about $20 All of these are maximum prices, and you could beat it easily at Amazon, even with free shipping. Here is one for $50 with a built in controller, all you need is a 12 volt battery

Pirate · Nov 4, 2015

I use this solar panal without a controller and a small 12v battery for my MURS dakota. It's been this way for a few year now, no issues. I used to use a controller but went through 3 of them, all different models, and they all crapped out. Doesn't seem to be a problem now without them.

Dakota wired up my MURS for 12v. If you do, tell them to make the wires extra long.

Amazon.com: Wildgame Innovations 12 Volt eDRENALINE Solar Panel: Sports & Outdoors

SARG · Nov 4, 2015

Just a FYI.
Battery Junction sells the CR123s for a buck each. I buy them by the case. They also always have a 5% discount code on the net.

Batteries, Chargers, LED Flashlights, and More!

RobA · Nov 5, 2015

I was having the same problem with 2 MURS driveway sensors. I made a fake birdhouse for each to house a 12V home security battery and mounted a small solar panel on the back side of it. Solar panel and sealed lead acid battery were $38 on Amazon.

JRobyn · Nov 5, 2015

Thanks guys. I had found reasonably-priced non-rechargeables too, but in addition to the cost, much of the hassle of changing them is getting inside my "fake birdhouse" enclosure to get to them. It seems like no matter how I open the transmitter box latch, it pops off and lands in the tall grass never to be seen again. Guess I would have the same issues with rechargeables even if they worked properly.

So good to hear that the solar panel/12v battery setup works good. I've got various models of gel-cell/sealed lead-acid batteries, small solar panels, and controllers sitting in my Amazon cart already. The unit in question sees about 5-10 operations per day, so I'm guessing that a 7Ah battery and 5 watt solar should be plenty. I'll just hook it in to the transmitter like I did the one at the gate, with a couple of small alligator clips to the existing battery terminals.

Hmm.... For just a little more, I could also stand to have a spare 300cca garden tractor battery out there!

- Jay

k0ua · Nov 5, 2015

How about this for $40? Battery and solar charger combo.

Amazon.com: 12V 9AH Battery for Wild Game Edrenaline + 12V Solar Panel - Mighty Max Battery brand product: Electronics

JRobyn · Nov 5, 2015

That should do fine James, except that I might need to add a charge controller. The add doesn't say if the panel includes any charge control or not. I have seen unregulated "12v" solar panels put out as much as 20vdc, and I don't think that the Dakota electronics would like that much. I am guessing that typical 12v battery charge voltage of 13-14v would be ok, but still haven't heard anything back from Dakota technical support. Would also need a good outdoor battery box of suitable size like - Amazon.com: ESPi EC-1 Outdoor Enclosure Outdoor PVC Enclosure, 8" W x 4" H: Electronics.

Looks like Spypoint makes a similar battery/box combo that I'd need to add a solar panel to - Amazon.com: Spypoint 12V Rechargable Battery with AC Charger Kit: Sports & Outdoors

- Jay

k0ua · Nov 5, 2015

JRobyn said:
That should do fine James, except that I might need to add a charge controller. The add doesn't say if the panel includes any charge control or not. I have seen unregulated "12v" solar panels put out as much as 20vdc, and I don't think that the Dakota electronics would like that much. I am guessing that typical 12v battery charge voltage of 13-14v would be ok, but still haven't heard anything back from Dakota technical support. Would also need a good outdoor battery box of suitable size like - Amazon.com: ESPi EC-1 Outdoor Enclosure Outdoor PVC Enclosure, 8" W x 4" H: Electronics.

Looks like Spypoint makes a similar battery/box combo that I'd need to add a solar panel to - Amazon.com: Spypoint 12V Rechargable Battery with AC Charger Kit: Sports & Outdoors

- Jay

I don't think it includes one. But you can usually get away without a charge controller on those little 5 watt and under panels. The battery will always knock down the solar cells unregulated voltage. Most people don't start putting on charge controllers until at least a 10 watt and up panel. That ad doesn't say how big that panel is but judging from the battery size, I suspect it is 5 watt or under.