Carlson Software Knowledge Base

The Carlson BRx5 GNSS receiver is powered by two 5.4 amp-hour lithium ion batteries that provide up to 10 hours of operation.

This article describes the battery status LED indicators, discusses battery life, and recommends a procedure for determining when to hot swap the batteries.

You can click the link below for a PDF document with screenshots and more detailed information:

BRx5 Batteries - 21 Jan 2015.pdf

Battery Life

Each battery will typically power the BRx5 from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the BRx5 operating mode. When the battery currently being used is depleted, the BRx5 will automatically switch to other battery. With two fully charged batteries installed, the BRx5 will typically have an operating life of 8 -10+ hours depending on the following factors:

• Temperature - colder temperatures reduce battery life, especially when the outside temperature is below freezing.
• Internal GSM cell modem - using the internal GSM cell modem, consumes more power than just using Bluetooth connection to the data collector.
• Internal UHF radio - using the internal UHF radio consumes the most power (gives the shortest battery life) especially at higher UHF radio power outputs (500 milliwatts or 1 watt output).

Battery Usage Tips

When using the BRx5 as a base, especially when operating for more than 6-7 hours, it is strongly recommended that you power the BRx5 with an external battery. Use the power cable included in the BRx5 Base/Rover kit. Connect the power cable to a 12 volt power source.

Hot Swap BRx5 batteries

If you are using the BRx5 for more the 6-8 hours straight, you can hot swap the batteries. Here are the steps to hot swap a battery:

1. Look at the control panel to determine which battery to swap. This will be the battery with the status LED show red and not blinking.
2. Remove the battery tray and replace the depleted battery with a freshly charged battery. o The battery LED should now be green and should not be blinking. When the other battery (the battery with the blinking LED) is depleted, the BRx5 will automatically start using the fully charged battery just installed.
3. When the battery is use is blinking rapidly (2-3 times/sec), there is less than 15 minutes battery life remaining. The batteries should be hot-swapped.

When the battery status LED first starts blinking red, approximately one-half that battery capacity has been used. There is still 2-3 hours of battery life remaining.