Spot Messenger and Rechargable Batteries
 

So, today we got our spot messenger working. brilliant, all seems good except .... it takes two AA batteries, which SPOT recommend strongly against using rechargables, and in fact using the more expensive lithium AA batteries.

We are all geared up with rechargables for all our powered stuff, so this is really going against the grain. Does anyone have any experience or advise about using normal rechargable batteries in this device?

Thanks

I used my SPOT almost every day for nearly 7 months for tracking and daily OKs.

I used only 1 set of batteries and am still on my second set. Seriously... every day I was on the road, my spot was on and reporting. Plus countless times where I forgot to turn it off overnight.. I used the set of Lithiums that it came with and am still using the replacements today.

I don't know how long your trip is, but buy a 4 pack of Lithiums and it'll power the spot for a year!

Because I did not know how long the batteries would last, I brought probably 8 or 12 lithium batteries. Once I realized I never needed to change my batteries for the spot, I started using them in my camera.. gps.. other things that I planned on using rechargables.

Those lithium batteries are expensive, but they have amazing capacity.

Spy Gear Products: SPOT - GPS Satellite Messenger and Tracker, GPS Tracking

That is the only thing online that I could find where someone tested batteries other than lithium in the SPOT.

Perfect
 

Great thanks guys - both those answers make me come to the conclusion - use the lithium stupid!

:)

Many thanks, we leave in 4 days, no time left for thinking!

Awesome! Good luck!! Pack light! (but do bring a lithium set or two)