IPICO - Battery FAQ

This article will help answer some common questions about the batteries used in our IPICO Readers
 

1. What kind of main battery do I need inside of my reader?

   • For Elites and Super Elites: Most commonly, we use a 12V SLA, AGM, 18 AH with NB Terminals. Maximum Dimensions = 7.17" x 3.03" x 6.57". Both of these readers use a single main battery for operation. Common Model #: WKDC12-20NB
   • For Lites: Most commonly, we use a 12V SLA, AGM, 8 AH with F2 Terminals. Maximum Dimensions = 5.96" x 2.56" x 3.98". This reader uses two of these main batteries for operation. Common Model #: SLA12-8F2

2. What do all of these abbreviations mean?

   • Several of the specifications listed are important in deciding what battery type to purchase:
     • 12V = 12 Volts - Most of the common deep cycle batteries you find will be 12V, but 24V ones do exist as well, so be sure to stick with the 12V types only.
     • SLA = Sealed Lead Acid - This essentially means it's a non-spillable type of battery. It contrasts with the more common flooded cell type that you might find in a car batteries, and is a must for use in our readers.
     • AGM = Absorbed Glass Mat - This is a specific type of sealed acid technology. There are several other types available, but this one provides an additional level of stability in the event that the battery were to break or be punctured. This may or may not be specified by the manufacturer.
     • AH = Amp Hours - This is a rating that manufacturers use to measure how many amps a particular battery can provide in one hour. Specifics for these ratings may vary, but typically deep cycle batteries are measured at the 20-hour rate. You can usually find this information on the manufacturers website, or occasionally on the battery itself. The important thing is that you get a battery that can sufficiently meet your needs. Anything between 18 and 21 AH is desirable for our purposes. Batteries with higher ratings will probably not meet the dimensional requirements.

3. Does my reader use any other batteries?

   • For Elites only:
     • Your Delta card uses three rechargeable NiMH AAA batteries. DO NOT use any other type of battery with this, as it will damage the board and cannot be repaired.
   • For all readers:
     • Depending on the age of your reader, it may have decoders that use a CR1220 coin battery to manage the clock times.
     • Newer readers produced from ~2017 onward should all be equipped with a newer decoder model which does not use a coin battery. These are instead equipped with non-replaceable supercapacitors. If you are unsure, you can remove the Receiver Card(s) in your reader, and inspect the decoder. The images below provide examples of each type:
     • 

4. How should I maintain my reader batteries?

   • Main Batteries should be charged after every use, and at least once a month when the reader is in storage. Failure to do so will result in more rapid degradation of the battery capacity and overall lifespan.
   • Storing readers and batteries in very hot temperatures will reduce the overall life of the battery, so it is best to keep these in temperature and moisture controlled areas.
   • Main batteries are typically designed to last for up to 5 years. At any point that you notice the capacity drop significantly, it is a good idea to have the battery inspected and/or replaced.
   • Coin batteries should be checked at once a year, and replaced as needed
   • AAA batteries should be checked every two years, and replaced as needed

5. Can I use any non-recommended battery types?

   • To avoid damaging your equipment, please contact support at support@ipicosports.com for additional assistance before using any other batteries from the types recommended here.