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291 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: Nov 10, 2012 12:47 AM by player99 RSS
jasonk931 Just Startin' 40 posts since
Sep 14, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 28, 2012 6:18 PM

Why does my battery drain so fast?

I connected my Variax last night to my HD500. Loved the playing. Battery was fully charged. When finished, I left the guitar plugged into POD, and all piezo buttons were off. Got in this morning, and battery dead as a hammer? any thoughts? Do you have to take the battery out after every play???

  • silverhead Expert Line 6 User 9,592 posts since
    Apr 1, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 28, 2012 6:45 PM (in response to jasonk931)
    Re: Why does my battery drain so fast?

    The jack cord inserted into the Variax guitar (1/4" analog jack - not VDI) acts as a power switch. When you unplug the cord the battery is no longer drained. There is also a knob control (maybe volume knob turned to zero?) that I think is supposed to shut the battery down as well, but I haven't used it. If you have to remember to do something to shut the battery off after playing, you might as well do the sure thing and unplug the cord.

      • phil_m Expert Line 6 User 4,243 posts since
        Jan 25, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Oct 29, 2012 6:27 AM (in response to jasonk931)
        Re: Why does my battery drain so fast?

        To confirm what Silverhead said, turning the volume knob to zero will switch the guitar off and prevent the battery from draining even with a 1/4" cable plugged in.

        • edstar1960 Iknowathingortwo 712 posts since
          May 25, 2010
          Currently Being Moderated
          Nov 6, 2012 9:48 AM (in response to phil_m)
          Re: Why does my battery drain so fast?

          Doesn't turning the volume knob put the guitar in a sleep state so that it will still use a small amount of power so leaving it overnight will still mean the battery will have less juice in it then before?

           

          Isn't the safest option to unplug the cord as Silverhead stated - that ensures no power drain - except for the tiny amount any lithium ion battery will experience over time so you can't store the battery fully charged for months and expect it to still have a full charge when you come to use it. 

           

          I usually use the VDI cable so I don't depend on the battery so I can't be sure how long it will last in storage - but I know I have had to charge it a couple of times now when I have come to use it, so I know it drains slowly when being stored.

          • phil_m Expert Line 6 User 4,243 posts since
            Jan 25, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Nov 6, 2012 10:00 AM (in response to edstar1960)
            Re: Why does my battery drain so fast?

            Yeah, I think you're right. I actually think the battery drains slowly even if the guitar is unplugged, though. I've had the experience of having a battery be at 75% or so, not using the guitar for a few weeks, then taking it out of the case and having it die in pretty short order. I think I may start removing the battery when I put the guitar in the case.

            • edstar1960 Iknowathingortwo 712 posts since
              May 25, 2010
              Currently Being Moderated
              Nov 6, 2012 10:42 AM (in response to phil_m)
              Re: Why does my battery drain so fast?

              Sounds like that is just standard li-ion decay time.  Even if you left it outside the guitar for a few weeks and then went to use it you will find that it had lost some if not all of its power.  I have not experimented with mine much as I usually use the VDI, but I have noted that the battery holds up pretty well without use for a few weeks and then it will fade and need recharging.  Not sure of the expected storage life span for a fully charged battery, but if you are using it regularly then you will be keeping it charged and you will probably own a second one as a backup, but if you are not using it very often but then intend to use it, you will need to check it at least 24 hrs before and fully charge it to be sure it will get you through a performance if you need it. 

  • player99 Just Startin' 111 posts since
    Dec 13, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 10, 2012 12:47 AM (in response to jasonk931)
    Re: Why does my battery drain so fast?

    I never get 12 hours out of a battery. More like 3 or 4.

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