How Does Battery Impact Range on a Remote Control?
The battery in a remote control plays a significant role in affecting the range at which the remote can effectively communicate with its receiver, such as those installed on various machine types like a concrete line pump or a sewer jetter. Here's how the battery impacts the range:
Power Output
The most direct way the battery impacts range is through its influence on the power output of the transmitter in the remote control. A fully charged battery can provide the energy needed for the transmitter to operate at its optimal power output level. Higher power output generally allows the signal to travel further and maintain its integrity over a greater distance. As the battery's charge level decreases, the voltage it supplies to the transmitter can drop, potentially leading to reduced power output and, consequently, a shorter effective range of communication.
Signal Quality
The quality of the signal being transmitted is also influenced by the battery. A strong, stable power supply helps in maintaining a clear and consistent signal. If the battery is unable to supply adequate power, the signal may become weaker or more prone to interference and degradation over distance. This can affect the reliability of the remote control, especially at the outer limits of its range, where signal strength becomes critical.
Frequency Stability
For remote controls that rely on specific frequencies to communicate, the stability of the frequency can be affected by battery performance. Insufficient battery power can lead to variations in the transmitter's frequency control circuits, potentially causing the device to drift off its designated frequency. This drift can lead to reduced communication effectiveness, as the receiver may not properly detect or decode the signal if the frequency varies too much.
Operational Efficiency
Remote controls designed with power efficiency in mind can operate effectively over a longer range even with limited battery power. This includes technologies such as Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), which can maintain communication over various conditions, or power management features that adjust the output power based on the distance to the receiver. However, as the battery depletes, these systems might have less power to work with, potentially reducing their effectiveness and operational range.
Recommendations for Maximizing Range
To ensure that the battery does not negatively impact the range of a remote control, consider the following:
Use High-Quality Batteries: High-quality batteries are more likely to deliver consistent voltage and last longer, maintaining optimal power output for extended periods.
Regular Battery Maintenance: For rechargeable batteries, follow proper charging practices to maximize battery life and performance. For non-rechargeable batteries, replace them regularly.
Power Management Features: Look for remote controls that include power management technologies, which can help conserve battery life and maintain signal strength over varying distances.
Monitor Battery Levels: Many remote controls include indicators for battery life. Monitoring these can help operators know when to charge or replace batteries to ensure consistent range and performance.
Power and Distance - The Aarcomm Way
In Aarcomm remotes, the battery voltage is regulated before powering our radio. That means that whether the battery is full, or almost empty, our radio has exactly the same performance.
Aarcomm remotes feature a non-removable battery designed to last upwards of 10 years. Recognizing the importance of battery quality on range, durability and safety, Aarcomm has selected the LiFePO4 battery chemistry. The numerous benefits of this lithium-ion phosphate battery include that it works well over a wide temperature range and that it retains more of its capacity after every charging cycle.
Aarcomm’s Universal Charging Cradle also provides operators with a convenient way to ensure their Aarcomm remotes are at maximum power / maximum range.
