Do you think it's better to remove the battery, or leave it on charge (so the battery doesn't completely drain) when you don't expect to use a data collector for several months ... or years ... but want to have an emergency back up?
Back up the data, and then remove the battery. Some collectors still use a little power to run the onboard clock, etc. So you'd probably end up with a dead battery anyway.
Part of the answer depends on the design of the DC.
Huskys for example have a rechargeable ni-cad cell on the board for memory backup. If you do not keep fresh batteries in the DC while in storage you will lose all installed programs.
FC-2500 recommends removing the batteries from the DC for long term storage. The manual also warns against leaving the lithium batteries fully discharged for long periods of time.
Most battery operated electronics have a section in the owners manual that covers the proper way to store that particular device.
With any electronics, best to take batteries out completely when storing long term. Otherwise, corrosion will occur and create more problems.
Better to charge it once every 6-8 weeks, or remove the battery (after charging it - assuming the dc will keep it's brain in tact without the battery).
I do the former.
> Do you think it's better to remove the battery, or leave it on charge (so the battery doesn't completely drain) when you don't expect to use a data collector for several months ... or years ... but want to have an emergency back up?
I would just keep the battery charged, and use it on a small job every few weeks or so. That way every thing keeps charged and functioning.
I have two Rangers, and alternate them on jobs to keep the batteries cycled. It works for me.
I have a Jett xl in reserve, I fire it up and leave it on for a few hours every month or so. I also keep some of those little desiccant sachets in the battery compartment when it's just riding around. Moisture is bad.
Speaking of collectors, I didn't get your email aboput mine.