The batteries that came with our Harmony 680 lasted precisely one week. Last night I ratted four AAA rechargables from one of my daughter's toys (freshly recharged), only to find them completely drained this morning.

Does this sound right?

I have had my original batteries for about 6 weeks and they are still fine. I got some rechargeables, but have not used them yet. It sounds like there is something wrong with your 680 that is causing the batteries to discharge.

On rechargeables, I am wondering if they last as long as regular Alkalines. I have some AA (Chateau 2200 ma) rechargeables that I use on a small portable radio and they do not seem to last as long as regular batteries.

But what could that something be?
:(

Ironcatt,

Like kenw, I've had a set of batteries in my 680 for about 6 weeks now, and they still seem to be fine. Get in touch with Logitech.

Under the "How long should my batteries last?" question in Harmony's online FAQ section, it doesn't answer the question (of course), but it tells you how to extend life by reducing the time the backlight is on. I didn't know this, so I thought maybe others don't as well. Personally, I think it doesn't stay on long enough...

To quote Logitech/Harmony:

You can extend the battery life of your remote by lowering the backlight timer. To adjust the backlight timer login to your home page, and then:
Click My Remote Preferences.
Click Settings.

I've been using my 676's original batteries for several days now. What firmware/software versions are you using? I read somewhere the battery low alert used to come on too early and this was fixed in later versions. I had to update both the firmware and software. My out-of-the-box versions were substantially out of date.

As far as I know, the firmware was updated on the first connection to the web site. Version three, I think (I'm at work right now).

Backlight is already on for a negligible time.

And it's not that we're getting a "battery low" indicator: the whole thing just dies: nothing in the lcd screen, and no commands being sent.

I recharged the batteries yesterday, put them in last night and found them still working first thing this morning. But if they're dead tonight, I guess I'll have to call Logitech.

Thanks for the responses.

What brand and rating are your rechargeables? Someone reported 900mAh was the highest rating you can get.

Can't remember the brand. But they're 800mAh from The Source.

Just got off the phone with support (and if anyone needs the number, which I couldn't find on the web site, it's 1-866-291-1505).

The recommendation is that I put a new set of alkaline batteries in and see how long they last, as "the set that came with it could have been on the shelf for a long time." Hmmmm.

And a general tip: Rechargeables are not recommended for the Harmony as they are a mere 1.2 volts.

If a new set of alkalines die, I'm to phone back.

We shall see. :o

I get about 50 days with 750 mAh rechargeable Duracell NiMH batteries on my 659.

A new set of alkalines lasted from Wednesday night to Friday midday.

The nice man at support is sending a new unit.

The new unit has arrived; we shall see....

Good luck with the new unit. I hope it works as well as mine seems to.

I'm using Nexxtech 750 mah batteries in my 659 and I'm only getting about a week of use before I have to recharge. The batteries are only about a month old, same with the remote. I have the glow turned off on the Harmony. Crappy batteries? Problem with the remote? The firmware has been updated.

Try a different brand. I am getting about 50 days with 750 mAh Duracell.
Note: Canadian Tire caries the 900 mAh Duracell for the same price as the 750 mAh.

See this thread for someone else's experience...

http://digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35710

He called Logitec, they asked him to try fresh Alkaline batteries...they still didn't last...they sent him a new remote.

Thanks guys, I think I'm gonna try some alkalines. I would prefer to use rechargeables, but if the alkalines last, then i know its the batteries and not the remote.

You don't say if the batteries are NiCad, low capacity NimH, high capacity NimH, or LiIon. NiCads and LiIon do not work well in remotes due to self discharging under no load conditions. NiCads also also have low capacity compared to Alkaline. The best rechargeables to get for low drain loads and standby devices such as flashlights are high capacity NimH. They will outperform Alkaline and do not self discharge. Chargers run about $20-$30 and batteries about $4-$5 each in packs of 4. I have Eveready high capacity NimH batteries and they are excellent.

You don't say if the batteries are NiCad, low capacity NimH, high capacity NimH, or LiIon. NiCads and LiIon do not work well in remotes due to self discharging under no load conditions. NiCads also also have low capacity compared to Alkaline. The best rechargeables to get for low drain loads and standby devices such as flashlights are high capacity NimH. They will outperform Alkaline and do not self discharge. Chargers run about $20-$30 and batteries about $4-$5 each in packs of 4. I have Eveready high capacity NimH batteries and they are excellent.

Yes he does. For AAA, 750 mah is definitely high capacity NimH. Also, I don't know where you can find packs of 4 for $4? The best deal I've seen is $11-12 for 4, and normal prices are a bit higher than that.

Adrian

Also, I don't know where you can find packs of 4 for $4? The best deal I've seen is $11-12 for 4, and normal prices are a bit higher than that.

I'd guess he meant 4 for $4 per battery; meaning $16-$20 per pack.