My son started using the Animas One Touch Ping on July 29th. Today is August 16th and the pump said "Low Battery". It has only been 2 1/2 weeks with the original Lithium Battery. Is this the "norm"? Also, when you get this alert, how long do you have before it actually dies?
Your input would be great appreciated!!!
I just started on my One Touch Ping Aug 8. I actually received the pump itself and put in the batteries to play around with it July 20. I haven't taken the battery out, but have only been pumping continuously since Aug 8 and I'm still showing a full battery icon on mine. I would think that what your experiencing is not normal.
I don't know exactly how long you have, but I remember my trainer saying there are 2 low batter warnings and with the second, more serious one, you've got about 20 minutes of juice left before the pump stops delivering insulin. If I remember correctly it will tell you that delivery will be stopped. I'm still new to the Ping, so maybe someone who's been using it longer can verify.
I use the Minimed Paradigm and its associated CGMS and I get about 2 weeks out of a battery. Without the CGMS I get about 3.5 weeks. Minimed tested their batteries using Energizer Max batteries so I have decided to use that battery as the life of the battery will be more accurate.
I have not pushed my “low bat” alarm past 5-6 hours. I usually change the battery right away when I get a low battery alarm to avoid any problems. I would suggest that you call tech support and get thier textbook answers on battery life and try not to stray too far from it.
I had the same experience with the Ping when I first started, but now it lasts longer. I couldn't tell you how long as I don't keep track, but significantly longer. I think it has to do with all the setting and playing that you do when you first get it. Also do you use your pump itself for bolusing? I use my meter/remote for mostly everything so I think that makes a difference too.
Yes, Animas tech support would definitely be bale to answer this question. Their number is right on the back of the pump.
Mine lasts a while, I think, I guess I don't pay so much attention anymore. I think I use it about 5 or six cartridges worth and then replace it, so about 3 days times 5 or 6 cartridges is about 2.5 weeks. What I usually do is replace the battery on the first or second vial after the first low warning. Another thing I try to do is rewind the entire motor/cartridge with teh old battery, then when I take the old vial out, I take the battery out at the same time. I think there are some things that drain the battery faster, I'm not sure but it seems like when I use the audio bolus a lot it takes more battery. I also think if I use it as a flashlight a lot at night that wears it out too. They'll probably get more efficient with it over time.
I'm 41 now, got T1D when I was 5.5yrs, and I got my pump only about a year and a half ago, I also have a Dexcom CGM. CGM was the best technological advancement for me, Pump was the second best, I wouldn't trade either of them for anything at this point, even if it does cost me a bunch more in AA Batteries... Enjoy, best of luck to you and your son, he has an awesome bright future ahead of him!
I started on the Animas Ping July 10, and I've changed the battery once already, so between 2 to 3 weeks of battery life sounds about right.
My experience with the lithium battery in the One-Touch Ping has been pretty good. I suspect that your battery may have been hot or have been part of a very old stock. It isn't normal for them to fail in 2 1/2 weeks.
Be sure you are using the Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery. It is a blue and black pack with a 9x on the front in hot pink lettering. The lithium battery itself will be silver with blue and black lettering and markings. There is a more inexpensive battery available from Energizer, but I haven't used it.
What I do is look at the battery indicator icon on the main menu, just below the time. Fully charged is three squares. When the battery indicator goes to two squares, I replace the battery at the next reservoir change/fill. With the Ping, a complete rewind must be done when replacing the battery.
Batteries aren't worth messing with. Changing the battery when it is necessary will keep your pump running efficiently. You won't loose your pump settings during a battery change. Always carry a spare battery with you.
My batteries usually last four to five weeks.
Welcome to the Ping. I hope you like yours as well as I like mine. Let us know how it turns out. Be well.
Brian Wittman
The instructions tell you that there is a specific kind of Lithium battery that can be used (L91 AA), otherwise you can damage your pump. Second, to be honest, those batteries are so expensive, and I never get at least 3-4 weeks out of one battery. I find it cheeper to just buy a Duracell Alkaline battery, which lasts me about a week and some days.
Also, you wanna make sure that when you put in the new battery, that you tell the pump what kind is it. Example, if you put a Lithium battery in, and choose Alkaline, the battery life can be miscalculated by the pump.
Yogi
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Hello Zoe. Thanks for the reply.
I was thinking that too, that in the beginning it could have used a lot of battery. I replaced his battery today so we will see.
And no I do all his boluses by the meter/remote. So that couldnt be it either.
Its all so new to us so I guess its trial and error for the first few months:-)
omg, i would replace them every week if i had to! going on the pump has made his life SO much easier. he was diagnosed 9-2010 at 5 yrs old and now being 7 with the pump he feels a little more "normal". if you dont mind me asking why did you wait so long to get the pump?
I get 3 to 4 weeks with a lithium battery in my Ping. Fairly cheap to buy them at Walmart.
I wish there was a Walmart by me :-(. I heard of many people getting a LOT of "name brand" diabetic supplies a LOT cheaper there. Even insulin to my understanding.
Yogi
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My son generally gets 5-6 weeks out of a battery on his Ping. We always carry a spare battery and change as soon as possible after the alarm. He does virtually all of his boluses via the pump itself. Like Brian, try to change on the next cartridge change following the battery indicator going from 3 to 2 bars if we notice it.
We use Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries. They’re slightly more expensive than some other brands, but we have been pleased with life we get from them.
Good luck and glad the pump is working out so well for your son. My son has been using his Ping for over a year now and loves it!
You know, i've also remembered something.. Sometimes it is possible to get batteries that's been on the shelf for a long time (before purchase). Maybe check the expiration date of the battery? IF the battery's expiration is within a year, it may not be as fresh.
Yogi
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I've been using Animas for years. No, not normal. Might just be the battery, but strongly advise you call Animas just in case. Certainly replace battery and try not to worry too much until you ferret out the answer. Good luck and best wishes.
Hi sorry for the delayed response, I just joined. I was just about to post something like this as well. The battery life is LOW on the ANIMAS PING pump- I change mine about every 2 weeks. I usually get at least anther week out of my pump when I see "low battery" BUT this week I called my pumps bluff and on DAY 2- it went DEAD at work- 13 yrs on a pump and this was first time this ever happened. So I ran to CVS and bought a bunch.
I have called ANIMAS about the short battery life in this pump and they said 2 week battery life is "normal". I questioned how/why the battery life is so short and maybe they could take the "auto rewind" function out of it and it could just "shake" down to its original position.
Anywho, we should all be buying stock in Energizer to maintain these pumps. My advice is to keep back-up AA lithium batters everywhere with your son- including his teachers.