QUOTE(zemperor @ Aug 15 2013, 07:58 PM)
yeah... the 42009 really heavy... even just the crane part...
thanks for all info about batteries...
i think my batteries are really not much power left if only last about 2-3 hours...
i did do some test run for my 8109 and 42009 with the same batteries... and with some heavy loads too
if i not mistaken, the test-meter should be able to find it in DIY shops... is the one with a meter and two cable with metal, touch the batteries + and -
is there any test-meter only for batteries or all purpose that can test other things as well...
BTW, did you guys got this test-meter? or simply change/recharge the batteries when the motor run slow...
If you use non-rechargeables, the depleted batteries are still good enough for other devices like alarm clocks, remote controls (tv, aircond, etc.), and even LED-torchlights. But then, you will have a lot of these batteries, and you can MOC like this:
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That is why I opt for re-chargeables, but due to lower voltage, I need to put in 7-8x instead of 6x. Hence, my MOC on battery pack couple of months ago.
Now, I want to use 9V DC adapter, since some of the stuff don't run far, like the excavators.
test-meter can get anywhere, normally I goto Pasar Road, Pudu in KL. Branded one is like Fluke. Yes, those with two cables, normally black and red.
Test meter quite useful, can test many things. AC or DC voltage. from 0.xxx to 1000V, even for cheapo ones.
Can test Amp, Ohm resistance, simple broken cable test, etc. Can use for home electrical also (don't simply plug into the 240V AC if don't know what you want to test

)
When motor run slow, I just recharge the whole 6-8x lots of batteries. Quite conclusive on low-batt most of the time.
Very rare I check it often. But sometimes useful to isolate out a single faulty/flat battery, as it can cause the entire battery pack problem.