Posted 5/9/2017 9:35 PM (#861255) Subject: iPilot remote battery life
Posts: 48
Location: West Central Wisconsin
I picked up a new "to me" boat last August and rigged it with an Ulterra w/ iPilot. After I got comfortable with the remote, I didn't even hook up the foot control - strictly used the remote. I honestly didn't hit the water that much before it got stiff, so I was a little surprised this past weekend when it appeared the battery had died on me (and of course I wasn't prepared with a backup so I have not yet confirmed it was the battery). I'm curious what others have found for battery life expectancy on the iPilot remotes.
Posted 5/9/2017 9:45 PM (#861258 - in reply to #861255) Subject: Re: iPilot remote battery life
Posts: 1168
I honestly can't say how long my remote battery has lasted. I always carry a spare but in 4 years I think I'm on the third battery. Another guy I know has had his die on him early every year. I keep my remote in the house, he leaves his in an unheated garage over the winter.
Posted 5/9/2017 9:53 PM (#861259 - in reply to #861255) Subject: RE: iPilot remote battery life
The original remote I got with my Terrova worked normally for the first 4 months. It then started using up batteries in about 2 weeks. Minnkota replaced the remote under warranty, and the replacement has been working well for about 1.5 years. Batteries now last all season and more, using it heavily 1-2 times a week from May to December. But I still always carry a spare...
Posted 5/10/2017 7:43 AM (#861272 - in reply to #861266) Subject: Re: iPilot remote battery life
Posts: 1726
Location: Mt. Zion, IL
I fish about 100 days a year and after two years, I have changed the battery once. grease the contacts inside the remote to prevent corrosion and your batteries will last much longer. I use the same dielectric grease you use for automotive bulbs.
Posted 5/10/2017 7:54 PM (#861334 - in reply to #861255) Subject: RE: iPilot remote battery life
Posts: 48
Location: West Central Wisconsin
Thanks guys! I picked up 2 batteries today and will plan to keep the spare on board. I'll also plan to store my remote in my heated garage (rather than the unheated storage) along with my batteries and graphs over the winter.
Posted 5/11/2017 9:34 AM (#861379 - in reply to #861255) Subject: Re: iPilot remote battery life
Location: Contrarian Island
when out in cold weather best to keep the remote in your pocket/bibs etc.. when the batteries get cold they will act like they are dead but keep the remote warm you'll be good to go
iPilot remote battery life