Petsafe 5 meal feeder users: battery life?

[mimi1997]

How long do they last?
I just start using Petsafe 5-meal auto feeder since Jan 5.
I am wondering how long I should expect in general.
I am afraid I should replace them when it is about time, so the feeder won't go dead when I am away.
I installed DURACELL COPPERTOP and I have bought them in stock from Costco.

The feeder itself--- so far so good. Sometimes it won't turn to next hopper--- it just turns half way if the dial control has been moved by some reason--- such as put the tray back after cleaning.
I have to push the upright conner button few times to see if it turns full way.

 

[BJM]

Maybe pick up a battery tester?

Or, perhaps you might consider re-chargeable batteries, 2 sets so 1 can charge while the other is working. The re-charger indicates if the battery needs re-charging.

Also, check the parts for any little burs of material remaining from manufacturing the parts. Smooth any of those done to reduce friction.

Plus, a graphite lubricant (or other safe, non-oil lubricant) applied along moving edges may help smooth movement.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

I changed mine a year ago last spring and still, so far, so good.

 

[squeem3]

I used the same batteries for a little over a year. It's a good idea to replace the batteries once a year, just like with smoke detector batteries.

The feeder itself--- so far so good. Sometimes it won't turn to next hopper--- it just turns half way if the dial control has been moved by some reason--- such as put the tray back after cleaning.
I have to push the upright conner button few times to see if it turns full way.

Odd. I've never had that problem before and my feeder is over a year old.

 

[mimi1997]

Thank you all!
One year! That makes me feel a bit better since it uses such huge batteries--- then I shouldn't worried for months.