PEARL Guide: Easy Steps to Replace Batteries

Overview

The purpose of this article is to help customers replace batteries in the PEARL unit(s). 

IMPORTANT: You'll need to replace batteries in both the Main and Secondary units.

Required Tools and Materials

• 8x AA batteries
• Screwdriver (X)

Which batteries to use?

• Use brand-new batteries only.
• The Pearl requires using Energizer Max alkaline. 
• Top brands such as Duracell or Costco's Kirkland have been tested with good results. 
• Do not use Lithium batteries from Energizer as they will not last as long. 
• Other less expensive options may result in greatly reduced battery life.

How to replace the batteries in both sensors

1. Unscrew the top 2 screws on the back of the sensor.
2. Slide the casing UP as indicated by the Battery arrow graphic on the casing.
3. Pop out the 4 depleted AA Batteries.
4. Pop In NEW never before used AA batteries of the same type.
5. As the last battery is inserted, turn the unit over making sure that the LED turns solid green to confirm its power on. 
   • The main unit should go solid green for 12 seconds then off
   • The secondary unit should go solid green for 5 seconds then off
6. Slide back the casing.
7. Screw back the 2 screws.
8. Repeat Steps 1-6 for the other sensor.
9. Once the batteries have been changed the light status will be the following:  
   • The Main Pearl ‘M’, will have a solid green light for 12 seconds and will then go off.    
   • The Secondary Pearl ‘S’,  will have a solid green light for 5 seconds and will then go off.
      
10. Wait one minute, and your PEARL should be back to operating normally.
    
     

Questions and Answers

Q: How long do batteries last?

PEARL has many smart energy-saving features. Battery life depends on the factors below. While results may vary, you can typically expect between 6 to 12 months of battery life, excluding Real-Time Mode*. PEARL will send you an email alert when the battery level is low. 

Factors that can affect battery life: 

• Communication frequency with the server : the LITE Plan connects to the server every hour. 30–min and 15–min intervals, or even real-time* connection, are available with other plans. 
• Distance between sensors: PEARL automatically adjusts its signal detection capability when the primary and secondary units are farther apart—this puts more load on the battery. 
• Sunlight exposure: PEARL automatically adjusts its signal detection capability when exposed to sunlight—this puts more load on the battery. 
• Wi-Fi signal strength: if the Wi-Fi signal is low, PEARL may require more energy from the battery to establish a connection. 
• Regular blocking of the beam signal : PEARL will send alerts every time its signal is blocked by someone or something for more than 60 seconds. If this happens often, it could affect battery life. 
• Regular business or operating hours: PEARL shuts down automatically, to save the battery energy according to hours you entered in the software 
• Use of Energizer™ batteries : high-quality batteries make a real difference. Some inexpensive batteries have low capacity and end up costing more in the long run.  

*Note: Real-Time Mode, part of the REAL-TIME Plan, requires constant energy flow from the battery to connect to the Cloud server. We recommend using rechargeable batteries from a proven brand for the best experience and cheapest running costs, like Energizer™. Simply charge batteries at the end of each day as part of your daily routine.  

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Q: I keep changing batteries is there an alternate solution? 

A: Although it is not an SMS-branded solution, we have seen that some customers were successful with power adapters, like this one for example: Lenink AC Power Supply Adapter for 4x AA Batteries

NOTE: These should be used for both the MAIN and the SECONDARY Pearl units.

SMS also offers a wired solution, which does not require batteries, the 3D Scope II