PEARL: Why Batteries Drain Faster Than 6–9 Months
PEARL batteries should last 6–9 months. Learn the common causes of early battery drain and how to fix them quickly and what are the factors causing batteries to drain quickly within 6–9 months and tips for extending their lifespan.
Table of Contents
PEARL batteries normally last 6 to 9 months. If yours need replacing sooner, one of the causes below is usually the reason, and most are quick to fix.
With email alerts on, your PEARL sends you a notification when its batteries are low, so you don't need to check them manually. The PEARL's LED also blinks red once every 5 seconds when its batteries are low.
Common causes of early battery drain
| Cause | Why it drains the battery | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong or low-quality batteries | Fresh alkaline AA batteries provide 1.5V; rechargeable NiMH cells are 1.2V nominal and cause power and connection issues in PEARL, which is why brand-name alkalines are required. Lithium cells also don't last as long, and cheap alkalines have lower capacity. | Use brand-new AA alkaline batteries in both the Main and Secondary units. Energizer Max is recommended; Duracell and Kirkland also work well. See PEARL Guide: Easy Steps to Replace Batteries. |
| Mixing old and new batteries | A partly used battery runs down first and drags the whole set down with it. | Always replace every battery in both units at the same time. |
| Frequent server check-ins | Each check-in powers up Wi-Fi. The LITE plan connects hourly; 30- and 15-minute intervals (available options with a T.M.A.S. subscription) use more power. | If you don't need close to real-time data, use a longer check-in interval. |
| Weak Wi-Fi signal | The unit works harder and longer to connect each time it checks in. | Move the router closer to the entrance, or add a Wi-Fi extender. |
| Improper installation | Units mounted too far apart or in direct sunlight need a stronger beam. An inward-opening door swinging through the beam, misaligned units, or obstructions like door handles and signage also keep the beam working harder. | Keep the units no more than 15 ft apart (7 ft if the entrance gets direct sun), mount them beyond the door's swing path, face them directly at each other and keep the beam clear. See PEARL mounting best practices. |
| Frequent beam blockages | Blockages lasting over 60 seconds (displays, carts, people standing in the doorway) add load. | Keep the beam path clear of fixtures and other objects. |
| Business hours not set | PEARL shuts down outside the business hours set in T.M.A.S. If no business hours are set, it can't shut down when your location is closed. | Set your business hours in T.M.A.S. so the unit sleeps when you're closed. See TMAS - Setting up your business hours. |
Quick troubleshooting checklist
- Batteries are brand-new AA alkalines (no lithium or rechargeables)
- All batteries in both units were replaced at the same time
- Check-in interval is no shorter than you need
- Wi-Fi signal is strong where the Main unit is mounted
- Units are installed per PEARL mounting best practices (spacing, sunlight, door swing, alignment)
- Nothing regularly blocks the beam for more than a minute
- Business hours are set correctly in T.M.A.S.
Still draining fast?
If you've checked everything above and the batteries still don't last 6 months, chat with SMS Support. Tell us the location name, the date you last replaced the batteries and which brand you used.