PM3 / PM4 lifespan??

[sunship]

I'm curious if anyone has data on the lifespan of the monitors for the PM3 / PM4.

Obviously, batteries are removed when not used for more than a month.

Just curious if these monitors have a set lifespan, or if they're pretty good ad nauseum.

THANKS!

[Carl Watts]

I'm still seeing PM3's made in 2003 that are in good condition.

The Early version made from 2003 to 2007 had problems with the memory backup capactor in that it failed and in many instances leaked onto the board. Also the early versions suffer from corrosion on the board that takes out the menu back button and the display fails to change while rowing problem

The later version post 2008 is a very very reliable monitor and if the batteries are never left in it to leak then 10 to 15 years out of these should be possible.

The PM2 was a very reliable monitor and again it was battery leakage that killed these. My PM2+ from 2000 still runs like new, as do many of these that have not been stored with the batteries in.

As long as the Alkaline batteries are removed once flat and the monitor doesn't get sprayed directly with a chemical cleaner you can expect a long run from the monitor.

[sunship]

Thank you for this --

-- I have a PM3 from 2002, and she still runs well.

I just bought another Force monitor for my Dyno, since C2 only had 2 in stock, and isn't planning on making more.

Time stops for no one -

[Carl Watts]

Nothing wrong with the older monitors as long as you update the Firmware.

This really does make a big difference to the functionality and other things behind the scenes that are not obvious to the user.

[Becky]

Hi, we have this problem with our PM3 - meter doesn't read & menu button doesn't work - is there anything we can do? Thank you

[Carl Watts]

Hi, we have this problem with our PM3 - meter doesn't read & menu button doesn't work - is there anything we can do? Thank you

It has corrosion over the bottom part of the board which will be clearly visible if you remove the board. I have not determined how this happens as its always in the same place and I have three possible explanations but it doesnt happen with every old PM3 monitor, just a small percentage.

Unless you know someone with an electronics repair background who can rejoin the copper PCB tracks then your only option is to keep it for spare parts and buy a new one.