Cyclecomputer Calibration Procedures

Sheldon Brown photo

by Sheldon "Buttons" Brown

This page is a complement to my Cyclecomputer Calibration Chart. The chart will tell you the calibration numbers; this page tells how to enter the number into your cyclecomputer.

If you have information on models not listed here, please send me what you can.

Calibration Instructions:

Atech
KA-4, 8, 10
Avocet
CatEye
Ciclomaster
IIa
Echo
J7
Magura
Velotronic Easy
Mongoose
Compact Cycle Computer
Planet Bike
Protege 9.0
Raleigh
AS 816
Pro 7
Rhode Gear
Quantum
Sachs Hurét
Road Monitor 1,2
Schwinn Paramount raleigh-as816.jpg
Series 8, 10
Sigma
BC500
Shimano
Flight Deck 6500
Specialized
Speed Zone
Trek
Vetta
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Atech KA-4, 8, 10

Battery: LR43/186/L1142 1.5 volt

Click here for manual as 832 mb jpeg file

(Thanks to Joao Marcelo Soares)
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Avocet 15

Battery: 675 zinc/air 1.4 volt (originally used 675 mercury)

Miles or kilometers (total reset)

  1. While in "D" mode (cumulative odometer) press and hold the left button for 12 seconds, until test pattern appears and all data are cleared.
  2. 4 seconds after releasing, "mi" or "km" appears.
  3. Use right button to select "mi" or "km".
  4. Press left button to continue with calibration.

Entering "Set" mode:

  1. while in "D" mode (cumulative odometer) press and hold the left button for 8 seconds.
  2. Calibration number will appear, with right digit blinking.

Changing setting:

  1. Press right button to increase the blinking digit to the correct value.
  2. Press left button to select next digit...etc.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Push the left button after all digits have been set.

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Avocet 20

Battery: 386 silver oxide (originally used 386 mercury)

Entering "Set" mode:

while in "D" mode (cumulative odometer) press and hold both buttons for two seconds. Calibration number will appear.

Changing setting.

Advance numbers with the left button.

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the right button.

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Avocet 25

Battery: 675 zinc/air 1.4 volt (originally used 675 mercury)

Miles or kilometers (Stored speed and distance data are automatically converted to the units chosen.)

  1. While in "d" modeÊ(daily odometer) press and hold the left button for 6 seconds.
  2. Release left button when "mi" or "km" appears.
  3. Use right button to select "mi" or "km".
  4. Use left button to exit.

Entering "Set" mode:

  1. while in "D" mode (cumulative odometer) press and hold the left button for 4 seconds.
  2. Calibration number will appear.
  3. Release left button, then press and hold it again for 4 seconds until the right digit blinks.

Changing setting:

  1. Press right button to increase the blinking digit to the correct value.
  2. Press left button to select next digit...etc.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Push the left button after all digits have been set.

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Avocet 30

Battery: 386 silver oxide (originally used 386 mercury)

Entering "Set" mode:

While in "D" mode (cumulative odometer-"D" will be flashing) press and hold both buttons for three seconds. Calibration number will appear.

Changing setting:

Advance numbers with the left button. There are two ranges of numbers, from 100 to 299. One range is for miles ("mi" shows in lower right corner) and one for kilometers ("km" shows in lower left corner.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Push the right button.

User notes:

short push on right button selects speed, trip distance or stopwatch. holding right button in speed mode gives maximum speed; in trip distance mode, gives total distance; in stopwatch mode, gives time of day.

To set the clock:
Go to the clock function (the secondary time function) and press both buttons. The hour digits will flash. Advance the hours with the left button. At the correct hour press the right button and the minutes will flash. Advance the minutes with the left button. At the correct minute press the right button to complete setup.
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Avocet 31

Battery: 675 zinc/air 1.4 volt (originally used 675 mercury)

Entering "Set" mode:

While in "D" mode (cumulative odometer) press and hold both buttons for two seconds. Calibration number will appear.

Changing setting:

Advance numbers with the left button. There are two ranges of numbers, from 100 to 299. One range is for miles ("mi" shows in lower right corner) and one for kilometers ("km" shows in lower left corner.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Push the right button.

User notes:

short push on right button selects speed, trip distance or stopwatch. holding right button in speed mode gives maximum speed; in trip distance mode, gives total distance; in stopwatch mode, gives time of day.

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Avocet 35

Battery: 675 zinc/air 1.4 volt (originally used 675 mercury)

For models 35 and 45, total reset is recommended before battery installation.

For total reset, hold both buttons down for 35 seconds with battery out.

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Avocet 40

Battery: 675 zinc/air 1.4 volt (originally used 675 mercury)

Entering "Set" mode:

Press and hold both buttons for 5 seconds.

Changing setting:

  1. Left button selects miles/kilometers.
  2. Right button goes to wheel calibration mode.
  3. Left button raises or lowers calibration value, depending on the position of the arrow on the right of the display.
  4. Right button goes to cadence select mode.
  5. Left button selects cadence mode ("RPM" in display). Most 40s do not have the cadence feature, so this mode should not be activated.
  6. Right button goes to clock-set mode.
  7. Left button selects 12 hour or 24 hour clock.
  8. Right button goes to hour-set mode.
  9. Left button selects hour.
  10. Right button goes to minute-set mode.
  11. Left button selects minute.

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the right button.

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Avocet 45, 45tt

Battery: 675 zinc/air 1.4 volt (originally used 675 mercury)

For models 35 and 45, total reset is recommended before battery installation.

For total reset, hold both buttons down for 35 seconds with battery out.

Entering "Set" mode:

Press and hold both buttons for 8 seconds, all segments of display will turn on, continue holding both buttons, then release when "mi" or "km" appears. This does not reset stored data.

Changing setting:

  1. Left button selects miles/kilometers.
  2. Right button goes to odometer mode, units digit.
  3. Left button raises units digit of odometer setting.
  4. Right button goes to odometer mode, next digit.
  5. Left button raises next digit of odometer setting...
  6. Right button goes to wheel calibration mode.
  7. Left button raises or lowers calibration value, depending on the position of the arrow on the right of the display.
  8. Right button goes to cadence select mode.
  9. Left button selects cadence mode ("RPM" in display).
  10. Right button goes to sleep select mode.
  11. Left button selects sleep mode. This is used if you are putting the unit in storage for more than two months.
  12. Right button goes to clock-set mode.
  13. Left button selects 12 hour or 24 hour clock.
  14. Right button goes to hour-set mode.
  15. Left button selects hour.
  16. Right button goes to minute-set mode.
  17. Left button selects minute

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the right button.

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Avocet 50

Battery: two 386 silver oxide 1.5 volt.

  1. When installing batteries in the Cyclometer 50 use this special double insert procedure:
    • Insert both batteries.
    • Remove one battery and leave it out for 15 seconds.
    • Reinsert the battery you removed. The unit will then go into calibration mode.

  2. To reach setup with a battery already in the unit, press and hold down both buttons 5 to 8 seconds. After all display segments show briefly the unit goes into setup. Move through the 5 setup functions by pressing the right button.

  3. Choose or English and metric units with the left button.

  4. In wheel size calibration, the default of 83.45 (English) or 2120 (metric) shows, and an arrow to the right of the numbers points up then down. Pressing or holding the left button increases or decreases the numbers according to the arrow direction.

  5. Choose whether trip climb or descent will be recorded by pressing the left button.

  6. Choose whether cadence will be displayed in the speed function by pressing the left button.

  7. Set the clock by first advancing the hours with the left button. Press the right button, then advance the minutes with the left button.

This unit doesn't store distance data, but counts revolutions. Accumulated data will change if wheel calibration is changed. Changing from miles to km will yield correct distances in the units concerned.

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Cateye Astrale

Battery: CR2032 lithium

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Cateye Astrale 8

Battery: CR2032 lithium

Official Instructions (PDF)

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Cateye ATC

Battery: CR2032 lithium

Entering "Set" mode:

  1. Use "MODE" to select screen "B" (distance, avs,tr/d)
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to select "STOP" mode
  3. Press "SET" button. Wheel calibration number will appear

Changing setting:

Use "START/STOP" button to advance number.

Exiting "SET" mode:

Press "SET" button.

Miles/Kilometers:

  1. Replace battery or press AC button (on back)-erases all data
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to select miles or kilometers
  3. Press "SET", re-enter wheel calibration number as above.

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Cateye Cordless

Battery: 2 CR2032 lithium, one for computer, one for transponder

Entering "Set" mode:

  1. Use "MODE" button to select "ODO" mode.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to select "STOP" state
  3. Press "SET" button. Calibration number will appear.

Changing setting:

Press "SET" to advance calibration number.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Press "MODE"

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Cateye Cordless 7

Battery: 2 CR2032 lithium, one for computer, one for transponder

See Cateye Cordless 7 Manual in PDF form

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Cateye Kosmos

Battery: CR2032 lithium

Total reset:

Press AC button on bottom of unit.
Entering "Set" mode:

  1. Cycle mode setting until in "O" (odometer) mode.
  2. Press "Set" button with a ball point pen.

Changing setting:

Set the wheel circumference in mm using the Start/Stop button to increase number and Mode button to decrease number.

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the "Set" button.

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Cateye Mate

Batteries: 2 alkaline "AAA" cells.

Miles/kilometers selection:

switch hidden behind batteries.

Entering "Set" mode: Note, all data will be lost.

  1. Remove and re-install batteries. Display will show default wheel calibration number (216.)
  2. Press "SET" button.

Changing setting:

  1. Push "RESET" button to set the hundreds and tens digits.
  2. Push "ST./STOP" button to set units digit.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Push the "SET" button.

User notes:

Small picture of a bicycle in upper right indicates that unit is running. When unit is in "stop" state, neither trip mileage nor total mileage is recorded, but speed and maximum speed functions work.

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Cateye Micro

Battery: CR 2032 lithium

Entering "set" mode for total reset:

  1. Push all three buttons at once and hold for at least two seconds.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to select "MILE/H" or "KPH"
  3. Press "MODE" button to enter "set" mode.

Entering "Set" mode to revise wheel size without losing mileage:

  1. Use "MODE" button to get to "ODO" mode.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to put into "stop" state (mile/h symbol not flashing.)
  3. Press and hold both the "MODE" button and the "SELECT" button (underneath unit).

Changing setting:

Use the "START/STOP" button to alter the wheel calibration number.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Press the "MODE" button.

User notes:

Cadence function is selected by "SELECT" button, located on underside of unit. Maximum speed function is cancelled by use of cadence function. "MILE/H" or "KPH" flashes to show unit is running.

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Cateye Enduro, Mity, Mity 2, Specialized Speed Zone

Battery: CR 1620 or CR 1616 lithium

Entering "set" mode for total reset:

  1. Push all three buttons at once and hold for at least two seconds.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to select "MILE/H" or "KPH"
  3. Press "MODE" button to enter "set" mode.

Entering "Set" mode to revise wheel size without losing mileage:

  1. Use "MODE" button to get to "ODO" mode.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to put into "stop" state (mile/h symbol not flashing.)
  3. Press the "SET" button with a ballpont pen or similar tool. The calibration number will flicker.

Changing setting:

Use the "START/STOP" button to change the calibration number.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Press the "MODE" button.

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Cateye Enduro 2, Mity 3

Battery: CR 2032 lithium

If you make a note of the odometer reading before changing batteries, you can re-enter the total distance reading after installing the new battery.

Entering "set" mode for total reset:

  1. Push all three buttons at once ("SET" button is recessed on bottom of unit.)
  2. Press "MODE" (right) button to enter distance scale selection mode.
  3. Use "START/STOP" (left) button to select "M" (miles) or "Km" (kilometers).
  4. Press "MODE" (right) button to enter "odometer setting" mode.
  5. Use "START/STOP" (left) button to change flashing digit.
  6. Press "MODE" (right) button to adjust next digit. as above.
  7. When odometer value is set to desired number, press "SET" (recessed) button to accept and enter wheel calibration mode.
  8. Use "MODE" (right) button to raise calibration number, or "START/STOP" (left) button to decrease it.

    Note: This unit permits the entry of two different calibration numbers ("A" & "B") to allow the same computer to be used with different bicycles

  9. When calibration value "A" is set to desired number, press "SET" (recessed) button to accept. If you hold the "SET" button for 2 seconds or more, you enter the mode to set the alternate ("B") calibration number.

Entering "Set" mode to revise wheel size without losing mileage:

  1. Use "MODE" button to get to "ODO" mode.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to put into "stop" state (mile/h symbol not flashing.)
  3. Press the "SET" button with a ballpont pen or similar tool. The calibration number will flicker.
  4. Press and hold the "SET" button for 2 seconds to switch back and forth between "A" and "B" calibration value.

To select which weel calibration value to use:
When the "START/STOP" (left) and "MODE" (right) button are pressed together in "ODO" mode, first the wheel calibration number appears.

If these buttons are further held down for more than 3 seconds, the wheel calibration value moves between "A" and "B" values.

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Cateye Solar

Batteries: 2 SR44 or MS76 silver batteries, available from camera shops. The special rechargeable batteries for this unit are no longer available.

Miles/kilometers:

After installing a new battery, use "SET" to select "KM/HR" or "M/HR".
This is only a label, the reading is unaffected.
To change reading between miles and kilometers, appropriate wheel calibration number must be entered.

Entering "Set" mode to revise wheel size without losing mileage:

  1. Use "MODE" button to get to "ODO" mode.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to put into "stop" state (mile/h symbol not flashing.)
  3. Use a ballpoint pen or other pointed object to press the "SET" button (underneath unit). The wheel calibration number will be displayed with the first two digits flashing.

Changing setting:

The "START/STOP" button will advance the flashing digits.
The "MODE" button will select the last two digits, which can also be advanced by the "START/STOP" button.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Press the "SET" button again.

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Cateye Solar II

Batteries: 2 SR44 or MS76 silver batteries, available from camera shops. The special rechargeable batteries for this unit are no longer available.

Entering "Set" mode to revise wheel size without losing mileage:

  1. Use "MODE" button to get to "ODO" mode.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to put into "stop" state (mile/h symbol not flashing.)
  3. Use a ballpoint pen or other pointed object to press the "SET" button (underneath unit). The wheel calibration number will be displayed with the first two digits flashing.

Changing setting:

  1. The "START/STOP" button will advance the flashing digits.
  2. The "MODE" button will select the last two digits, which can also be advanced by the "START/STOP" button.

Miles/Kilometers:

  1. Replace battery or press AC button (inside battery compartment)- this erases all data
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to select miles or kilometers
  3. Press "SET", re-enter wheel calibration number as above.

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Cateye Vectra

Battery: CR2032 lithium

Entering "Set" mode to revise wheel size without losing mileage:

  1. Use "MODE" button to get to "ODO" mode.
  2. Use "START/STOP" button to put into "stop" state (mile/h symbol not flashing.)
  3. Press and hold both the "MODE" button and the "AC" button (underneath unit).

Changing setting:

Use the "START/STOP" button to alter the wheel calibration number.

Exiting "Set" mode:

  1. Press "MODE" button.
  2. Let go of the "MODE" and "SELECT" buttons

spoke

Ciclomaster IIa

Note:

Ciclomaster computers have an unusual feature. They incorporate a small capacitor to maintain short-term memory while the battery is being changed, so if you are reasonably quick about it you can change the battery without losing the calibration, and even maintain the stored odometer mileage.

Entering "Set" mode:

  1. Press and hold both "SET" and "MODE" buttoms for 5 seconds.
  2. Use "SET" button to select miles or kilometers.
  3. Then press "MODE"

Changing setting:

Set calibration with "SET" key

Exiting "Set" mode:

Press "MODE".
If altitude module included, press "SET" again with bike on level curface to calibrate altimeter.

ECHO J-7, Raleigh Pro 7

Entering "Set" mode:

Press and hold both buttons for 3 seconds.
Changing setting:
  1. Press "MODE" button to stop LCD test; "Km/h" will flash.
  2. Use "MODE" button to switch between miles and kilometers.
  3. Press and hold "MODE" button to select units and go on to first digit of calibration number (default: 2155)
  4. Enter the required calibration number by pressing the "MODE" button to change the values and holding the "MODE" button to move to the next digit.
  5. When the calibration number is entered press the SET button to complete the setup.

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the [button] button.

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Rhode Gear Quantum

Battery: Size "J" rectangular. (This is a rare battery, you may be able to find it in a camera shop, it was used in some older pocket cameras.

Entering "SET" mode:

Press and hold "SET" button

Changing setting:

Use "CAD" button while holding "SET"

Exiting "SET" mode:

Release both buttons.

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Sachs Hurét Road Monitor 1,2

Batteries: (2 MS76/SR44 silver)

Entering "Set" mode to revise wheel size without losing mileage:

  1. Use "MODE" button to get to "ODO" mode.
  2. Press "SET" for 2 seconds.. The wheel calibration number will be displayed with the first digit flashing.

Changing setting:

  1. The "ALARM" button ("MODE" button on Monitor 2) will advance the flashing digit.
  2. The "SET" button will select the other digits in turn, which can also be advanced by the "ALARM" (or "MODE") button.

Exiting "Set" mode:

Press the "SET" button again.

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Magura Velotronic Easy

Battery: (?)

Entering "Set" mode:

Press and hold the button for 5 seconds.

Changing setting:

Press button to advance number

Exiting "Set" mode:

Automatic after 10 seconds of inactivity.

If you change the battery in less than 30 seconds, you can save your data.

This unit uses the wheel diameter in mm for a calibration number for km.
This number times .621 is used for mile readings.

Use chart D, but multiply the value listed by 2 for km, or by 1.242 for miles.

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Planet Bike Protege 9.0

See the scanned instruction sheet at:

http://sheldonbrown.com/cyclecomputers/planet-bike-protege9.html

(Thanks to Rick Kim)
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Raleigh AS 816

See the scanned instruction sheet at:

http://sheldonbrown.com/cyclecomputers/raleigh-as816.jpg

(Thanks to Jim Thompson)
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Schwinn Paramount Series 8, 10

This is basically the same as the Vetta Cyclocomputer
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Shimano Flight Deck 6500

Battery: CR2032 lithium

Entering "Set" mode:

  1. Select any mode except CLK
  2. Press and hold B button (bottom of unit) for 5 seconds

Changing setting:

  1. Press button A to select mile/h or km/h
  2. Press button B to accept selection and go on to wheel calibration
  3. Repeat sequence to set, in turn:
    1. Wheel calibration number
    2. Chainwheel sizes, largest first

      Note, active value will be flashing at the lower left side of the speed. After the first chainwheel has been set, and you move on to the second, the previous selected chainwheel size will be displayed on the right side for reference.
    3. Rear sprocket sizes, smallest first
    4. Once all sprocket sizes have been set, press and hold button B for 5 seconds.
  4. Select "111" for standard rear derailer, or "222" for "Rapid Rise" (reverse action) rear derailer.
  5. Set 24 hour clock

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the B button after setting clock.

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Sigma BC500

Battery: 2 SR44 or MS76 silver batteries. A76 Alkaline batteries will work, but they don't last very long.

  1. Press lower button to reach "Trip" mode
  2. Press and hold recessed button on bottom for 5 seconds

Changing setting:
[how]. or
  1. Press lower button to select which digit is to be changed.
  2. The active digit will flash.
  3. Press upper button to advance the flashing digit.

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the recessed button on the bottom.

When new batteries have been installed, this unit comes up in odometer set mode, so you can re-enter mileage readings from previous batteries.
spoke

Specialized SpeedZone Comp

Battery: CR2032

Entering "Set" mode:

[how] or
  1. Use "Mode" (right) button to get to "Odo"
  2. Hold "Function" key and tap "Mode" once. Km/h-m/h will alternate
  3. Push F to select units.
  4. Next mode is programmable odometer.
  5. Next mode is wheel size, select from menu.

Changing setting:
[how]. or
  1. [step 1]

Exiting "Set" mode:

push the [button] button.

END TEMPLATE
spoke More Cyclecomputer Models
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Clock Setting

Many models include a clock function. In general, setting the clock is similar to setting the wheel calibration number, except you do it from "CLOCK" mode, instead of "ODO" mode.
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Batteries

There are 4 types of batteries commonly used for cycle computers:

  • Alkaline

    Some older units, such as the Cateye Mate use penlight-type cells. These are adequate, but bulky.
    Newer units that use "button cells" can run on alkaline "buttons", but the life span is much shorter than is the case with silver cells.
  • Lithium

    Most modern units use lithium cells. Lithium cells have a very long shelf life, which makes them particularly suited for a low-drain application such as a cyclecomputer. They are cheap, and have a consistent voltage output throughout their useful life.
    Lithium cells are also used in watches, cameras, calculators, games, etc. You can buy replacements at most camera or electronics dealers, and even jewelers.
  • Mercury

    Mercury cells held more electricity for their size than others, and their voltage was very constant over their useful life.
    Unfortunately, disposal of mercury cells is a serious environmental hazard, and their production is no longer legal. Many owners of older cameras are unable to find suitable batteries for this reason.
    Avocet was the primary user of mercury batteries. Here's what they recommend:
    "Models 20 & 30: 386 silver oxide, 1.5 volt. These were originally spec'd for 1.35 mercury which is no longer made. The 1.5 silver oxide is the closest equivalent and works OK with possible shorter life than the original mercury.

    "Models 15, 25, 31, 35, 40, 45, 45tt: 675 zinc/air 1.4 volt. Originally spec'd 1.35 volt mercury no longer available. 1.4 volt works fine.

    "For models 35 and 45 total reset is recommended before battery installation.

    "For total reset, hold both buttons down for 35 seconds with battery out."

    See also the Avocet Web Site.
  • Silver

    Silver batteries provide a good supply of power, but are fairly expensive. The silver batteries used in cycle computers are similar to those used in some cameras and calculators. If you go to a camera shop for them, don't let them talk you into using alkaline replacements. The alkaline button cells that replace silver cells are very cheap wholesale, and represent a very high margin for a photo dealer. Unfortunately, their dramatically shorter lifespan makes them a bad choice for cycle computers.
    The Cateye Solar and Solar II used to use a special rechargeable silver battery, which was only available from bicycle shops. They were quite expensive, but they lasted longer than regular cells if the unit was stored in bright light. These SR44R batteries are no longer available, but the camera version, SR44/MS76 is satisfactory.

    There is also a lithium variant, which is the size of a pair of these cells that seems to work pretty well too. It is commonly numbered as "DL 1/3 N


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