THE TRUTH ABOUT TASER X26 DPM LEVELS (Digital Power Magazine)…
The X26 keeps track of how much the various features of the weapon are affecting the energy cell life and updates the memory in the DPM accordingly. The battery percentage indicated is a calculated value and not a direct reading of the battery voltage.
The level indicated only changes as power is consumed by the X26 ECD while armed (safety up) to include firings, flashlight, and laser usage. Power consumed by the internal circuits, firmware, and internal clock memory in and the X26 is not calculated. Meaning power used by the X26 left dormant over time will not be registered or tracked in the DPM.
Example: You put in a brand new DPM and it shows 99%. You put the X26 on the shelf and come back 2 years later and turn on the X26, it will show 99%. However for the past 2 years the battery has been powering the internal components and losing power.
Therefore a X26 can show issues of slow or no spark even with high battery percentages displayed. DO NOT TRUST the percentage displayed. It is merely an aid in tracking usage, not an absolute.
So basically, the battery life shown on the Taser display may not be accurate due to several factors. This is why I recommend: Replace it when the battery percentage reaches 30%. You can use the 30% or less batteries in training until the Taser’s function is affected, i.e.: Slow Spark or flickering CID. If you are above 30% and experiencing a slower spark rate, replace the battery immediately.
The DPM battery has enough power for approximately 195 five-second firings depending on temperature. The DPM battery will use more energy in colder weather than warm weather. The eXtended Digital Power Magazine (XDPM) has all the same features as the DPM, plus a holder for a spare TASER cartridge. The XDPM does not have extra battery life more than the DPM.
Why So Serious?
The X26 ECD must be stored with the DPM inserted at all times.
If the DPM is left out (or a dead/low charge DPM left in) for an extended period of time* the firmware in the X26 may lose it’s memory resulting in the X26 date/time resetting/losing track, thus producing an E2 error code. This is a simple fix by hooking the X26 up to the computer and updating the date/time.
Also if the DPM is left out (or a dead/low charge DPM left in) for an extended period of time* the firmware in the X26 may corrupt/fail rendering the X26 inoperable and unrepairable, even after replacement with a good DPM.
So not having a good working battery in the taser at all times can cause two different things, though they are not linked. If your taser is not sparking with a good battery and showing the E2 error, fixing the E2 will not fix the sparking issue.
*Extended Period of Time: there is no definition of “extended” period of time in the X26 user manual.
The analog gas tube in the taser which generates the spark must maintain power and charge. This is why you must spark test the taser regularly to “work” the analog gas tube. Keeping a perfect battery in and never spark testing it can cause the taser to become inoperable as well.
BE WARY OF “NEW OLD STOCK” TASER X26 BATTERIES…
Check the Version of the Battery.
Taser came out with V24 in 03/13/2012. So that means any V22 (or lower numbered) batteries are older than that.
Also Taser changed it’s name to Axon on 04/05/2017. So that means any V24 batteries that have the name Taser, instead of Axon, on them are older than that (allowing for a short period for relabeling).
Axon now places a Manufacture Date on the must current V24 batteries.
Just like normal lithium batteries they degrade overtime. So even though it states 99% (or lower) it probably isn’t.
Over time energy is consumed which will drain the lithium energy cells, but the DPM will continue to show 99% power. The power level indicator only registers power consumed by the X26 ECD.
I recommend buying from Axon’s online store to guarantee you have a current and good working order DPM/XDPM.
Stay away from eBay, Amazon (unless Axon direct), or any other reseller. Yes there are resellers that are partnered with Axon to sell their products and they may be coming factory direct, however just to be sure, I always go with Axon or Taser direct.
