Anyone ever found anything that does something as simple as this?

[TheAnimus]

I want, for the sake of words a thin sticker type thing, but I want it to be able to indicate if the battery is used.

With my memory cards I have a simple "If the sticker faces up in the case, its empty, face down, its full" I need a system for batteries that is equally simple, but short of having a wallet or holder for them.

Something like a very thin sticker which you could move a thin layer sideways would be an example.

Any ideas?

I can't believe no one has solved such a simple problem. (also why camera batteries don't have an LED built in!)

[chuckskull]

Don't duracell come with something like this? I think it's called power check or something equally obvious.

[shaithis]

Yup, been at least 15 years since Duracell started using those strips.

[mikerr]

You can buy a flat strip tester for £1.99:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Household-Co.../dp/B005573CJE

[IBM]

I have a great system for telling me whether a battery is used....if it's used, I place it in the recycling bin.

But presumably you're talking about rechargable batteries....in which case, since they don't hold charge too well, there's not a lot of point (although coming increasingly relevant as charge duration increases).

If you want to test, insert into relevant device, turn said device on, check battery level. Time taken <20 seconds.

[MadduckUK]

a long, long time ago there used to be VHS labels that you could write on with a pointy object, then erase by going over it with your finger (moving an air bubble along the label, separating the layers again).

Id find out what they were called (iv had a quick google but nothing so far), then see if they do small ones. would be good for just marking with your finger nail

[TheAnimus]

Sorry talking about rechargable camera batteries and the like.

Strange size things, don't fit testers, but thanks anyway.

[mikerr]

But presumably you're talking about rechargable batteries....in which case, since they don't hold charge too well

Modern LSD rechargeable batteries hold their full charge for months or years...

I want, for the sake of words a thin sticker type thing, but I want it to be able to indicate if the battery is used.

Something like a very thin sticker which you could move a thin layer sideways would be an example.

This is similar to what you want:


http://azream.estoreadvanced.biz/ind...arent=461&pg=1
http://www.disabledstickers.co.uk/se...r-x2-195-p.asp

Can't see a single switch version, but you could probably cut it...

[TheAnimus]

Yup but like the VHS things madduck was speaking of.

Where is a material scientist when we need one?

[MadduckUK]

http://www.google.com/patents/US6450539

getting there!

[mikerr]

Isn't that patent just describing the kids toys: they're called magic slates:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobar-503872...0&sr=1-1-fkmr0
maybe a tiny version of that.

Another option is something like this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/WRITE-WIPE-F...7&sr=8-1-fkmr0
which I think uses the popular frixion pens

but that's me out of ideas

[MadduckUK]

Isn't that patent just describing the kids toys: they're called magic slates:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobar-503872...0&sr=1-1-fkmr0
maybe a tiny version of that.

pretty much tiny versions of that, but with a bubble you move rather than a wiping slider thing. trail is going cold and im out of here is 15. they are making em very difficult to find if they still exist.

[scaryjim]

Could you use two different colours of velcro? Stick a bit of the hooks to the battery, then switch between having a white bit for full and a black for empty? you cna get a couple of metres of velcro from your local pound shop.

Or would that be too thick and stop the batteries fitting in the camera properly?

[Funkstar]

I presume these are going to be in your camera bag or similar?

Does this bag have multiple compartments? How about just sticking them into another pocket or compartment?

I do this with my camera battery packs. If they are in the front of my Crumpler (stiller the same red one i've been using for years) they are good to go. If they are in the main camera compartment they need charged. Easy to remember as I hate having them loose in the main compartment so will take them out and charge them more regularly.

[Lucio]

Two pouches seems a more logical method than a sticker or similar, red for dead, green for go.

[MaddAussie]

rubber band to wrap round the deaduns?