SEE ME™ is powered by two sets of four AA batteries.  These batteries are presently available in numerous capacities, up to 3000 mAh. Estimates of duration of service quoted here are based upon use of these state-of-the-art batteries, each having a full charge. 

High quality, disposable, alkaline and lithium AA batteries are available off the shelf at retailers, literally worldwide.  One might routinely carry an extra package along for backup, or for regular use.  Our testing has revealed excellent duration of service in batteries ranging from 10 to 30 cents each in bulk packs.  SEE ME™ is designed to enable you to take advantage of every coming advance in AA battery chemistry and capacity, with the further advantage of letting you benefit from retail pricing competition.

Surveys among bicycle commuters suggest that the national average bicycle commute requires just under 50 minutes.  SEE ME™ is designed to provide a flashing, high-brightness warning for over twelve hours when powered by batteries initially in a state of full charge.  SEE ME™ is powered by two separate sets of four batteries.  The device is designed so both the SEE ME™ sign and the SEE™ light have a feature we call RESERVE POWER^TM.  

With RESERVE POWER, after twelve hours of using SEE ME™ on the road, if you think the LEDs appear to be growing dimmer, you can remove the batteries from each pack of four; swap the two sets of batteries, and then continue for another twelve hours of usage.  With an average commute, SEE ME™ will provide you with more than two weeks of service without replacing or recharging the batteries.  On long road trips with long daily rides, SEE ME™ goes the distance.  In a non-stop competition, replace only the batteries in packs A and B every twelve hours, to maximize the benefit of carried spares.  Need more RESERVE POWER?  If you have used SEE ME™ for the second twelve hours, and still you require a few more hours to make your destination, swap the batteries one more time, and you're off!

In SEE™ mode, the batteries powering the white LEDs can also be swapped when light output appears to be growing dim.  This will give an additional period of time of use for the light.  The white LEDs selected for use in the light will continue to give a usable amount of light for many additional hours.  Moreover, if you use the SEE™ light without swapping the batteries, until the light has weakened significantly, and then you want to get back on the road, click into SEE ME™ mode again and you will enjoy a full period of SEE ME™ operation.

Every possible design consideration has been applied so that SEE ME™ is NOT an "all-or-nothing" device.  We have tried to make every type of operation degrade gracefully.  Many portable products have the severe limitation of working up to a certain point, and then just going dead.  One never knows when some kind of reserve lighting option might fill a life-saving need.

IMPORTANT CONCERNS FOR SAFE USAGE:

The batteries used in SEE ME™ are high capacity, state-of-the-art batteries..  They store a great deal of energy.  If short-circuited, for example, by carrying them in a pocketful of keys or coins, or tossing them into a toolkit, they could overheat in seconds, resulting in damage or personal injury by fire or explosion.  All battery manufacturers state the need for caution in the use of their products, usually right on the cover of the battery itself..

Always Observe Battery Polarity!  Be alert to how you position each battery when installing it into a battery pack.  If you install one or more batteries incorrectly, SEE ME™ will either not work at all, or will work less efficiently.  We recommend that after installing batteries, you take a second to double-check the orientation of each battery, and make sure both battery end caps are moved into contact with the battery holder.

Do not Mix Battery Types!  Use Alkaline batteries only, or use NiMH rechargeable batteries only, or use Lithium batteries only.  Different battery chemistries have internal characteristics that can make them unsafe to mix together.

Do not mix Dead batteries with Charged batteries!  Make a practice of charging and replacing  your batteries as sets of four or eight.