Steripen reliability

[Robert Blean]

Roger,

Thanks for the comments. I did read your report, and the ensuing thread. I also know that a number of BPL folks use one. When I looked at the reviews at REI, they were pretty negative. I posted the question here to try to reconcile the mixed views, and to see whether something might have gotten fixed with newer units.

— Bob

[Robert Blean]

Most references I see are to the SteriPEN.

The AquaStar mUV sounded promising when it came out. I understand it had some initial problems, but I have seen at least a little bit indicating the initial problems have been fixed by now. The mUV seems to have a couple of advantages — lighter, works with the narrow-neck bottles many of us use, and quite a bit cheaper.

It sounds pretty OK in this fairly recent BPL thread.

Any comments on the mUV? Either in its own right, or as compared to the SteriPEN? Why are most of the references I see to the SteriPEN?

–MV

[Roger Caffin]

> Their is a need for a power-off lock switch, because if you pack the steripen wrongly,
> pressure from adjacent items could power the steripen on and drain the battery prematurely;

I agree that there is a problem here. In fact I think the problem goes further than the risk stated. I found that the quiescent current drain was far higher than it should be, such that if I left the batteries in the unit for a couple of weeks they were severely degraded. I am left to wonder how many other people have had this problem – quite a few I suspect.

My solution is to carry the batteries OUT of the unit. When I want to use it I insert the batteries, use it, and then remove the batteries, straight away. I quite understand that some might find this a great fiddle and refuse.

Actually, I found the thumbscrew they provided too much of a fiddle too, so I replaced it with an MYOG screw with a great big knob, as shown here.

Cheers

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Mary

Go Girl! You tell them!
(Oh – that's ME you are telling? … errr :-) OK, accepted.)

> It seems that the unit (was it also just one?) tested by BPL worked properly.
No, we had a problem with the first pre-production unit. It was replaced without question. All up, we (myself and Alan Dixon) would have tested at least four units.

> The signal I kept getting when the thing aborted mid-cycle was NOT the low battery signal
> but the specific signal it's supposed to put out when it aborts (the signals are different).
I am probably as guilty as anyone of not reading all the instructions, but what signal is this? Please amplify: I do want to know. Your experiences are valuable.

> My son (a strong and athletic man) stated that the switch was pretty stiff even for him.
OK – I would have returned the unit directly to Hydro-Photon (contact them first), and asked for a better replacement. As far as I can tell, they are really on the ball over this. Also, I think the first few batches from the contract manufacturer were not as good as they should have been.

Cheers

[Ben R]

I have been using the Steripen Journey for a little while now, and it has worked out fairly well. The symbols on the LCD differentiate between battery low (frowny battery), or other problem (frowny face), a bit easier to comprehend than just a blinking red light on the Adventurer. The Journey also works with narrow mouth bottles due to its different shape, where the rubber neck actually seals fairly well against the bottle. Just tip the bottle upside down and swirl. The Journey is 1-2 oz more, but is worth it IMO.

I tried the rechargable Tenergy batteries first, and they worked great at home, but were junk in the field. It seems they wouldn't work in temps less than 55 degrees F. Standard energizers work well. Sounds like for some people the rechargables work? Is the quality that variable?

I occasionally have to fiddle with the electrical contacts. The unit occasionally turns off mid cycle for no reason, but cleaning the contacts with my shirt seems to fix the issue.

[Michael Davis]

Roger's habit of not storing the batteries in the Steripen may be the reason that I haven't had problems with it bcause I too remove the batteries. If I,m making my way from one water source to another during the day, I leave them in all day, then remove them at night. I never store the unit with batteries and I always carry a fresh set on hikes.

BTW I use only lithium bateries.

[P. P.]

Ditto what Michael said.

[Mike W]

…

[Hiker 816]

Hey Roger, great idea on the MYOG thumbscrew. Can you give some more info on how you made and installed it?

[Mary D]

Sorry if I got a little over-sensitive there….

Roger, the model I had was the Adventurer. While I remember that there were several different signals, it has been almost a year since I returned the thing–including the directions–so I can no longer give you chapter and verse. I do know that there were separate signals for "low battery" and for "aborted cycle." I can't remember by now whether one blinked and one didn't or whether they blinked at different rates or what. But there was a definite difference, well-described in the directions. (As mentioned previously, the directions were surprisingly well-written!)

Having decided that the Steripen didn't fit my style anyway, and that with the extra batteries and wide-mouth Nalgene there was no weight savings compared to my ULA Amigo Pro filter, I didn't want to bother hassling with the manufacturer, paying return postage, etc. I just wanted to get rid of it! I had to go to the REI store I bought it from anyway, so I returned it there.

If I were going to take this unreliable (IMHO) gizmo with me, I'd want to bring along enough Micropur or Aquamira as backup to disinfect the water supply for the whole trip. Of course, in that case, why bother with the Steripen? That's actually what we did on the trip I cited. After 24 hours of fussing with the Steripen and trying really hard not to use bad language in front of my grandkids, I stuck the Steripen in the bottom of my pack and switched to Micropur–fortunately we had just enough to get us through the rest of the trip.

I had read beforehand that the batteries drain when left in the Steripen, even when it's turned off, so I removed them between uses. So I don't think that contributed to my problems. But this was another time-consuming fuss-and-bother which should, IMHO, be unnecessary.

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Mary

No worries. I need to be kept in check … :-)

One day, sometime, we will have a Steripen working with UV LEDs. (They are coming.) The current drain will be far less, so the batteries don't give so many problems. Hopefully the user interface will also be improved to the point of obviousness. Maybe when that happens it will be worth your while having another go.

Cheers

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Christopher

Yeah, OK, I will see what I can do. It wasn't hard …

Cheers

[Robert Blean]

Roger,

"One day, sometime, we will have a Steripen working with UV LEDs. (They are coming.)"

Do you have any time estimate? As best I can tell from reading, not before 2010 – 2011.

–MV

[Donna C]

I have used the Adventurer for almost 2 years now and haven't had any problems. I take one battery out each time because of the drain factor. I use a Nalgene collapsable cantene (1 L ) and collect, treat and pour it into whatever water bottle/bladder I am using that day. In the evening in camp, I use the Micropur tablets to treat the water overnight. I will use an MSR Dromlite which holds several liters ( 4?) so my water the next day is good. overkill? No. In the Midatlantic area, summer tends to dry springs out, so when I need water, I need it now and not 4 hrs from now. It works for me. Yes, the button was hard for me to use, but I got the hang of it. This works for me. YMMV. I don't mind removing a battery. I am in no hurry. I think I will try the tape idea, however.

[EndoftheTrail]

I wouldn't mind taking out a battery or putting in a piece of tape or cardboard in between, etc. — if I didn't need a blade or coin to open up the battery compartment each and every time!

Why the heck do companies insist on making us reach for tools to change batteries? There are plenty of finger-operable but still pretty darn secure designs! Same with headlights! :(

[Ashley Brown]

Don't you carry coins in the backcountry Ben? If not, what do you do when you come across a drinks (soda) vending machine?

[EndoftheTrail]

I don't bother with soda fountains in the backcountry — I tend to just continue along the trail escalators.

[Roger Caffin]

> "One day, sometime, we will have a Steripen working with UV LEDs. (They are coming.)"
> Do you have any time estimate? As best I can tell from reading, not before 2010 – 2011.

Suitable UV LEDs are commercially available today. It's just that they cost US$50 – 100 each, in quantity.

The new aluminium nitride material offers some hope, but commercially not before 2011 imho.

Cheers

[Author]

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