# How Long Does a G5 Transmitter REALLY Last? \*\*UPDATE-Transmitter Died\*\* UPDATE-New Transmitter \*\*\*UPDATE-2nd Transmitter šŸ˜­ **URL:** \ **Category:** C/GM\ **Tags:** dexcom\ **Created:** [June 22, 2017, 4:05pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307 "2017-06-22T16:05:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 9:17pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/104 "2017-09-08T21:17:17Z")
> [@Michel](#): > > Would you like me to check them out and find an email for you? @docslotnick, done! Anyone needing that info, feel free to contact me by email. > [@Dexcom G4/G5 transmitter battery replacement](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/dexcom-g4-transmitter-battery-replacement/910): > > When traveling I was forced to check a bag and neglected to take out my Dex (transmitter too). It froze (was over a year old), now the receiver does not pick up the transmitter, and I cannot currently allow myself (financially) to purchase a replacement; so I found a FB group where you can have it ground down and have the battery replaced by someone experienced! I am goi g to attempt it because I want my CGM back! Any experience with manual battery replacement or using such a service appreciatedā€¦ ---
**Author:** ![Aaron](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/aaron/32/1454_2.png) [@Aaron](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Aaron)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2017, 4:27pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/105 "2017-09-18T16:27:50Z")
Well - It is 20 days later so here is the update on my G5 transmitterā€¦ Still seems to be going strong after 169 days (about 5.6 months). For Comparison last update at 149 days (20 days ago was: 20 Days Ago: VA = 314, VB=303, Resistance 641 Ohms Today: VA = 314, VB=300, Resistance 766 Ohms I am going with the theory that the voltage is going to remain pretty flat unit there is a couple of weeks left and then I expect it to decay quickly. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/a/a5e546656b56aa08d2aca80785c71cd2eb29c392.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2017, 4:29pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/106 "2017-09-18T16:29:43Z")
> [@Aaron](#): > > It is 20 days later so here is the update on my G5 transmitterā€¦ Still seems to be going strong after 169 days (about 5.6 months). @Aaron, this is really outstanding! So it was not a statistical blip. ---
**Author:** ![Aaron](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/aaron/32/1454_2.png) [@Aaron](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Aaron)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 9:22pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/107 "2017-10-04T21:22:26Z")
It looks like my first ever G5 transmitter is getting close to retirement. I am on day 185 (just over 6 months) and I suspect it will be dead soon. @docslotnick has set the FUD record for longest G5 life at 191 days. My transmitter needs to hold on for 6 more days to beat him šŸ™‚ ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/d/db4ea770b9324b8997f301d068aec73364ff63a8.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2017, 10:57pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/108 "2017-10-04T22:57:33Z")
> [@Aaron](#): > > @docslotnick has set the FUD record for longest G5 life at 191 days. My transmitter needs to hold on for 6 more days to beat him šŸ™‚ @Aaron. Iā€™m rooting for you Aaron! On a side note, donā€™t change your collector method until after your sensor dies. The new OB1 G5 collector in the latest xDrip+ nightly does not display transmitter information on the G5 Status page. Jamorham is working on it, but no luck so far. But on the bright side Iā€™m now getting 99-100% collection rate on my SW3 watch using the OB1 G5 Collector. ---
**Author:** ![Aaron](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/aaron/32/1454_2.png) [@Aaron](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Aaron)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 12:06am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/109 "2017-10-05T00:06:28Z")
@docslotnick Thanks for the advice on OB1 change. I keep looking at OB1 and wondering if I should make the switch. I already run a capture rate of 97-100% on the old algorithm with my SW3 so I am not overly motivated to change. Your stellar review makes me think I will change when the sensor dies to get even better. Interestingly enough, on the sensor status screen above it says Watch Service State not running, but it is running and collecting. By the way - It took me a few days to get the Star Wars reference in the new collector name. I must be getting old. ---
**Author:** ![Osoblu](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/osoblu/32/2258_2.png) [@Osoblu](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Osoblu)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 1:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/110 "2017-10-13T13:16:17Z")
Just thought Iā€™d show a screen shot of my G5 system status just before my transmitter died at 180 days using xdrip+. ![Screenshot_20171012-192358](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/4/466cc690e655584c64f1ad78f61945dc64340ade.png) ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 1:35pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/111 "2017-10-13T13:35:54Z")
@Osoblu That is awesome! Are you using the new OB1 G5 collector? I started using it about a week ago, and although it unnoticed capture rate I havenā€™t been able to get transmitter stats to display. I have to look at the logs and find the line where the stats have been collected. ---
**Author:** ![Osoblu](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/osoblu/32/2258_2.png) [@Osoblu](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Osoblu)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 2:08pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/112 "2017-10-13T14:08:16Z")
I searched but I canā€™t find any reference to OB1 G5 collector. I looked at my error/event list and it says G5CollectionService. Did it come from an xdrip update? This is what my system status page looks like. ![systempage](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/c/c181ef85dc0a71b68447587e2b57fead80b7b890.png) ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/113 "2017-10-13T14:45:14Z")
@Osoblu Itā€™s still only in the beta versions. You can get the latest nightly update by going here and clicking on ā€œnightly updatesā€. I think the latest is 11Oct. [https://jamorham.github.io/#xdrip-plus](https://jamorham.github.io/#xdrip-plus) After you update you have to turn on ā€œengineering modeā€ in the settings (settings\> less common settings). But first you need the secret handshake to get that optionšŸ˜Š. On the home screen long press the eydropper icon, and that will bring up the Google voice applet. Say ā€œenable engineering modeā€ and you should get a toast that it is now enabled. You can now go into settings and place the check mark to enable Engineering Mode. Go into settings\>G5 debug settings and the first choice should be ā€œTry the new OB1 Collectorā€ Check that and youā€™re on your way! Iā€™m getting 98-100% collection rates with the OB1 Collector. If you choose to use it let us know how itā€™s working for you! ![11](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/1/1e2ea4293258ef7fe1666387211e796a185ce260.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2017, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/114 "2017-10-13T21:00:27Z")
> [@Osoblu](#): > > Just thought Iā€™d show a screen shot of my G5 system status just before my transmitter died at 180 days using xdrip+. Really an awesome data point and result to share! > [@docslotnick](#): > > @Osoblu That is awesome! This is now the thrid report of making a G5 transmitter last 180 with xdrip/xdrip+. To me, this is starting to look fairly consistent. ---
**Author:** ![toddbeall](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/toddbeall/32/5863_2.png) [@toddbeall](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/toddbeall)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2017, 3:59am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/115 "2017-11-22T03:59:30Z")
I know this was from a while ago, but I can answer your question as of today. I got 2 free G5 transmitters when I ordered a new G4 system and was promised that I could switch to G5 when it came out. That was around 2 years ago. Well now Medicare covers the G5 not G4, so after getting another year plus on my 2nd G4 transmitter, I installed the new (never out of the box) G5 transmitter on Oct 25th. It died today, less than a month later, with no warning. The receiver still said that the transmitter was ok. When I contacted Dexcom, they were shocked that it even worked at all. So apparently there is a slow battery drain going on even when it is still in the box. I installed the 2nd ā€œnewā€ 2-year old transmitter today, so Iā€™ll see how that goes. So, it does not seem to be correct that the batteries donā€™t discharge until the transmitter has been connected. Iā€™ll report back what happens with this transmitter. I came onto this site hoping that someone figured out a way to put a new battery into the G5 transmitter and fool the receiver into accepting it! ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2017, 5:10am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/116 "2017-11-22T05:10:12Z")
> [@toddbeall](#): > > hoping that someone figured out a way to put a new battery into the G5 transmitter and fool the receiver into accepting it! Welcome, @toddbeall! Unfortunately, the Dexcom receiver and app will not accept a transmitter ID that has already been used. There is actually a thread on the site that discusses G5 battery replacements, along with links of people who do it, but that only works if you use the open source receiver xdrip. Hopefully someone posting from a computer can give the thread link, I am on my phone tonight! Looking forward to reading more of your posts! ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/117 "2017-12-31T16:49:02Z")
Iā€™ve got the last transmitter Iā€™ve started up to 124 days, definitely past the automatic Dexcom shutoff time. Voltages look good, resistance looks ok. Letā€™s see how long this one lasts. 195 or bust! ![Screenshot_20171231-104317](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/b/bbecc74ba41c056a74917cf656987a1445b57220.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2018, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/118 "2018-01-06T14:56:23Z")
This transmither was certainly a bust. Itā€™s only at 129 days and both voltages dropped below 300 this morning and I got the dreaded xDrip+ ā€œdeath is nearā€ message. For @Thomas in including a photo of this transmitterā€™s box with all of the date codes. This transmitter will likely be dead within 2-3 days. Bummer. ![Screenshot_20180106-074338](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/3/33874827f5b4b8cb67b972236bdb4ee634639145.jpg) The photo of the box doesnā€™t want to upload from my phone. I just got a new Note 8 and o guess Iā€™m still working out the bugs. Iā€™ll get it uploaded soon. ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2018, 3:07pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/120 "2018-01-06T15:07:46Z")
Hereā€™s the box ![1488](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/b/b32c3713c62804151091f13da9d88034df99168c.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2018, 9:16pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/121 "2018-01-12T21:16:57Z")
At day 133 this transmitter died, or stated better, I killed it because it was being wonky. ![Screenshot_20180110-073223](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/fudiabetes/original/2X/1/15d740d94141e2135971cc07c74b59aa89e7d278.jpg) It was down to about a 75% capture rate, which is compared to the normal 98%. And the readings were all over the place. The sensor was only 8 days old so I donā€™t think it was a sensor problem. So, between the first transmitter lasting 193 days and the second 133, I got about 10.5 months for the price of 6 from the pair. I think a big reason the second one didnā€™t last longer is that it wasnā€™t even started until it was out of warranty because the first one lasted so long. I just never realized that the voltage degradation would be so great while the transmitter is still in the box. Any other ideas from our cadre of electrical engineers? ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/122 "2018-01-12T21:22:34Z")
> [@docslotnick](#): > > I think a big reason the second one didnā€™t last longer is that it wasnā€™t even started until it was out of warranty because the first one lasted so long. I just never realized that the voltage degradation would be so great while the transmitter is still in the box. I feel the same way. I actually had several long discussions with Dexcom about this recently. They came out and admitted that, if you start a G5 transmitter 1 year or more after it has been manufactured, you have 80% chance to get a battery-originated problem. ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2018, 9:41pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/123 "2018-01-12T21:41:35Z")
> [@docslotnick](#): > > Any other ideas from our cadre of electrical engineers? I think you hit the most likely nail, right on the head. With that said, I would feel better if you had an n greater than 2. When you have finished 8 or 10, I think your understanding will be more complete as to whether that first one was a unique case or more the norm. ---
**Author:** ![docslotnick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/docslotnick/32/75_2.png) [@docslotnick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/docslotnick)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2018, 9:43pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307/124 "2018-01-12T21:43:46Z")
@Chris Working on my n=3 as we speak. Hopefully the data on it will not be available for eight or nine months šŸ˜ [Previous page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307.md?page=5) [Next page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-long-does-a-g5-transmitter-really-last-update-transmitter-died-update-new-transmitter-update-2nd-transmitter/1307.md?page=7)