> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.scoutbuoy.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.scoutbuoy.org/charging-and-batteries.md).
# Charging & Batteries
**The Scout beacon's battery level should be above 70% at a minimum before use. We strongly recommend fully charging the beacon before deployment** You can see the battery level in the app.
The telemetry beacon takes a long time to charge. To fully charge from a dead battery can take upwards of 24 hours. **Please only use the charging brick and cable provided. Newer USB-C type fast chargers will not work and could damage the electronics**. We recommend storing batteries at 70% charge.
The power consumption of the buoy is directly related to the number of messages it sends. On average, fully charged batteries on the buoy can send about 400 messages before they are fully drained. Setting the interval to longer periods, or even putting the buoy to sleep will conserve power and increase the amount of time a buoy can be deployed.
The battery drain over time is not linear but S shaped. Expect battery levels to have an initial steep drop, then hovering around 60%, then drop off steeply before being fully discharged.
## **Charging the Beacon**
The Scout telemetry has 4 high quality [Samsung 30Q 18650](https://www.18650batterystore.com/products/samsung-30q) batteries that can be replaced. Please do not attempt to replace these batteries, if you think the batteries need to be replaced (e.g. do not hold a charge, do not charge above 70%) please contact .
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