Looks like my assumption was correct RED is POSITIVE as is the case almost all of the time. I forgot to indicate that I had already verified the polarity of the cell with my 87 and it was wired what I felt was incorrect. Hopefully, now the battery will last a bit longer.
Here is what Davis had to say
The red to POSITIVE is correct. The CR123A should last a MIN of 8 months (that would be NO solar power input) and should last towards 2 years.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Bruce Johnson
Technical Support Representative
(510) 732-7814 | M-F 7:00am to 5:30pm PT
support@davisinstruments.com
Thanks for everyone's assistance!
Wt