Hey all, has anyone experimented with AA or 9 Volt lithium ion batteries in their metal detectors to maximize performance? I’m thinking about trying them with my Teknetics T2 and G2. Just wondering if any of you guys have experience with these batteries. Thanks!
Lithium Ion AA and 9V in Metal Detectors
- Thread starter spenglure
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EmuDetector
Forum Supporter
Well outside of the function with the specific devices you listed. Lithium batteries are superior in many ways for your devices and well worth it. Longer life, true voltage supply until end of life, true voltage supply during temperature changes, wont leak, etc. There's many benefits to using them and I run them in just about everything I own, especially if that device is something expensive, and anything I put through hard use.
Rock Jock
Elite Member
I always run lithium in my AT Max and Garrett Z-lynkable Propointer. They work great. I appreciate the longer shelf life and corrosion resistance.
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LittleJohn
Elite Member
I run lithium ion 9V batteries in everything that I have that uses 9v batteries and wouldn't ever go back to anything else. I still use niMh AA's for the rest of my machines and they work flawless. Buy the quality brand name batteries that start with an E and you will never look back.
TorqueMaster
Elite Member
To be clear, I'm talking about rechargeable li-ion batteies, not un-rechargable lithium batteries. I have no experience with those particular devices, but I'd expect li-ion batteries to work just fine in them. I ran the 9V li-ion(500mah) in a Fisher F2 no problems. Never used any AA li-ions. Last I checked they were still lagging behind AA NiMhs in capacity. All things being equal, the batteries' (true not claimed) mAh rating is directly proportional to device runtime. Rechargables are now meeting or exceeding alkaline performance.
Alkaline 9V ~ 300-500mah
Alkaline AA ~ 2000-2500mah
Alkaline 9V ~ 300-500mah
Alkaline AA ~ 2000-2500mah
What do you expect to gain by using these batteries in your detectors?
There are good LSD NiMH AA and 9V rechargeable options out there that give plenty of run time without the added maintenance of using a rechargeable lithium battery.
The only real advantage of a lithium-based battery in a metal detector (over an LSD NiMH battery) would be weight and low-temperature performance.
Weight-wise, we're probably talking about 20-50 grams. If you're a gram weeny, maybe that's worth it.
Temperature-wise, most of us don't hunt in sub-zero temps very often. But if you do, then lithiums (primaries, which are non-rechargeable or poly/ion, which are rechargeable) are something to consider, I suppose.
You might be wondering about run-time. Depending on which batteries you're comparing, the lithium cells might only give a small increase in run time compared to NiMH batteries.
For example, if you use Tenavolts (lithium) in your T2 instead of Eneloops (LSD NiMH), the overall energy in those lithium cells is only marginally more than the Eneloops. Why? Because the Tenavolts have a special voltage converter/device inside the cell that steps down the 3.7+ nominal volts of the lithium cell to a fully regulated 1.5V output. Oh, and keep in mind that these added electronics in these special lithium batteries emit EMI. Whether that EMI will affect your detector is up to debate.
There are good LSD NiMH AA and 9V rechargeable options out there that give plenty of run time without the added maintenance of using a rechargeable lithium battery.
The only real advantage of a lithium-based battery in a metal detector (over an LSD NiMH battery) would be weight and low-temperature performance.
Weight-wise, we're probably talking about 20-50 grams. If you're a gram weeny, maybe that's worth it.
Temperature-wise, most of us don't hunt in sub-zero temps very often. But if you do, then lithiums (primaries, which are non-rechargeable or poly/ion, which are rechargeable) are something to consider, I suppose.
You might be wondering about run-time. Depending on which batteries you're comparing, the lithium cells might only give a small increase in run time compared to NiMH batteries.
For example, if you use Tenavolts (lithium) in your T2 instead of Eneloops (LSD NiMH), the overall energy in those lithium cells is only marginally more than the Eneloops. Why? Because the Tenavolts have a special voltage converter/device inside the cell that steps down the 3.7+ nominal volts of the lithium cell to a fully regulated 1.5V output. Oh, and keep in mind that these added electronics in these special lithium batteries emit EMI. Whether that EMI will affect your detector is up to debate.
rogueaviation
Full Member
I use rechargeable batteries in everything that doesn't have an onboard rechargeable battery. It seems like a good idea, and I think it saves money in the long run. Those 9v alkaline batteries are getting expensive.
Back when I was running an MXT, I even made a 9 cell conversion for the packs. Back then rechargeable batteries were only 1.2V. With the 1.5V available now, even that is an unnecessary conversion.
Back when I was running an MXT, I even made a 9 cell conversion for the packs. Back then rechargeable batteries were only 1.2V. With the 1.5V available now, even that is an unnecessary conversion.
Hey all, my thought here is general performance. Lithium ion give more full power performance while they contain power relative to alkaline which get weaker until they slowly daily. I know these batteries die quick when it hits that point. So I’m also looking to save money. Alkaline batteries are getting expensive. Just looking for alternatives and opinions. Thanks all who replied!
Then using LSD NiMH AAs and 9V cells should fit the bill nicely and last longer than lithium cells in terms of cycle life. It's your money and your detector, but based on what you've said (in regards to seeking better performane than alkaline), you have no compelling reason to go lithium ion.
I've been making Li-ion battery packs for all of my detectors. (Excalibur and Impulse AQ) For a small investment they will save you money in the long run. Lite weight, longer lasting, and no memory. Getting ready to do one for the excalibur..
So far 15 dollars invested.... end total will be around 30 with charger and drop in battery.
So far 15 dollars invested.... end total will be around 30 with charger and drop in battery.
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I don't know about the Excalibur, but the Impulse is a battery hog. So it pays to use lithium.
Also, with these waterproof detectors, it makes more sense to use higher capacity batteries to avoid having to open the detector in the middle of a hunt. That consideration isn't present for most landhunters.
IDXMonster
Elite Member
Just to be clear when you say “improved performance”…this would pertain to the run time of the batteries themselves, it’s not like you’re planning on getting “extra depth” or something, correct? Pretty much all machines are voltage regulated, so better batteries won’t give “extra power” or such…but I’m guessing you know this. I know some people would LOVE to think this, but it’s not about perception as much as it is about electronic circuitry. It simply can’t happen.
I am in 100% agreement with this. However, I know some people "swear" that using certain detectors on partially depleted batteries results in performance that isn't as good as with fresh batteries.
I think they're wrong, but I could be the one who's wrong.
IDXMonster
Elite Member
If they’re talking about an older unregulated detector of some kind, sure. There are all kinds of good luck charms people use in sports and hobbies…different colored socks, colored underwear, pic of grandma on the dash during the race, fresh batteries in the detector….but when it comes to electronics and voltage regulated circuits, you’re not wrong. This is THE reason that they are that way….so that performance does NOT change.
TorqueMaster
Elite Member
IDXMonster pretty much asked and answered exactly as I would have. Unless your detector is ancient, like from the 70's or older, it's likely regulated and the battery type isn't going to make any difference in depth. You'll save money in the long run using rechargables, and still get runtime comparable to alkalines. That's the limit of the benefits.
KOB
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And I'm one of those that fried one. $1200 down the drain....
I noticed at Costco they have rechargeable lithium batteries. I think they are Energizer with a charger. I read the warnings on the package and it said not to use them in watertight , sealed , electronics. I'm assuming because they need to breathe. I've been reluctant to try them in my DF , even though I would slip in some silica packs. Just scared of repeating the past.....
When you add more voltage you have to keep things cool so condensation becomes a non-issue and I know someone who has been using 22 volts through the TDI beach hunter with no issues...
I used lithium batteries in all my detectors including the DF had no issues at all.. sure gave me longer run times in them...
LittleJohn
Elite Member
To be clear, I am talking about rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. The 9volts are 600 mah and brand is EBL. I haven't tried any of the Li-ion AA's and haven't needed to as the Eneloop AA's have done a superb job for me for many years.
