Rechargeable Batteries.

[HiDesertHunter]

For those who use rechargeable batteries in their detectors do you or have you ever experiences any issues?

Specifically any issues due to the lower 'top' voltage of rechargeable AAs as having only 1.25 volts instead of 1.5.

I am thinking it should not be a problem as my detector ( White's Quantum XT) says in the manual the detector will function properly until the 'Low Power' display shows - which is not unlike almost any battery powered device, IE they usually work well throughout battery discharge until the lowest voltage limit is reached.

I have a pretty good 'working knowledge' of electronics, batteries etc. but just wondering with regard to MD's. Thanks!

 

[Cherry Picker]

Yes. When I used AA rechargeables with my DFX they would never start with as high a voltage as the Energizer Alkalines I used. No matter how long I charged them.

 

[HiDesertHunter]

Yes. When I used AA rechargeables with my DFX they would never start with as high a voltage as the Energizer Alkalines I used. No matter how long I charged them.

Well, the rechargeables max out at 1.25 volts but did you notice any difference in operation, detecting sensitivity etc?

 

[hoser]

Yep sure have. Like CP said he had issues with his DFX and so did I. They just didn't hold up or last near as long as Alkaline batteries, and the same for my E-Trac. The rechargeable pack even when new didn't hold a charge the way it was advertised.

 

[hoser]

did you notice any difference in operation, detecting sensitivity etc

I didn't notice anything other than reduced detecting time.

 

[Cherry Picker]

Yep sure have. Like CP said he had issues with his DFX and so did I. They just didn't hold up or last near as long as Alkaline batteries, and the same for my E-Trac. The rechargeable pack even when new didn't hold a charge the way it was advertised.

Yes, my experience as well. There was a noticeable difference in depth I felt. They didn't last long. On the DFX it really did seem to make a difference in depth vs battery output. I used to buy the very highest output batteries I could get. I know the detector should have a regulator that keeps the voltage the same from begging to end, but that wasn't the experience I had.

 

[hoser]

I know the detector should have a regulator that keeps the voltage the same from begging to end, but that wasn't the experience I had.

Nope, me either.

 

[sube]

Did you even try to do a depth test between the two battery packs on a know target to see if there was a difference ? sube

 

[Cherry Picker]

Did you even try to do a depth test between the two battery packs on a know target to see if there was a difference ? sube

I never did, but everything seemed far more responsive. The audio was crisper. Recovery seemed faster. Just an overall better performance, or so it seemed.

 

[rogueaviation]

I used rechargeables in my MXT. They didn't last as long as the alkalines, but lasted pretty long until you got the low battery warning.

There's a mod for the battery packs that allows you to get an extra battery in the end of the pack. So there will be 9 batteries at 1.2v, instead of 8 batteries at 1.5 volts. I made one up and it worked pretty well with long battery life.

--Matt

 

[too_pointer]

I have loads of rechargeable batt. and so far, I quit buying regular batts. This is what I have for a couple years, and know they make them for different detectors. I believe "up to 40 hours on a charge, and hold it well. I will find the link for you, at least you could get your questions answered. https://bigboyshobbies.net/rnb-power-plus-garrett-at-series-batt-pack-battery-w-charger, and you know that it is the truth if it on the web !!! lol
too_

 

[TexHunter]

Pretty simple, buy 1.5v LiOn rechargeable AA's. I run them in my 540...

 

[Tinhorn3]

Here is a AA Battery Chart on different "capacity" of type chemistry. It says how long the charge lasts, more the mAh, the longer it lasts

 

[Jose159]

I have a used a ton of different batteries in my trail cameras and the premium rechargables always out perform the alkalines. The key is always use Japanese made batteries instead of Chinese made....huge difference! Some good ones are Eneloop pros and Watson batteries sold by B&H photo

 

[too_pointer]

Thanks for the info, we appreciate it.
too_