Rechargeable batteries

[cowboyup_again]

So I have enegizer rechargable batteries and when I bought them I didn't know enough about them to realize they were different. One set is 2000mHa and the rest are 2200. Is this going to make a differance in charging or in discharging? Will it hurt them to charge together or be used in the explorer together? Do I need to use the 2000 for kids toys and buy another set of 2200?

[Vethraxx]

It should not make a difference at all that the batteries are slightly different. However it has been my experience with rechargeable batteries that they don't last nearly as long as a good alkaline battery.

I had 8 rechargeables on me. My first 4 lasted 3.5 hours and were down to 2 bars on my Ace, in another hour they were down to one battery bar. If I did not have the 2nd set with me, it would have been a short day.

The set of more expensive lithium brand disposable batteries will last for 3+ weeks of detecting everyday. I don't use rechargeables except in toys, flashlights, etc.

Even if they over charge a little, most recharageables are 1.2v. And an alkaline is always 1.5. In my Ace 4x1.2=4.8 vs 4x1.5=6. It's like you need to add another rechargeable to get the same voltage. You are pretty much starting at a disadvantage. These are NIMHs I am talking about.

NIMHs (Nickle Metal Hydride) are best used right off the charger. If you charge them up, and then set them aside, they slowly start to loose their charge. After a few days, you should not use them until you recharge them again.

What I would like to do is convert my detector to run on a Lipo pak, I would not have to recharge for a couple months

[robby4570]

I use NUON NiMh batteries in my Digital Camera, FRS Radios, and MD just to name a few. I hate to throw away anything and it's hard to find a battery recycler when you need them. So I have a bunch of rechargeable and a good charger that does up to 8 at a time, that's 2 sets for my ACE 250. I read in my camera instructions that if rechargeable batteries are used, they MUST be of the same rating. I have both 2500 and 2300 mAh sets so I never mix them for charging or use and have had no problems. I get about 10 hours on 1 set of the 2500s in my MD and that's a couple of days hunting for me, but my camera eats them for lunch - I only get 60 to 100 shots in RAW format. I'd just get another set or two and dedicate them for your MD.

HH

Mike

[president89]

I recommend trying the Hong Kong NI-MH you get on eBay. Dirt cheap, and they are 3000mah. 4 would last me quite a while in my x-terra 305. The good thing about the NI-MH batteries is they can be re-charged ALOT. They aren't like those old rechargable batteries they used to have that they got weaker and weaker everytime you charge them(memory loss).

I think others in this thread are comparing Nicad to alkaline. Check this comparison out. The only thing Ni-MH aren't good for is smoke detectors and emergency flashlights. Other than that, they are the best bet according to this site, and IMHO.

http://michaelbluejay.com/batteries/

[ual10]

I'm new to the rechargeable battery thing, but I got some Energizers on sale at Best buy, $9.00 for 4 AA each with charger ,x2, (I use 8). They rate them at 2300 mHa, if I can get 4-6 hrs. a day out of them that'll be good enough for me. They claim you can re-charge them in about 4 hrs. I might get 8 more batteries for an extra set as a backup in case I plan an all-day hunt. I'll let you know how they work out...HH

[dmulk]

I use the highest MAH NiMH batteries I can find in just about everything I have that uses batteries.

The one exception is with Sanyo Eneloop...they are usually only 2000, but the quality is off the charts. These cells seem to last as long as 2500 mah other brands...

Anyway, the one piece of advice I can give you is: Use a newer smart charger.

I have an older NiMH charger, but it doesn't charge the newer 2500+ mah cells that my newer charger does fine.

Cheers!

<D>

[Greek2Me]

I have found some Energizer batteries at Walmart that charge in 30 minutes if you charge 4 and 15 minutes if you charge 2. The charger is also portable and can be plugged into your cig lighter in your vehicle. I get about 10 to 20 hours on a charge. Plus I bought an extra 4 batteries, so you are never out of juice. The total setup was about $40

G2M

[LittleJohn]

I opted to go with the NiZn...thats Nickel/Zinc rechargeables. These batteries are the best rechargeables I have ever used, and they have withstood the rigors of constant use, going on their second season now. They sell you a special charger for them, that is only for their batteries....charge 4 at a time and you are ready to go. These charge to 1.6-1.65 volts...which is .15 volts more than your average alkaline battery. I have used these batteries in Tesoro's and White's machines and I am a customer for life.

The small amount of increased voltage will not hurt your machines, but to be sure call the manufacturer of your specific machine to be sure(like I did) and you will see that they will tell you that is fine.

The batteries are called "Powergenix" or Powergenex...cant recall right off....and they are green.

I used to have a pile of NiMh batteries, but they just get used in my remotes for my TV now. The NiZn's are well worth every penny.

I believe I get an 8 pack for around $18....

Hope this helps!

LittleJohn

[PokerShark]

Yes! A technology question, my passion!

When I hear folks say they have had problems with modern rechargeable batteries it is normally one of two issues involved:

1) They are using a rechargable that is too small for the application, and I do not mean AA, AAA, or C cell size, more to the point they are using a 1400 or 1700 mAH battery where a 2200 or 2500 mAH is called for and thus the proformance is not up to par.

2) They went the inexpensive route and invested in Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) batteries which are "old school" rechargeables from the 80's and 90's that do not perform well beyond flashlights and other low drain applications today.

NiCD or Nickel Cadmium batteries do not work well in modern electronics due to their inablity to provide sufficient current and their tendency to build up a tolerance to a charge know as "memory effect" without proper handling.

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or Lithium ion (Li-ion) rechargeables are your best options for detectors, probes, wireless headphones and other gear that supports our hobby. And good news for the very frugal - they are much cheaper in the long run because a set can replace 100's of their disposable friends.

Good luck and happy finds,
Jon

[digsafe]

The Energizer AAA AA dont last long in some cameras.