Re: Rechargeable Batteries - l-o-o-n-g

Storm Connors (stormc@megahits.com)
Thu, 16 Dec 1999 10:58:04 -0500


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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I've been recharging regular alkaline batteries using a recharger intended
for NiCads. They charge up well, but I've not been doing it long enough to
comment on life. It does take a long time to come to full charge, probably
because the voltage is rather low in the charger.

I found NiCads to be terrible for an ordinary flashlight. Life is short, and
because they only supply 1.2V the light is dimmer. The more cells the
flashlight uses, the worse they are. Replacing the bulb with one of the
correct voltage would help brightness, but would shorten life.
----- Original Message -----
From: Dennis W. Farrell <dfarrell@ridgecrest.ca.us>
To: WWPotterList <wwpotter@tscnet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 1999 5:07 PM
Subject: Rechargeable Batteries - l-o-o-n-g

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> West Wight Potter Website at URL
> http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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>There have been recent comments on the list about Rechargeable Alkaline

>Research: a collection of facts and observations.

>Suggestions/Recommendations for AA cells. Here's what I intend to do.
>For VHF-FM hts use NiMH cells, keep them in the fridge in a plastic
>bag/container between uses, and top up their charge just before putting
into
>service. Let them come to room temperature before charging. Note that
NiMH
>cells get a bit warmer than NiCads when charging. Second choice would be
>NiCads, with Panasonic apparently having a bit better capacity than others.
>Third choice and a desirable backup would be Alkaline cells, with Duracells
>perhaps having more capacity than others.
>
>For GPS's, use RAs and have a backup RA set available. For maximum cycle
>life don't discharge more than about half-way, and recharge as soon as is
>convenient.
>
>For flashlights, running lights, etc. I'd suggest NiCads, with RAs a second
>choice as long as conditions are such that you don't run them dry before
>charging. Alkalines will give a longer run time than RAs, but of course
>can't be recharged for another go.
>
>Your thoughts/comments/experiences?
>
> -- dwf
>