Rechargable Batteries

[superjens]

Useless batteries. I'm tired filling up landfills with Energizers and Duracells just for my FRS and mini mag lights. I won't be using the rechargables for a camera or any motorized devices, so which type of batteries and charger should I be looking for? At the stores I see a couple of types now, ni-cad, lithium, ??

Until they start selling these rechargables help me get pointed in the right direction.

[scott.com]

I would get high capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries. That's what they recommend for digital cameras but I'm sure it would also apply in your case.

Locally I know Radio Scrap carries a kit that comes with a set of AA's and a recharger.

The best set up that I've heard about are the batteries and rechargers that you can get from a company called Maha. You need to order these from the States.

Here a NiMH rechargeable battery review I found.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

[rrdstarr]

Jens these are the only way to go! My digital Olympus camera came with a set of 4 and a recharger. I also bought 12 more from Rad Shack(like Scott mentioned) to run my FRS, power the GPS, when not hooked to 12v, Mini Maglite, toothbrush, etc etc.

[Xlax]

Or get a Cobra CB

[superjens]

Radio Scrap? I never really think about them anymore for electronics, I'll have to pass by tomorrow to see what they have. Scott, thanks for that excellent link, this'll give me something to read at work tomorrow

Hey Claus, I got a question for ya! What's the range on that CB ya got, eh? Can you carry it around with you when you step out of the truck? who ya gonna talk to up here in Canaduh with it eh? (Just buggin' ya, I'll get one eventually)

[Kerensky97]

I use Rayovac Renewals.

They last about the same amount of time as an alkaline battery and can be recharged 30-40 times.

The charger will chargethem up to their peak then stop, if they loose a little charge while in hte charger it will top them off and keep them fresh.

I just got a few sets of batteries and I just rotate them so there is always a set in the charger.

[OffroadX]

Rechargeables aren't really well-suited to flashlight use unless you use them often. They don't hold a charge very long. Keep using alkalines in your flashlight if you keep it sitting around waiting to be used spontaneously. If you use it only on trips and such, NiMH would do.

I'd go with NiMH. Short of Li-Ion, they're pretty much your best bet for rechargeables but don't cost a fortune. Ni-Cads suck, they don't last.

Pay attention to the capacity though, some NiMH batteries are pretty weak. Shoot for 1500 mAh or better in AA size, and 600 mAh or better in AAA.
I run Rayovac Ultras rated at 1600 and 700 mAh respectively. Don't pay attention to the packaging on the Rayovacs though, look at the battery itself. Sometimes the capacity on the battery isn't the same as the packaging, or at least it was the case a few months ago when I got mine. I forget if the batteries I got were higher capacity than the package stated, or if some of the batteries on the stand were lower than the package stated.

Pretty much the best-rated NiMH source I've heard of is Maha Energy/Powerex.
Also, get an "intelligent" computer-controlled charger that will condition the batteries. Most chargers actually slowly damage the batteries by overcharging them.
Discussion of good NiMH battery prices

Excellent rechargable battery site

Brent

[superjens]

Maha it is, and it turns out there's a store not to far from where I live that supplies them so I'll be picking up the goods this afternoon. Nice to see the chargers come with an optional car adapter, this is really handy and will do away with my worries of power for my FRS even on longer trips. As for my emergency maglight that sits in my truck, I'll keep a pair of regular batteries like you suggested Brent, thanks for pointing that out.

Cheers y'all, eh? (multi-country salutations)

[scott.com]

Jens they sell Maha locally. Cool! Where? I want to get a charger when the lithium batteries in my digital camera run out.

[superjens]

Burnaby on East Hastings, here's the 411

Burnaby Radio Communication
4257 E. Hastings St.
Burnaby, BC V5C 2J5
Canada
604/298-5444
http://www.burnabyradio.com