[GeoStL] Re: Rechargeable Batteries
- From: "Jim Bensman" <junkmailno@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:37:08 -0500
I forgot to make a couple of points.
The batteries will hold less of a charge than the battery says. The amount
of a charge can vary widely. I've had Energizer 2500ma only hold 1500ma.
If you pair up a battery that holds 1500ma with one that holds 2300ma, as
soon as the 1500ma runs out, the device shuts down. Your weakest battery
determines how long the pair will last. The PowerX charger will test and
tell you how much of a charge the battery will hold. Then you can pair up
batteries with similar capacities and know which are your best batteries.
When I test their capacity periodically, I stick a label on them with the
capacity to assist in matching them up.
The Maha will charge 8 batteries (including C and D) at a time, but does not
have all the features of the PowerX. The PowerX is the way to go if you do
not need to charge C/D and only need four at a time. I've had the Maha for
a long time and recently got the PowerX. They are both great chargers. If
you use lots of batteries, either is well worth the investment.
Jim Bensman
"Nature Bats Last"
_____
From: Jim Bensman [mailto:junkmailno@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2007 9:39 PM
To: 'geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx'
Subject: RE: [GeoStL] Re: Rechargeable Batteries
Not all batteries and chargers are the same. I figured since you save so
much money (and landfill space) with rechargeables, I have invested in
quality stuff. I have not used anything but recharagables for 10 or so
years (except smoke alarms), so I cannot give you a good comparison. But I
usually get 20-24 hours on a single set in my 60CSX. How long do people get
with disposables? I have a enigerizer 15 minute charger. I cannot remember
the last time I used it. I have Maha MH-C808M and PowerX MH-C9000 chargers.
They cost about $75 a piece. They will get the batteries to hold a bigger
charge than the 15 minute charger. They also both have break in modes,
modes to fix batteries that do not charge well anymore. The PowerX charger
will also tell you how each battery performs and how much of a charge it
will hold.
I have lots and lots of rechargeable batteries. By far, the best ones are
my 2700 ma PowerX AAs. You can get a 4 pack for $17. They last
significantly longer than my 2600 ma Enigerizers. I problem with the
batteries is they loss their charge when not in use. RayoVac have some new
2100 ma batteries that do not lose their charge when you store them. I have
8 of them. They last less than my PowerX, but I use them for extra
batteries on a trip and carry a set as a backup.
PS ma tells the capacity, the bigger the number, the larger the capacity.
http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/Index.asp
Jim Bensman
"Nature Bats Last"
_____
From: geocaching-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:geocaching-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Andrew Senger
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2007 1:20 PM
To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [GeoStL] Re: Rechargeable Batteries
Thanks everyone for your information. I have a couple of follow-up
questions.
Have you ever had the batteries go "dead" (i.e. won't recharge, or won't
stay charged for long)? If so, approx how long did that take (in recharges
or months/years)?
At Sam's, I bought a recharge kit with 8 AA batteries and 4 AAA batteries.
It was the same price as (I believe) a 32-count AA case.
Eric mentioned that he was getting about 3/4 of the time with rechargeables,
so I would need at least 5 recharges to be worth the value. Will the 8
batteries will last 5 times longer than a typical AA over its life? If so,
is the charge still good after that 5th use?
Thanks again!
Andrew
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