A question........

[Old Katz]

I have a question about rechargeable batteries: Some people say they use them with no problems. I have read post where others have used them and claimed
standard batteries seemed to work better. Why should this be? I would have thought a battery is a battery is a battery!
Katz

 

[echostar61]

I use the Radio Shack 9v rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. I really
dont see any difference except when they are getting low, I have no way to fully
discharge them before recharging. Always buy a second set

Terri

 

[Eu_citzen]

A battery is absolutely not a battery!

There are different metals in the battery's also how long they last, quality and such are different.

 

[BarberBill]

As I understand it, the rechargeables have slightly less voltage. For instance, 8 AA alkaline give 12 volts give or take when fresh and 8 rechargeables give arppox 9.6. This is enough voltage to still run most detectors okay as they have a regulator that cuts off the voltage below that. The manual for my MXT says 8 volts for instance. The main practical difference is the rechargeables will maintain a working level for less total hours, then drop below the acceptable level very quickly. I"ve seen where some have rigged up battery paks to take 1 or 2 extra rechargeables to get near the 12 volt level, but I don't know if this is really necessary. Also, the extra battery or two in an improvised pak, while raising the voltage probably won't actually give much more in total operating time as the whole pak will drop quickly as they near the discharge level. If one detects a great deal of the time, alternating 2 rechargeable sets can offer a long term savings, but good quality alkalines are the better choice for those of us who detect just occasionally.
HH
BB

 

[coinnut]

I have no issues with rechargeable. Nickel Metal Hydrate for me. I have two packs that I use with my DFX. I run it very hot and loud and my batteries have lasted for over 3 years now. I usually hunt between 8-13 hours a visit, and do 1-2 visits per week. I would never go to throw away batteries. The detector sees no difference between the batteries. A regulator does not allow any higher voltage than the machine's components can take. It also will alert you to low voltage and eventually shut it down if it goes too low. Just my experiences and opinions about them.

 

[dahut]

Not much to add. Rechargeables DO tend to run a slightly lower voltage, but it is of little matter to the detector.
You only need to watch out for the sudden drop off most rechargeables suffer from near the end of their charge life. Some are really bad about it, like the older NiCads, while some of the newer ones not so much. But that is really their worst vice.

The thing to do is ensure you run them to the end of the charge, then recharge them fully. This holds true for any of them.
Probably the best thing you can do with rechargeables is make sure you have a spare back-up set!

 

[Old Katz]

Well thank you for your information. I had no idea the rechargeables dropped off sharply after reaching a
certain level of use. I'll try them anyway and see how they work.
Katz


[size=large]Night Light![/size]

 

[jazdo]

Hi there.. For Detecting I just use regular alkalines,but I use them several times over with a "BUDDY L" recharger. It will charge up to c size alkalines or nickel cadmium batteries. I get several uses from them.

for camera I use a nickel metal hydride battery x-tra power pro is the name of them. 1.2 volts with recharger. They charge faster,but not sure if they last as long. They won't work in Detector,but you can get some that will.