Rechargable AA batteries

[Richard-N-FL]

I was wondering if anyone is using AA rechargable batteries? I'm looking for some and I've seen some people saying that they can be slightly larger than regular alkaline batteries. Any input I'd appreciate. Thanks

 

[UtahRich]

I have a set of eneloop AA’s. Keep them for my Racer 2. Work great. I’ve used an RNB for the Etrac. Seems to last forever but not cheap.

 

[Chris(SoCenWI)]

Richard,

I bought a couple of the alkaline packs and filled them with low self discharge Ni-MH batteries. At $2 each and good for thousands of recharges that is the way to go. Before I tried the low self discharge batteries I had the factory pack and tried regular rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. Often found the pack low when I wanted to go detecting. The low self discharge will hold a charge for years, and I can get a couple of days of detecting out of them. The are slightly bigger than alkaline cells but they fit in the pack.

Chris

 

[sprchng]

I have had good luck with the NiMh lsd batteries for some time but it looks like the world of the AA battery is about to take another giant step forward with the introduction some manufacturers of Li rechargeables coming forth with their new products. Lithium clearly bests the others for everything but price. If you really need rechargeables , you probably need the Li. I have some EBL 9v Li batteries that have saved me a bunch of money over buying the alkaline ones.
https://www.batteryjunction.com/ipower-aa-lithium-polymer-battery.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhPj8q8uG1wIVlIl-Ch3sGg1AEAQYASABEgL8ZfD_BwE

 

[Richard-N-FL]

Well i checked out the batteries. They are expensive and they say not to use more than 4 batteries at a time. I'm guessing you haven't had any issues in your Etrac.

 

[MarkCZ]

I've never saw anything from the battery manufactures stating to not use anymore than four batteries at a time?
I don't know of any reason that you can't stack and rack as many of these as you need to to get whatever voltage you need.
All battery packs are made up of rows of these battereis, none are a single cell! Yes! maybe a single pack.

Go to batteryjunction dot com and take a look at the "Tenergy Centura" LSD (low self discharge) AA batteries.
You would also need one of the mid price smart chargers for them!
These are a VERY good battery (maybe not the best) but probably one of the best bangs for your buck.

It was stated above that the LSD batteries will hold a store charge for YEARS!!!! in my research I've found that most of them
to claim a shelf charge life of 80% "for UP TO one year"

Mark

 

[Tony N (Michigan)]

Lithium Ion batteries for E-trac

I have one. Takes about only two hours to charge and last about 30 some hours. Yes, the initial expense is there but so are a lot of rechargeable batteries..

 

[MarkCZ]

As far as actual overall size some rechargeable's, mostly the super high capacity's do tend to be to the MAX diameter for the AA specification, but I wouldn't say OVER-SIZED.

Mark

 

[sunraysux]

right on Rich
i always have my extra set of eneloops ripped and ready
when the recharge batt that comes with the Etrac gets down to one cell on the meter, i swap them out
those Eneloops are super powerful and last a really long time//love them bigtime

 

[Chris(SoCenWI)]

n/t

 

[MarkCZ]

n/t

A good set of the AA rechargeable's service life will exceed someone ownership of the detector they were bought for!

Mark

 

[Chris(SoCenWI)]

Mark,

I'm guessing I get 20 some hours off a pack instead of 30 some for the Li batteries. I should try run a pack into the ground and time it. I wonder if I can just turn my XS on and check it once in a while. Not sure if there is an auto shut off?

Once I found the low self discharge batteries pretty much use them anywhere. Only about twice the cost as quality alkalines but thousands of recharges.

Chris

 

[rayski]

I tried rechargeable 20 years ago for my Fisher1265X. They worked OK but the new ones are better. Got the RBC for the Etrac works well. I always keep 8 alkaline and the pack on hand just in case I need backup.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

I bought (2) Durcell Chargers (each came with (4) AA Batteries) at Walmart about 6 or 7 years ago.
Paid approx. $17.00 for each - been using them in my E-Trac's backup battery pack since the day I got them - they work just fine.

Also, I've read that you should stay away from "Quick Chargers" if possible because they can shorten rechargeable battery life.

 

[Delta Digger]

I have a set of eneloop AA’s. Keep them for my Racer 2. Work great. I’ve used an RNB for the Etrac. Seems to last forever but not cheap.

. I’ve had my eneloops going on 6 years now. They are Just as strong as when new.