Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

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rightisright
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Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by rightisright »

To tie in w. a few recent solar themed threads, I'd like to [strike]discuss[/strike] ask some questions about rechargeable batteries.

I currently own only a few AA NiMH and a basic charger. I would like to substantially add to that collection. A few questions I have:

Are the eneloops worth twice as much as Amazon or Tenergy NiMH cells? Or are you just paying for the name?

I have several LED lanterns that take D batteries. Are you using C and/or D cell spacers or buying the $$ full sized cells?

Most of my weapon lights and a few of my flashlights are CR123A powered. I remember a few years ago, there were some splodey problems w. Li rechargeables. Has that been rectified?
JohnOC
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by JohnOC »

Lithium Ion Polymer batteries need different charging technique than other rechargables.
Make sure your charge controller can handle lithium batteries. If your charger thinks it is charging a Ni-Cd battery, it will probably blow up a Li-po battery and start a nasty fire, complete with toxic smoke, that water will only make worse.

Never charge them unattended.
Never charge them in a small enclosed space.
Never charge them near anything flammable.
Don't get them wet.

All that said, there are plenty of people using Li-po batteries safely for r/c hobby purposes, they have outstanding energy density per weight, and very high current draw capability. A typical 3-cell, 2200mAh hobby pack can provide 55A@11.1V without getting even slightly warm and up to 70A@11.1V for short duty cycles without damage. Lower current of course means longer life and even less stress on the battery technology.
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Weetabix
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by Weetabix »

I don't own any Eneloops, but I've had great luck with the Amazon Basics NiMH's.
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Greg
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by Greg »

The eneloops are worth the money. They consistently live up to all their performance claims (practically unheard of in the battery world) in all areas- capacity, low self discharge, and number of cycles (durability/longetivity). My oldest eneloops are just under 7 years old and still working fine, though I haven't put all that many cycles on them.

The others may or may not be worth the money, I haven't seen enough info to be sure.

Li rechargeables work just fine if you buy good quality batteries, have a good quality charger and use them properly. Any flashlight or rc- hobbyist site should have lots of good info proper li battery handling, as well as cautionary tales.

I have 16 18650 li rechargeables. 8 Samsungs from a laptop battery pull I use in a USB battery bank, 4 Sanyos and 2 Panasonics I use in my flashlights, and 2 XX-fire Chinese mystery batts I *never* use and will recycle the next time I find a properly sized round 'tuit. I have a Nitecore i2 charger that I never leave unattended, that charges inside a metal container. I also have a freebie mystery Chinese charger that I *never* use and will recycle along with the mystery batts when the proper round 'tuit shows up. Should tell you something.
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workinwifdakids
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by workinwifdakids »

Great question. I've standardized on AA, so I have D-cell spacers for my lanterns. They work very well once you get the hang of them. I did buy enough standard non-rechargable D batteries to run my lanterns for a few weeks probably, and the batteries advertise a 10-year shelf life. So once those are gone, I still have the AAs and spacers.

Eneloops are awesome.
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blackeagle603
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by blackeagle603 »

Got a particular charger you like?
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workinwifdakids
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by workinwifdakids »

Not aside from the Goal Zero solar I picked up. My wife and I bought a couple of chargers w/ 4 batteries each for the Wii console. I can't remember, but I think it was Energizer. Since it's just for a console, I don't care much if it's top of the line.

Which I guess begs the statement, I need to find an AC charger for NiMH rechargable AAs.
And may I say, from a moral point of view, I think there can be no justification for shoving snack cakes up your action.
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Greg
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by Greg »

Maha and La Crosse are the big names in smart NiMH chargers.

I don't own either but from what I've researched, and read from people who have them- products from each company have strong points. FYI, one La Crosse model had a bit of a bad rep for occasionally failing by overheating and melting down but I am told that has been fixed.
Maybe we're just jaded, but your villainy is not particularly impressive. -Ennesby

If you know what you're doing, you're not learning anything. -Unknown
Sanity is the process by which you continually adjust your beliefs so they are predictively sound. -esr
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randy
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Re: Let's Talk Rechargeable Batteries

Post by randy »

I know MaHa is a big name in amateur radio circles. FIL has one and I haven't heard any complaints, but I don't know how much he actually uses it.
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