Recharagable batteries

czech09

Diamond Member
Nov 13, 2004
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Looking for some NIMH Rechargable batteries and charger anyone know of any good ones? Thanks.

-Lubomir
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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Originally posted by: Eli
Did someone say rechargable batteries?

The most important thing when it comes to rechargable batteries is the battery charger. It is responsible for both how long your batteries last, and how fully they charge.

Look no further.

Read this, too.
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
81
Thomas-distributing.com, click Maha PowerEX products. I have the MH-C401FS and MH-C490F chargers. (12) 2300mAh AA, (4) 800mAh AAA, (4) 9.6V @ 170mAh. Worth every penny.
 

czech09

Diamond Member
Nov 13, 2004
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Mmm...that charger is a little on the high end...I was looking at something around $25 with batteries. I bought one for like $14 shipped on the Egg a while ago it's not bad takes a while to charge and batteries last a decent amount of time. Anyone know of anything around $25 that's decent?
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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Originally posted by: Ornery
Those are kind of pricey, Eli:I've been buying at Battery Space for a lot less:
Yeah, but a battery isn't a battery. Some companies can be a little too giving when rating their batteries.

That said, yeah. You're free to use any battery you want.. It is the charger that is important. I have to admit, I've been thinking about picking up some of those cheap rechargables.

The PowerEx batteries are rated best, but the test is somewhat old. I really wish he would update it with a range of these new 2300 and 2400mAh batteries we're seeing now.

What I really need is a full set, though.. And they're fscking expensive! :Q As in a charger that will charge everything, and a full set of batteries (4D, 4C, 8AA, 4AAA, 2-9V or something).. Over 100 bucks.. Gah!

I suppose I did spend over 50$ on my charger and 4 batteries about a year and a half ago though, so... maybe it's not so bad.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,808
311
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Originally posted by: czech09
Mmm...that charger is a little on the high end...I was looking at something around $25 with batteries. I bought one for like $14 shipped on the Egg a while ago it's not bad takes a while to charge and batteries last a decent amount of time. Anyone know of anything around $25 that's decent?

Target B&M has an Energizer quick charger with 4 AA's for $25.
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
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At the prices Battery Space charges, they're nearly disposable! I removed the plastic lid from my charger, because it locks heat in. No idea why they think it needs a cover in the first place! :confused:

When you have a huge pile of fully charged batteries at your disposal, it doesn't seem particularly necessary to charge them "fast". That's exactly what heats them up in the first place, and heat ain't good for your batteries at all.
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
81
I tried to recharge some Kodak photo 1800 w/ the maha charger, the batteries couldn't hold the charge long. Old batteries I guess.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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Originally posted by: Ornery
At the prices Battery Space charges, they're nearly disposable! I removed the plastic lid from my charger, because it locks heat in. No idea why they think it needs a cover in the first place! :confused:
Yeah, stupid.

I always have my C401-FS set to Slow charge, and the batteries don't really even get warm at all, so the lid can be down... I've only found myself needing to fast charge them a few times, and it's good for battery life.

The next set of batteries I get, I'm actually going to record how many times I recharge them...

I've probably only recharged my current 2200mAh batteries.. well, quick calculation..

~30 times.. in about 1.5 years. That's probably about right. I used the low side of what my camera gets per charge(350 pics), and the number of pics I've taken(roughly 10,000).. so it could be less actually.
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
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I made Ni-Cd packs for my cordless phones, and have been monitoring how frequently they have to be charged: 10-26, 11-26, 12-19, 01-08, 01-30, 02-21, 03-17... kinda sick, no? :p
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
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Originally posted by: Baked
I tried to recharge some Kodak photo 1800 w/ the maha charger, the batteries couldn't hold the charge long. Old batteries I guess.
Depending on how bad they are, they probably won't ever come back to full capacity, but after several charge/discharge cycles, they may get better.

I found some old 1600mAh RadioShack rechargables I bought back in 2000 sitting in an old walkman..

They're pretty toasted, but.. I think they are getting better. I've been using them in a flashlight. It does seem the more I charge them, the longer they are lasting.
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
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I found some old 1600mAh RadioShack rechargables I bought back in 2000 sitting in an old walkman..

Old? My cordless mouse is having Ni-Cd batteries rotated into it, that were purchased in January 94. I know they're that old, because I wrote the date on 'em!
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,808
311
136
Originally posted by: Ornery
I made Ni-Cd packs for my cordless phones, and have been monitoring how frequently they have to be charged: 10-26, 11-26, 12-19, 01-08, 01-30, 02-21, 03-17... kinda sick, no? :p

Yes but we would expect no less from you :)
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
Originally posted by: Ornery
I found some old 1600mAh RadioShack rechargables I bought back in 2000 sitting in an old walkman..

Old? My cordless mouse is having Ni-Cd batteries rotated into it, that were purchased in January 94. I know they're that old, because I wrote the date on 'em!
Wow, heh.. Do they still hold a decent charge?

I threw all my old Ni-Cd's away.
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
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No, they don't. They're OK for the keyboard, but not the mouse. I'm switching that over to the 2000mAh Ni-MHs purchased a couple years ago. I was trying to see if I could get those old Ni-Cds rolling again, but they're not doing too well. Can't bring myself to throw them away, because they "might come in handy someday". My attic is filled with crap that "might come in handy someday"! :p
 

Delleet

Senior member
Jan 11, 2005
265
0
0
I've been looking at the Maha 401 charger (I need to be able to charge single cells), but for $35+ I've been holding off...
 

Conky

Lifer
May 9, 2001
10,709
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PowerEx NiMH battries and MAHA charger can't be beat! These two things you don't want to skimp on because they will last forever. :thumbsup:

And the battery cover on the MAHA chargers is, as the owners manual states, only for when the charger is empty to keep the dust out. You aren't supposed to close it when battries are charging, thilly people. :laugh:
 

Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
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Worldwide Smart Charger + 8 AA 2300mAh NiMH Cells $23.95
  • About the Batteries:


    • 8 Powerizer (TM) Ultra high 2300mAh capacity means ultra long working power.
      Excellent performance in Digital Cameras, CD Players, Remote Control Vehicles, Metal Detectors, Flashlights, PDAs etc..
      Designed to enable rapid charging and long useful cycle life.
      Last twice as long compared to regular NiCd battery and 4 times as long to Alkaline Batteries.
      Can be recharged for up to 1000 times!
      Memory free operation provides great convenience.
      Exact replacement for standard AA size batteries in all devices.
      Weight per battery : 13 oz.
      12 month Limited warranty!!
      2 Battery Cases will be included, and everything in the picture will send to you in a nice package.

    About the Charger:


    • Worldwide usage. Auto AC power adjust from 110-240V. Never worry about power compatibility again.
      Ultra Fast, only 1.5 hours to fully charged 2 or 4 pieces AA or AAA
      Smart, build-in microprocessor automatically switch off when batteries are fully charged. ( -V )
      Safe, build-in IC provides variers protection, Themal protection, Overcharge protection, Short-circuit protection, mechnical and electrical protection against reversal polarity, and auto defective battery identification.
      Convenient, 12V car cigarette lighter plug for on the road charging
      Compact ( 2.5 x 4 x 1 inch ), Light weight ( 3 oz only ) * charger only