AA batteries to get?

[claudekennilol]

I'm looking for AA batteries for my entertainment system (remotes, video game controllers, etc). Obviously this doesn't pertain specifically to flashlights, but this definitely seems to be one of the more competent places on web regarding batteries. I had some iGo batteries but they just leaked out and killed themselves and my charger. So are there recommendations on what I should get? I also need a new charger. Preferably one that can charge individuals and not just in pairs to accommodate charging 1/3 at a time--though not necessary as I could just wait for the third to charge with some other odd left out batter. So any insight on what some good batteries are would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oKtosiTe]

Eneloops. Period.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Eneloops. Period.

Yeah, Eneloop 2nd Gen., 1500s and a Maha C9000, a LaCrosse BC-1000, or 700 and/or a AQ-328, should all fit the bill, for charging duties.

Chris

 

[Bumble]

Eneloops. Period.

+1 simple as that

 

[Norm]

There are numerous existing threads, a Google Search of CPF - Norm

 

[Starik1]

I had the same question.

Eneloop 2000mAh or eneloop 2500mAh? I saw both kinds on amazon

 

[Cereal_Killer]

The 2500's are quite a bit more(maybe not per 4 pack, but that additional $4-5 will add up fast) and for things like remotes and toys and stuff the extra 500mAh's is totally useless. As well as the decreased cycle lifespan.

I know your looking for rechargable NiMH's but if you wanted to stick some non r/C's is some of your longer lasting devices (like the remote) so you can use the r/c's in things that use up batteries faster. Energizer lithium's (commonly called L91's or EL91's) are about the best non r/c batteries out and unlike alkaline they won't leak.

Just for compairson in my zebralight SC52 (a very common EDC light around here) 2000mAh eneloops last 45 minutes on high, L91's last 1h&15m. (That is at a VERY HIGH discharge rate, either battery will last months, if not years in something like a remote) L91's also start out at 1.82v, its possible some stuff won't work on NiMH's because they're under 1.5v (alkalines voltage) that some stuff is designed to run at.

 

[thedoc007]

The 2500's are quite a bit more(maybe not per 4 pack, but that additional $4-5 will add up fast) and for things like remotes and toys and stuff the extra 500mAh's is totally useless.

Care to explain why you feel that way? I understand the marginal cost is high for the extra power, but to call it useless? Doesn't seem to be supported by the facts...a 25% increase seems significant to me.

 

[Cereal_Killer]

Well people usually buy the XX eneloops for higher draw applications, lets say your remote is a high-tech one with led's under every button, it would maybe draw 1mA per day, a standard 2000mA eneloop will last 5.5 years, do you really want/need to use a battery that costs $1 more per battery? That 500mA extra capasity will take it from 5.5 years to 7 years life. With the rate technology grows are you even going to be using the same TV in 7 years, let alone 5.5?

Thats why I said its useless in such a low-draw application.

The XX's also have 500 less cycle life than standard.

i'll also add in my 360 controllers I use 900mAh batteries and they last weeks, I have never felt the need to use eneloops/better quality/higher capacity batteries in such devices, I keep my good batteries for lights and my motorolla walkie and things I depend on more.

 

[sniper]

I use my regular Eneloops in my lights and camera flash unit. No problems, plenty of capacy, even for my Granddaughter's wedding. One set, through both the wedding and reception. My next purchase will be a charger with individual channel capability. I seem to have more than enough Eneloops!

 

[StorminMatt]

its possible some stuff won't work on NiMH's because they're under 1.5v (alkalines voltage) that some stuff is designed to run at.

Not true. The key point to remember about alkalines is that they don't maintain voltage well. Voltage drops with use, even on low drain devices. Because of this, pretty much anything that runs on alkalines can run on batteries down to 1V. This is fine for NiMH, since NiMH batteries maintain approximately 1.25V throughout most of the discharge cycle. And when they finally drop to 1V, the battery is drained.

 

[Yamabushi]

its possible some stuff won't work on NiMH's because they're under 1.5v (alkalines voltage) that some stuff is designed to run at.

Can be true for multi-cell devices.

I have one device that will not work well with NiMH. It uses 4 AA and appears to need a minimum 5 V at low current draw. Eneloops stop working in less than a month when the voltage drops below the minimum required voltage; 1600 - 1700 mAh remain unused according to my C9000. Alkalines batteries last 6 to 9 months.

 

[Cereal_Killer]

Not true huh? Why cause you've never heard of it? It is true there are very few, if any MODERN devices (LED flashlights included) that won't work with the lower voltage, but in the past it was very common for electronic devices, especially single AA/AAA cell powered devices to not run right, or even at all on a NiMH battery.

I personally have an old magnavox plug-in alarm clock with a 1xAA battery backup that (when unplugged, or during a power outrage) will continue to run and keep time on cheap dollar store brand alkalines but won't even keep itself powered on, let alone keep time, on any NiMH. BTW it also works fine on L91's.

Another example: while it still turns on my EOTech (a very high-end gunsight, choice of the US military) has a built in low-battery feature where it flashes the rectical from bright to dim when the batteries reach 20%, the reticle flashes low battery when using eneloops or my other 2500mAh energizers. As a side note on the EOTech, L3 communications recommends against the use on L91's as well because they do the opposite, the sight isnt able to detect when they have reached 20% so it can't warn you it's low.

 

[Power Me Up]

It's certainly true that there are some devices that don't like the lower voltage of NiMH cells.

I would contend that anything that doesn't run properly on NiMH is poorly designed because it won't be able to get much energy out of Alkalines before the voltage falls below that of rechargeables. Even for low drain applications, I prefer rechargeables because of the tendency of alkalines to leak!

I try to avoid devices that can't handle NiMH cells, but if they can't be avoided, NiZn cells may be an option. Voltage wise, they're similar to L91's, but they do have lower capacity. They hold a higher voltage under heavy loads than L91's so you have to be careful not to damage some devices. They're more fragile than Eneloops but at least they are rechargeable compared to L91's. For very low drain devices or devices that are only very rarely used, L91's would be better because NiZn has fairly high self discharge, but if you're replacing them fairly frequently and can't use NiMH, I think NiZn is a worth considering.

 

[MarioJP]

It's certainly true that there are some devices that don't like the lower voltage of NiMH cells.

I would contend that anything that doesn't run properly on NiMH is poorly designed because it won't be able to get much energy out of Alkalines before the voltage falls below that of rechargeables. Even for low drain applications, I prefer rechargeables because of the tendency of alkalines to leak!

I try to avoid devices that can't handle NiMH cells, but if they can't be avoided, NiZn cells may be an option. Voltage wise, they're similar to L91's, but they do have lower capacity. They hold a higher voltage under heavy loads than L91's so you have to be careful not to damage some devices. They're more fragile than Eneloops but at least they are rechargeable compared to L91's. For very low drain devices or devices that are only very rarely used, L91's would be better because NiZn has fairly high self discharge, but if you're replacing them fairly frequently and can't use NiMH, I think NiZn is a worth considering.

+1

 

[gradio]

Recently got all my AAs finally to eneloop, and culled out all the others.

 

[MarioJP]

My set of Eneloops (2nd generation) should be arriving tomorrow :-).

 

[raptechnician]

eneloops period. :whistle:

 

[Norm]

I'm still using 30 or so 2006 dated Eneloops in the Grandkids toys, I've purchased more recent cells dated last year but the 2006 cells are still holding up well.

Norm

 

[Backpacker Light]

I'm still using 30 or so 2006 dated Eneloops in the Grandkids toys, I've purchased more recent cells dated last year but the 2006 cells are still holding up well.

Norm

Same here.

I also have all my old Eneloops cells still working with no issues. I use and charge them constantly. Many are 6-7 years old.

I have yet to find one to fail.