Advice for D cells and charger?

[P220C]

This reason for the question is little bit out of the norm here, but I think the topic of my question is germane to the board.

This might be a fools erand for me, but I want to at least give it a fair shake.

I am looking to power a boombox radio (something like the Sony Xplod or a cheaper jobsite version) with 8 D cell rechargables (or their equal). I have two price points in the running. I can justify $70 in batteries and charger if I go with the boom box I want, or $100 +/- if I go with the cheaper one.

The manufacturer claims 18 hours on alkiline so that would mean I will need to recharge twice a month based on actual use, not counting self-discharge.

I've considered the AA/D conversion angle, but that seems like alot of work Just to recharge the batteries, but the low self-discharge rate does mean I won't have to recharge as often so there might be a case for going that route.

The easiest option is to just use my Makita LiIon 18v battery packs and quick charger from my cordless drill and buy the Makita portable radio, but I would rather not cycle those expensive/highish performance battery packs for such a mundane purpose. Or I could pick up a DeWALT radio and battery pack and be done (this is the source of my price ceiling)

 

[metlarules]

For 70 bucks I would go with these.
http://www.batteryspace.com/nimhrechargeablecelldsize12v10000mahrechargeablebattery8pcs.aspx

http://www.batteryspace.com/bc1huuniversalsmartchargerforallsizebatteries.aspx

 

[SilverFox]

Hello P220C,

I think you would have less "issues" and better results by going with the Makita set up.

It is OK to use a quality battery pack in a "mundane" application...

Tom

 

[TakeTheActive]

...I am looking to power a boombox radio (something like the Sony Xplod or a cheaper jobsite version) with 8 D cell rechargables (or their equal)...

...The manufacturer claims 18 hours on alkiline so that would mean I will need to recharge twice a month based on actual use, not counting self-discharge.

I've considered the AA/D conversion angle, but that seems like alot of work Just to recharge the batteries, but the low self-discharge rate does mean I won't have to recharge as often so there might be a case for going that route.

The easiest option is to just use my Makita LiIon 18v battery packs and quick charger from my cordless drill and buy the Makita portable radio, but I would rather not cycle those expensive/highish performance battery packs for such a mundane purpose...

[OPINION]

1. AVOID PACKS:
   • I do my best to avoid buying devices that require custom batteries / packs and try to find devices that use AA/AAA (or even C/D with adapters) cells.
   • A 'few' slip-ups, REVERSE CHARGE a cell or two and that *EXPENSIVE* pack is history.
   • Standardizing on ONE charger and 2 cell types for *ALL* your devices gives you a HUGE inventory to cycle through.
2. CHOOSE THE CAPACITY TO REQUIRE A WEEKLY RECHARGE:
   • 52 weeks in a year; 520 cycles in 10 years
   • The HAPPIEST cell is a USED (ACTIVE vs IDLE) cell
   • Buy only BRAND NAME cells
   • If you already own 8 AA Eneloops (2000mAh) w/D adapters, see how long they last (assuming that you're going to buy the Sony anyway). Then you can calculate / decide what CAPACITY you 'need'.
3. BUY A CHARGER WITH SUFFICIENT CHARGE CURRENT:
   • IF you *REALLY* have to use D cells, then you're going to need a decent charger
   • RadioShack 23-428 Universal Ni-Cd/Ni-MH Battery Charger Owner's Manual - PDF Format
     • I 'upgraded' to this ~$30 (w/2 FREE 4500mAh NiMH D cells!) RS Charger (D@2500mA) a few years back (from my Rayovac PS3 'Cooker' / ALL@~500mA). The Maha's are good, but *EXPENSIVE*.
     • My current / active non-AA/AAA Inventory:
       • 6 Vinic 6000mAh NiMH D cells (12/17/2002)
       • 2 RadioShack 4500mAh NiMH D cells (~2005)
       • 2 Energizer 2500mAh NiMH D cells (~2005)
       • 2 Energizer 2200mAh NiMH D cells (~2003?)
       • 2 Millennium ?mAh NiCD D cells (~1998?)
       • 2 Maxell ?mAh NiCD D cells (~1999?)
       • 4 Tysonic 4500mAh NiMH C cells (12/17/2002)
       • 4 Millennium ?mAh NiCD C cells (~1998?)
       • 4 GE ?mAh NiCD C cells (~1997?)

[/OPINION]

Looking forward to reading your decision!