Arc AA Flashlight and NiMH Battery

[PocketLights.com]

Can I use a NiMH battery instead of an alkaline with my Arc AA? What are the implications?

 

[pyro]

The output will be a bit dimer, due to the lower voltage.
and you have to look out to not deep discharge the NiMH cell.

IMHO its not worth the trouble, AAs are so inexpensive
and the arc consumes very little power, self discharging woold use as much power as the light itself /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[paulr]

It should work fine, the AAA works fine on a NiMH. Brightness might be a little bit less than with a brand new alkaline, but about the same as a used alkaline. However, I'd say it's only worth doing if you use your AA a lot, like every day. At a more normal few minutes per week, an alkaline AA will last for years.

 

[Lux Luthor]

I've been using lithiums. Definitely brighter and lighter than NiMH, although the output on NiMH is usually good enough for me.

 

[Ray_of_Light]

I use the Arc-AA as bedside light. I use an Ni-MH 2100 mAh cell, and it lasts about 11 hrs before moon mode. So far, I had no trouble of any kind.

Anthony

 

[cave dave]

If I go camping or someplace I know I will use the light alot I sometimes switch out to a Nimh just for the weekend. Then put the alkaline back in when I get back.

Otherwise I usually just replace the Alkaline when the time changes (twice a year) whether it needs it or not. (and it usually doesn't)

 

[mridude]

Hey Dave, show the people in the Arc forum your homemade reflective lanyard for your AA.
I have purchased the cord from Mountain Gear :
(Perlon NiteLine 3 mm x 15 m 614827 1 $17.95)
You didn't need a minimum $40.00 purchase to charge a purchase @ Mountain Gear/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon6.gif
I figure I'll have other uses for it besides the lanyard.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Guys, he did a real nice job...good pics and step by step instructions...worth a look.

 

[Xrunner]

I've had no problems with NiMHs in Arcs, but recently I've been using "dead" batteries from things like TV remotes and clocks for all my LED lights. They usually provide a decent amount of runtime, and it's like getting free use out of batteries since most people just throw them away. I even have friends who donate "dead" batteries to me every now and then. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

-Mike

 

[Lurker]

One thing to watch out for is not to overtighten the head when turning on the light. That can put a lot of pressure on the battery and cause the NiMH cell to dent in on the bottom.

 

[Spade]

Remember the Solitaire? Man, it seemed every time I wanted to use the thing the battery was dead, or nearly dead. Crummy little light in a great aluminum housing. Can't believe I put up with it as long as I did.