Chris M.
Flashlight Enthusiast
Is there such a thing as 1/2-AA Ni-MH batteries? If so where in the UK can I get some?
The reason I ask is that I recently got a LEDtronics Flashled (with 6 white leds). It uses 3 "N" size alkalines and also has the option of using 2 AAs instead for a much extended run time but at a reduced brightness (it`s only about Infinity brightness with AAs). I find I`m using it quite a lot- it`s brighter than any 1-led keychain lights and compact enough to fit in my pocket- the clip keeps it in position. Usually I forget it`s there unless I kneel down- then it makes its presence known. Anywhere round here in this bit of the world, N-cells are kinda hard to find, so I wanted to try using rechargeables in it instead when the supplied Ns run out, so I wouldn`t have to worry about finding replacements for it any more in the future. Just keep a spare charged set on hand. The best thing I thought of would be 4x 1/2-AA Ni-MH cells as they would have the best capacity/runtime for the size. They would fit exactly in place 2 AAs and deliver about 4.8 volts (is that right- 1.2v per cell?), higher than with 3 Ns but probably fine since the current to the leds is already limited and the extra few tenths of a volt shouldn`t damage them. It would probably be brighter too which is a good thing.
I know 2/3-AAs exist and 3 would fit inside, but they`d deliver less volts than the Ns and hence less current to the leds- and this light is dim enough already so I don`t want to do that. I can also get 1/3-AA, 4 would fit fine with a spacer but the runtime would probably leave a lot to be desired.
What do you think then? Good idea, or don`t 1/2-AA cells exist?
The reason I ask is that I recently got a LEDtronics Flashled (with 6 white leds). It uses 3 "N" size alkalines and also has the option of using 2 AAs instead for a much extended run time but at a reduced brightness (it`s only about Infinity brightness with AAs). I find I`m using it quite a lot- it`s brighter than any 1-led keychain lights and compact enough to fit in my pocket- the clip keeps it in position. Usually I forget it`s there unless I kneel down- then it makes its presence known. Anywhere round here in this bit of the world, N-cells are kinda hard to find, so I wanted to try using rechargeables in it instead when the supplied Ns run out, so I wouldn`t have to worry about finding replacements for it any more in the future. Just keep a spare charged set on hand. The best thing I thought of would be 4x 1/2-AA Ni-MH cells as they would have the best capacity/runtime for the size. They would fit exactly in place 2 AAs and deliver about 4.8 volts (is that right- 1.2v per cell?), higher than with 3 Ns but probably fine since the current to the leds is already limited and the extra few tenths of a volt shouldn`t damage them. It would probably be brighter too which is a good thing.
I know 2/3-AAs exist and 3 would fit inside, but they`d deliver less volts than the Ns and hence less current to the leds- and this light is dim enough already so I don`t want to do that. I can also get 1/3-AA, 4 would fit fine with a spacer but the runtime would probably leave a lot to be desired.
What do you think then? Good idea, or don`t 1/2-AA cells exist?
