NiMH: which Mah should i choose?

[LEDagent]

I just got a new digital camera, and it's time for me to buy some NiMH batteries. I don't want to buy online right now becuase i need batteries quick. BUT i can't find anyone in my area that sells any NiMH AA batteries above 1600MaH (except for MonsterCable batteries)

If i do find NiMH starter sets like the new Rayovac NiMH with 1 hour charger, or the Monster Power 1800Mah with 3 hour charger, i don't think they have the option of conditioning the batteries.

So i guess i have 3 questions...

How much better is 1800Mah AA NimH compared to 1600Mah??

Does conditioning REALLY play an important role in charging NiMH?

If so, how often should it be done? I figure if they need to be REALLY conditioned after the 50th charge, then i wouldn't mind buying the over the counter type NiMH batteries tomorrow from Walmart. I could always buy via Ebay after the Christmas frenzy!

 

[vcal]

The 1800mAh ones are 12%+ better in capacity than the 1600s

I think that's all.

In my own experience , you don't need to worry about "conditioning" NimH cells. It IS true that when they are new, -just like Nicads, they are chemically a little "stiff" and only need 3-4 charge cycles to loosen up to deliver their full rated capacity.

Feliz Navidad

 

[ikendu]

I started out with NiMH 1200 Mah batteries, then I bought 1450's then the 1600's. Each step up in capacity was noticeable for my digicam use, but I still use them all (good for 1000 recharge cycles after all). The lower capacities do wear down sooner, but not so much that it is a huge problem.

So...if you have an easy source of the 1600's go for it! They'll be fine. On the other hand, if it IS just as easy to get the 1800's, the extra capacity will be nice.

If you haven't got your charger yet, look at the MaHa 204 ...although Thomas Distributing has some intesting new chargers as well.

 

[papasan]

conditioning is more important for NiCD batteries than NiMHs because of the 'memory effect'...i've heard conflicting 'truths' about wether or not NiMHs will last longer/have more recharge cycles/will hold more charge if they are conditioned regularly...

*much* more important than conditioning is a charger that has a non-timer based charger control circuit so that the batteries are not way over charged...this is even more important with these super 1-3 hour fast chargers as they really pump some juice into the batteries fast...

 

[vcal]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by papasan:
conditioning is more important for NiCD batteries than NiMHs because of the 'memory effect'...i've heard conflicting 'truths' about wether or not NiMHs will last longer/have more recharge cycles/will hold more charge if they are conditioned regularly...

*much* more important than conditioning is a charger that has a non-timer based charger control circuit so that the batteries are not way over charged...this is even more important with these super 1-3 hour fast chargers as they really pump some juice into the batteries fast...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Totally agree with all that.
-Let's face it..Cheap chargers become expensive when they damage batteries.

Timer based units, IMO are a baaad idea -especially with NimH cells.
I'd chose one of the Maha or the C.Crane chargers-they are cheaper in the long run.

sermon over

 

[Darell]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LEDagent:

How much better is 1800Mah AA NimH compared to 1600Mah??
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What everybody says is true - it is a direct correlation, so the answer is 200Mah. No magic, just straight capacity of the cells.