Opalec Newbeam and Rechargables

I just can't stand my unused Minimags laying around. I'm thinking about getting an Opalec Newbeam. In addition to draining half-used AAs in it, I was also thinking about using NiMHs. My question is whether the Newbeam drains the batteries enough to damage them, or will the red LED turn on first?

I would recommend asking the manufacturer: [email protected]

No matter what batts you use in the NewBeam, the red LED will turn on when the batts are low...

I've gone through some Li-AAs, NiMHs, NiCads, and alks, and all of them gave me the red LED when they're dying...

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.opalec.com/support.html
Q: Can I use my NewBeam converted flashlight with rechargeable batteries?
A: Certainly! Actually, the NewBeam works better with NiCd or NiMH batteries ...

Q: At what voltage does the NewBeam's red indicator LED come on?
A: The indicator comes on when the battery voltage drops below 2.0 Volts. The brightness remains regulated down to 1.8 volts.


[/ QUOTE ]

I use NiMH extensively in my Opalec and just swap out the batteries when the red light comes on, or when they've been under heavy use.

Blikbok,

Thanks. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be overdraining the batteries.