I'm wondering about these AA batteries and chargers. I'm slowly accumulated various gizmos that use these things and today I was in WallyWorld looking around for some AA rechargeables and charger. I finally bought a Duracell charger and 4 batteries. Prices varied from approx $9 to $24 for a charger and several batteries. I got this one because the price was about in the middle ($14) and the charger is 120V-240V and I travel around a bit so that may be useful.
I notice after charging these that the voltage is about 1.40v. I don't have any fresh AA alkaline but a couple of fresh alkaline D cells I have are about 1.58V. Also, about 10 years ago, I bought a Rayovac "Renewal Charger Station" and some "Renewal" "reusable alkaline" cells. They are about 1.60V after charging. They seem to have worked Ok although several of the cells have not taken a charge as indicated by the little red light on the charger never going out even after extended time in the charger, so I just pitched those.
I guess I should have asked this before I went shopping, but how does this voltage difference affect the devices that use these cells? Which brand are the best if any are significantly better? How do these hold up under repeated charging? How do they compare to say for instance the COSTCO alkaline batteries or Duracell brand alkaline batteries. I will mostly be using them in flashlights, and a little chinese digital multiband radio quartz digital locked loop or something like that, and probably in the future a digital camera? Thanks. Jim
Edited: Mon April 04, 2005 at 12:09 AM by HerkyJim
For some time now, my wife has been using the Radio Shack AA rechargeables on her little personal TV. They seem to last a long time but not as long as fresh Alkaline. Still, the cost has been repaid many times over.
I understand 'normal', Ni rechargeable batteries only produce 1.2 volts. That's what's written on the side of mine. But 'standard' or rechargeable alkaline batteries produce a full 1.5 volts spec, but I can measure 1.6 volts if my digital voltmeter is to be believed.
My solution is to buy 'standard' Duracell and other brands of alkaline, then re-charge them many times, using a Rayovac charger designed for their special rechargeable alkalines. It works a treat with no explosions, leaks or any other problems. Much cheaper.
Be very careful charging alkalines as they tend to melt down if left on the charger too long
I bought an Energizer 15 minute charger at Walmart. I think it came with four 2100 mah batteries. These things seem to last forever in my digital camera. I love them and won't go back.
We've updated our forums!
Click here to visit the new forum
Copyright © 2016 Arizona Mobile Air Inc.