Rechargeable battery system---- what can you recommend?

[Champion Jack]

Anyone have a suggestion on rechargeable batteries? I use mainly AA and some AAA.
I had a recharger system from "digital energy" that sucked I need something that works.
Thanks

[mcscajun]

1. Stick with the names: Rayovac or Energizer.

Both make rechargeable battery/rechargers; both are available here:
http://www.batteriesplus.com/c-98-Rechargeable-Batteries.aspx

I have an older system still working, so I can't speak to the particular models here.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. I had one from Radio Shack that worked great, but...

they probably don't carry that one any more. Besides, they suck in flashlights and small tape recorders, so I rarely bothered with them.

You do realize that your common NiCad batteries are only 1.2 volts, so stuff has to be made for the lower voltage? Lithiums can go up to 3 volts per battery, but stuff also has to be made for the higher voltages.

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. One big drawback to most rechargeables ...

They aren't 1.5 volts. NiMH are not (generally I prefer NiMH which are 1.2 volts.)

Most devices run just fine with 1.2 volts, but for some, I have a cache of Rayovac Renewal cells.

[bad_robbie]

8. NiMH and Alkaline voltages

You're absolutely right to point out the voltage difference. In an application where voltage is unregulated, this could be the deciding factor, e.g. our LED Christmas wreath needs all 4.5 volts from 3 cells to get the white LEDs to glow. 3.6V from tree NiMHs wouldn't work. Like you, I put the "Renewal" alkaline in this.

However, in a device with a smart power supply circuit, the additional current capacity from NiMH batteries mean that they will provide a much longer run time per charge than alkaline cells. I'm thinking in particular of digital cameras, but other high drain devices like portable blood pressure cuffs apply, too.

You can get 2500 mAh (and more) AA NiMH cells, now, so read the fine print when buying.

Another NB: some D size NiMHs are just the AA unit repackaged in the larger can. That's burned me a retail stores when I didn't read carefully. :(

As far as a charger and battery recommendation goes from the original question, the Maha/Powerex ones are good. They have a nice AA/AAA charger that will charge cells individually, with multiple quick/slow/trickle modes. The mahaenergy.com website has a dealer locator, but if you prefer to buy online, Thomas Distributing has a good selection and reasonable prices. I used them for my small business and personal battery needs (when I have a few days notice).

[MercutioATC]

4. Only one choice....Powerex batteries.

http://www.batteriesplus.com/p-36025-mhraa4-2700-mah-nimh-aa-4-pack.aspx

I also have the http://www.batteriesplus.com/p-36024-mh-c808m-aa-aaa-c-d-smart-chrgr.aspx

Great battery life, tons of recharge cycles, quick recharge times.

Rayovac, Energizer, Duracell....they're all the Fords and Chevys of batteries. Get the Porsche.

[skids]

5. It's really the charger that's important...

You'll definitely want to go with NiMH at this juncture.

You want a charger that has individual circuits for each cell,
so you do not have to balance battery pairs.

I use a Rayovac PS1 that does AAA and AA. It charges
each cell separately. It's an OK charger as long as you
don't want really fast charging times. The only
issue with it is that the way the contacts work they can
scrape away the sticker holding on the negative tab on
some cells over time. But that has not done any real
damage to my cells in over two years of use.

If you have enough cells that you can afford to wait out
the weather, those solar lawn lights often have a top that
can just be popped off the glass, and a switch to turn the
LED off entirely, and can be put in a window sill. They are
not regulated but do not dump enouh current to overcharge/damage
an NiMH -- even the NiCad based models will charge an NIMH
fully though they don't work too well as lawn lamps because
the light sensor is tuned to NiCad supply voltages. You'll
still want to have a mainline charger, though, because they
charge in pairs (and some in threes) and the cells will
need to be topped off a couple times a year to make sure
they don't go out of balance.

[Champion Jack]

6. Thanks for all the info!

Much appreciated

[seasat]

7. I've been using a Rayovac charger I found at Home Depot

It was $20 and can charge individually up to four AAA, AA, C, or D cells. Here's it at Rayovac's website. It also can charge a single 9V. I use the NIMH batteries that I can find on sale with the highest mAH ratings. Oddly enough, the stores will carry AA's with the different ratings for the same price. I've used three brands Rayovac, Energizer, and Duracell but haven't noticed a difference in life between them.

I did order some lead acid batteries through this website for a project at work and they seem to have really good prices on high mAH NIMH batteries. I was thinking about placing an order with them for my home use. They have the 2600 mMAH AA's for half the cost of what I normally pay at the retailers but you have to buy a bulk pack.

I also noticed that they have a smart charger for $20 at that site that is universal and has a car adapter. Some of the cheaper chargers use a timer and you have to charge the high capacity batteries a couple of times to get a full charge on them. For $5 more they have a smart charger that can also do single cells.

I've managed to wean our household off alkaline batteries. With twin 2 1/2 year old boys, we use a ton of batteries.

I stay away from NICADs because of the environmental disposal problems. I took all our old used batteries to a special hazardous waste disposal site at our local land fill. LiFePO4 batteries or some type of safe lithium ion batteries will eventually replace NIMH but right now they're way too pricey and the high capacity NIMH batteries are reasonable and environmentally friendly.