Lithium Batteries

[605dano]

I just got a new metal detector and it came with 4 AA alkaline batteries. Can I use AA lithium batteries? Same voltage. What would be the difference?

 

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[Hoser John]

None,use'm as fine in mine and buds units,6 brands of detectors worked just fine. Looking for a ladies lost diamond ring this am with them and they last longer BUT the cost OMG-John

 

[DDancer]

Yep just more expensive. They are meant for more energy hungry electronics. Do just as well paying for rechargeable's at the price.

 

[Featherdfishead]

I use lithium 9v batteries for my GB Pro with no problems. Lithium dont hold up to much banging around or damage of any kind so wrap your extra batteries in something so they don't bounce around in your pack. I had a battery melt on me last year. Luckily i had just reached into the pocket and felt some thing hot pulled it out and dropped it on the ground and my buddy and i stood their watching as it melted into a puddle of goo.

Good Luck
AjR

 

[kayakpat]

Yes lithium last longer but have had trouble catching fire if slightly damaged, although I am not sure why, probably out of control chemical reaction of sorts.

 

[605dano]

Thanks for the replies. I have noticed on other electronics that lithium stay at almost full charge until the end. Would this be an advantage with a metal detector?

 

[kayakpat]

I guess that is why they last longer

 

[DDancer]

Its not that Li batteries stay at full charge till the end its more that they maintain their output voltage at a steady level till they are just about exhausted then they drop off quickly. Li batteries are good in that they are very steady for output voltage and this allows electronics to operate more efficiently in a steady state. Other batteries have a curve in their output voltage verse's their depletion and this tends to make the electronics unstable towards the end of the batteries life.

 

[605dano]

I guess that's my question. Would that be a significant advantage in a metal detector? Enough to justify the additional cost?

 

[Hard Prospector]

Tried all of the expensive batteries and to me they just didn't justify the expense, Duracell alkalines are what I use. If your machine doesn't have a battery indicator you can get a small pocket meter and occasionally pop out the battery pack and check voltage to make sure your in spec .(thats what I do with my TDI SL) Ask for gift cards to Costco or Walmart at holidays for all batteries you'll need.

 

[Hoser John]

Consumers Reports does test every year and no advertising so truth. If memory serves me right Duracell took over from Panasonic alkali but lithium still reigns supreme. I get gold plus panasonic(#1 for almost 10 years) from 99 cent store or Dollar Tree-2-4 for a buck and RIGHTEOUS even in my cameras-John

 

[DDancer]

For the majority of metal detectors Li batteries are not going to be very advantageous as they, the detectors, are designed to use alkaline. This is why there are battery meters in most brands. Some high end detectors come with Li batteries as they are more computerized and benefit from stable power supplies for performance. The CTX is one such. Hoser John, like others, have the best opinion for inexpensive alkalines. Or go rechargeable.

 

[timemachine]

I'm almost to the point where I wish my detector would have come with the battery option. It holds great charge, and the battery pack is rechargeable, it's jus I always want it at 100% when I need it... I don't mind using rechargeable batteries, but a battery pack limits that option, and if it quits holding a charge 5 yrs from now, I'm screwed...

 

[Hoser John]

AND akin to lithium they also die all at once,always MUST carry a spare set as backup. I do carry extras no matter what is used-John--

 

[SunshineMiner]

I'll just put this here....

http://www.amazon.com/EBL-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries-Rleased/dp/B00OT7HSBO/ref=dp_ob_title_ce


Amazon.com: AmazonBasics AA High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries (8-Pack) Pre-charged: Electronics

On this item, for the combo, if you remove the AAA, its only 29.99

 

[Jim in Idaho]

I'll just put this here....

http://www.amazon.com/EBL-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries-Rleased/dp/B00OT7HSBO/ref=dp_ob_title_ce


Amazon.com: AmazonBasics AA High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries (8-Pack) Pre-charged: Electronics

On this item, for the combo, if you remove the AAA, its only 29.99

Keep in mind that those are NiMH, and are only 1.2 volts. 8 of them give you 9.6 volts...not 12, as with alkaline, or Li-ion.
Jim