Lithium ion vs alkaline for AA battery pack

[udon1nano]

Hello. I wasn't sure where to put this question, so I guess I'll start here and let the mods move it if needed. I have two older detectors: a Fisher 1280-X VLF, and a Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II PI. Both are set up for packs of 8 AA batteries. I would like to switch to LI AA batteries, but I have seen posts on detecting forums (not necessarily this one) in the past advising against that practice, and implying that damage to the detector could result (without citing specifics). I emailed Kellyco tech support recently asking the question, and they also advised to stay with alkaline batteries over lithiums, again without giving a specific reason. Can anyone here tell me if there is an actual known problem created by powering metal detectors designed for 1.5V AA alkaline batteries with 1.5V AA LI batteries? Thanks.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[Treasure_Hunter]

LI batteries are higher voltage than 1.5v which is why it isn't advised, they are 1.7v so 4 LI batteries is 6.8 volts vs 6 volts for alkaline batteries.

 

[Zincoln Miner]

I have two rechargeable EBL Li-ion 9 volts that I use for my Tesoros and they both charge to just under 9 volts.

I advise getting a smart charger (that you can select the charge rate/each holder is individual not paired) that accepts Nimh, and Li-ion AA rechargeables. Get 8 AA sets of each, charge them at the lowest rate (500 mah or less), and see what total the Li-ion charges to. The Nimh should be around 1.2 volt for each cell. If the Li-ion has any cell that charges above 1.5 don't use it.

Do not mix the different types in your equipment.