Store Bought Batteries vs Rechargeable

[BleeperNooby]

I would like to get anyone's opinions on using store bought batteries vs a rechargeable battery. I have tried to do some research on this but could not find any discrepancies between the two. Please let me know what you think!

Thanks
BN

 

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[Terry Soloman]

I've used PowerGenix NiZn rechargables for several years now in all of my detectors with no problems. I have saved a bit of money. Discrepancies? None that come to mind. I guess the real advantage is you aren't throwing batteries into the landfill every week/month. The savings are OK, but you won't be going to Europe on them at the end of the year!

 

[Hot Rockin]

The owners manual for the Land Ranger Pro has some info about batteries for their unit.
Be sure to check what your detector manufacture recommends.

-Use Alkaline battery
-Do not use Zinc Carbon
-Do not use Heavy Duty batteries.
-Alkaline batteries last about 20 to 25 hrs.
-If using rechargeable batteries it is recommended using Nickel Metal Hydride.
-Rechargeable batteries last 8 hr per charge.

 

[WhiteTornado]

My only experience with rechargeable AA batteries is Energizer brand. I used them in non-detecting devices like game controllers and TV remotes. Their ability to hold a charge seemed to diminish quickly over time, and they took a very long time to recharge fully, even when relatively new. I eventually gave up on them and now I just buy Ray-O-Vac in the 60-pack at Home Depot. They last just as long as the more expensive Energizer or Duracell. Hope this helps.

 

[adamBomb]

I just bought some rechargeables for the wii remotes since my kids use them up like crazy. Honestly they are turning into a pain in the behind. Its easier to just buy dollar store batteries. $1 for 4 AAs.

 

[TrashureSeeker]

I've been using rechargeables exclusively ever since they became widely available, just seems like the right thing to do.

 

[Keep On Diggin]

I buy alkaline in bulk 20-24 packs whenever I need and recycle them at
Batteries +. and buy some batteries from them also. Never had a lot of love for rechargeables, but that's just me.

 

[Xraywolf]

Rechargeables all the way - Don't scrimp and buy the bargain brands.

Eneloop and PowerX are my favorites, both widely available on line.
You'll need a good charger too, PowerX makes those as well.

 

[airscapes]

I use the PowerEx in my DFX and Enveloop and Energizers in non detection equipment.
The trick to a good experience is using a Smart CHarger (about $40) and reading up on rechargeable. For instance the smart charger lets you choose the rate of recharge 200mah 500mh or 750 mah. You use 200 or AAA and 500 or 750 for AA.. if you use 200 for the larger AAs the charger can miss the shut off point and over charge/over heat the battery. Cheap charges (dumb one that come with the batteries) just charge by time and maybe have a over heat sensor.. There is science behind the smart charger and I have had great luck with the https://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technology-BC-700-Battery-Charger/dp/B000RSOV50?tag=treasurenet01-20
Read the questions and answers on the amazon page, you will be very educated in rechargeables and smart chargers when you finish.

 

[billjustbill]

I've used Energizer and Duracell, 2500 ma, rechargeable batteries in a 3-light yard lighting that would "normally" be solar recharged. Because of the 8' long leads to each yard light from the batteries/solar cell unit, the solar cell doesn't get enough direct sunlight. So, I take two sets of three AA batteries and use a house wall charger to fully charge the three. (One set is charging while the other set of 3 batteries are powering the LED lights) The wall charger charger charges in pairs, so I'll charge two, then move one of the full batteries over to make a pair with the other uncharged battery. That means that one gets charged twice, so to speak. There is some heat buildup in the two batteries from a wall charger, so I wait till the next day and start the second pair charging.... A solid charge will give me two nights, dusk to dawn, of lighting and will recharge enough to last just over 6 months being recharged every two days.

What I've found is that the Energizer Rechargeable batteries can take the double charging much better than the Duracell rechargeables. (The wall charger won't charge deeply when 4 batteries are being charged because it's averaging the charge voltage among 4 batteries instead of 2 batteries) I've read where you break even when you recharge your batteries 10 times.

To offset the cost of rechargeable batteries, each week I use a 40% OFF ONE ITEM coupon from "Michale's when I buy the Energizer 4-pack.

There are better and higher quality AA rechargeables sold on Amazon.com, but until I see a real "end of the world" economy crash coming closer, I'll keep buying locally at 40% Off..

Bill

 

[jeff of pa]

Rechargeables will save you money, If they are not the type that explode.

 

[airscapes]

I've used Energizer and Duracell, 2500 ma, rechargeable batteries in a 3-light yard lighting that would "normally" be solar recharged. Because of the 8' long leads to each yard light from the batteries/solar cell unit, the solar cell doesn't get enough direct sunlight. So, I take two sets of three AA batteries and use a house wall charger to fully charge the three. (One set is charging while the other set of 3 batteries are powering the LED lights) The wall charger charger charges in pairs, so I'll charge two, then move one of the full batteries over to make a pair with the other uncharged battery. That means that one gets charged twice, so to speak. There is some heat buildup in the two batteries from a wall charger, so I wait till the next day and start the second pair charging.... A solid charge will give me two nights, dusk to dawn, of lighting and will recharge enough to last just over 6 months being recharged every two days.

What I've found is that the Energizer Rechargeable batteries can take the double charging much better than the Duracell rechargeables. (The wall charger won't charge deeply when 4 batteries are being charged because it's averaging the charge voltage among 4 batteries instead of 2 batteries) I've read where you break even when you recharge your batteries 10 times.

To offset the cost of rechargeable batteries, each week I use a 40% OFF ONE ITEM coupon from "Michale's when I buy the Energizer 4-pack.

There are better and higher quality AA rechargeables sold on Amazon.com, but until I see a real "end of the world" economy crash coming closer, I'll keep buying locally at 40% Off..

Bill

Invest in the charger I linked to in my post above and you will probably get longer run times and longer life from new batteries that have not been abused in the charger you are using.

 

[rogueaviation]

I am making the transition to rechargeables in my MXT. I did the 9 cell pack conversion already, and the 1.2v 3000mAh AA batteries seem to hold the voltage okay. I buy them 48 at a time from e Bay.

The coin master that the kids use runs just fine on the 9v rechargeables, as do the pin pointers. Although, I did have to add a pull tab to the batteries to get them out of the pinpointed, as the rechargeables are a little larger, physically, than alkalines. Also, I had to file a notch in the bottom so they would fit easier in the coin master.

 

[Honest Samuel]

Rechargeables will save you money, If they are not the type that explode.

What brands explode? We need to know. Thanks.

 

[jeff of pa]

What brands explode? We need to know. Thanks.

well the lithium metal batteries for one.

what ever is used in hover boards, and Tonka toy dump trucks



I heard cell phones and electronic cigarettes are also exploding

 

[rogueaviation]

Ack. Here's an update on my battery journey. The "BTY" brand bought off the big auction site really do suck. I thought it was weird that they would drop to 1.1v after two days and apparently that is atypical for NiMH batteries. I got an Energizer brand smart charger, and about half of the batteries that I have tested won't charge with the fast smart charger. There are actually entire websites devoted to the crappiness of the off brand batteries.

And apparently, 3000MaH is an overrated capacity. Oh well, at least it was a cheap lesson as the 48 pack was like twenty five bucks.

I ended up buying some Eneloops and a slow charger, and a set of Energizer's and a fast charger to plug into the car and use "in the field".