Anyone use rechargeable AA batteries?

[Marty]

I know they're not recommended, but does anyone use them, and is there a reason other than Minelab making a few extra quid from sales of the dedicated unit not to? I get it that primary batteries kick out 1.5v whereas a rechargeable only does 1.2v, hence if I run a Safari on NiCd's it'll only operate at 9.6 volts. Surely that wouldn't damage it? Or will its efficiency be compromised? Any scientists or industry insiders with a definitive answer could well be treated to a cold beer or two!

[liamnolan]

Hi Marty, the forum is divided into topic sections and one of those on the left is ACCESSORIES. Click on that and then drop down into batteries and you will find a multitude of rechargeable battery topics that should have your anser. You can then tag onto one of those topics by leaving a post, all the best, Liam

[mawe]

Hi
I use the Sanyo eneloop HR-3UWXB-4BP AA (2450mAH) with my Safari.
Works like a charm!

[beaubrummell]

I use 2850mAh rechargeables and they work just fine.

[Marty]

Thanks Liamnolan, missed that completely

Also thanks to mawe and beaubrummel, practical heads up is always welcome

[grumpyjohn]

Been using the cheepos from Lidl in my V3i headphones for a while now and am well pleased with them.

[stnduck]

As I recall, the standard supplied minelab pack is 8 * Rechargeable NiMH batteries at 1.2v = 9.6v @ 1600mah.

As thats whats supplied by minelab I cant see any issues using 1.2v NiMH in the pod supplied. I dont tend to use the factory pack, I use 2450mah batteries in the pod.

I suspect the issue may come from other units e.g. Euroace, only in so much that it expects 1.5V * 4 = 6v, when using NiMH you get 1.2V * 4 = 4.8v, the battery indicator thinks the batteries are running out, what you should actaully see is that although the indicator maybe shows only 2 bars left, it should sit there at that level a lot longer than 1.5V batteries when they get to 2 bars on the indicator.

Only other thing is be very very wary of AA NiMH on those auction sites that claim 3000 mah, or 4 X 2500 mah for 99p, I have purchased some of these and the first thing you notice is how they dont weigh anyway close to the same batteries from Sanyo or Maplin or even Aldi / Lidl. The lack of weight tells me they lack the chemicals / power storage required to deliver 2500 mah, in operation I have found them to be almost as much use as a chocolate fireguard, and for those who never had to clean the ashes out of a morning and get the fire going, and dont know what a fireguard is, think chocolate teapot

[Marty]

That's the answer I was looking for, thanks stnduck

[Trotboy]

I only use rechargeables in my Explorer with no issues, have some sets of GS 2700 ones from CPC and some sets of the Lidl 2500 ones, all work just fine.

[ronleake]

Quote:-
"I have found them to be almost as much use as a chocolate fireguard".
I melted down a chocolate fireguard and poured it into my XTerra. It hasn't been the same since...

[Anubis]

I use 2850mAh rechargeables and they work just fine.

Same here, no issues at all with them

[Redcap]

I use rechargables in my xterra all the time, bought some really good batteries Duracell and it's well worth it.

Never tried a chocolate fire guard though. b;>

[geomorphicmat]

I generally use the Li-Ion battery that comes with the CTX with rechargeable batteries as back-up.

On one occasion I had forgotten that I had changed to rechargeables one day and continued to use them for the next couple of trips (each 6-7 hours) with no issues.
I bought them from either Lidl or Aldi for (I think) £3 for 4.

INote that I swap from one to the other regularly and always keep one set fully charged.

Cheers,
Matt

[Marty]

Gets sweeter by the post . I've got some duracell rechargeable jobbies and a charger, so its off to lidl for a set of backup cheapies tmrw. Thanks all

[Tinheed]

I have used rechargeable AA Nimh batteries for a good few years now.My experience of these is as follows: 1).Do not use these so called fast chargers as they seriously reduce the life span of the batteries, slow charging is the way to go in my opinion.2).Dont buy really cheap batteries as its like the old adage "If it sounds too good to be true it probably is" 3).Always check reviews on t`internet on your intended purchase! If you follow my guidelines you will Im sure have many happy years saving loads of wonga like myself.