Business model...

[alexpgp]

It occurs to me that the business model for the sale of rechargeable small batteries (such as AA and AAA) is based on the not-entirely-true premise that using rechargeables is as convenient as using the throwaway alkaline kind.

Over the course of the past couple of weeks, I've found myself having to replace batteries now, only to either not be able to find the right replacement rechargeables in among my junk, or finding the right batteries that have no charge.

Theoretically, modern rechargeable small batteries retain a charge for a long time, which suggests I simply failed to recharge them, which—while possibly the result of laziness on my part—might just as easily be the result of not having the charger at hand when the batteries were removed. After all, the "main mission" when faced with dead batteries is to replace them with batteries that "work."

In any event, the fact that current chargers take most of the day (going on six hours, now) to charge four batteries doesn't help the case for the use of rechargeable batteries. I've long since gone to the store and bought alkalines.

Cheers...

Comments

[bandicoot.livejournal.com]

I don't know what kind of rechargeables you're using, but NiMh will self-discharge over time. Newer versions, like Eneloop will hold their charge far longer, which means you can keep sets of charged batteries on hand. A good charger won't take 6 hours to recharge, either. Maha and Lacrosse make good computer-controlled chargers for 1-4 AAA or AA that aren't too pricey.

I keep several packs of 4 Eneloop AA charged and ready for replacement, so I never have down time. I also buy Alkaline in 16 packs and keep them in the fridge (not necessary, but I do it anyway since I have the space for a plastic container of all types of batteries) for use where the slightly lower voltage of NiMh is a problem, or for low useage applications.

Eneloops come on sale at Amazon quite frequently. I use them in all my 4AA flashlights (2 in the house, two in the vehicles, one in the bug-out bag and two AAA key chain lights) and I can do a quick swap-out whenever I think I'm going to have to use a light a lot so I know the batteries are fresh, and put the old ones on charge.

I also highly recommend the ZTS Multi Battery Tester (https://www.amazon.com/ZTS-MINIMBT-Multi-Battery-Tester-Battery/dp/B0002EH4YO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473280127&sr=8-1&keywords=zts+pulse+load+battery+tester). Testing newer battery types for voltage alone isn't accurate. This tester tests the load capacity and lets you know how much is left. It's pricey, but really great. I use enough batteries that it's paid for itself already.

[kehlen-crow.livejournal.com]

I have never heard of keeping batteries in the fridge. O.o

Does it slow their self-discharge? And — can you use them immediately after taking them out of the fridge or have to wait a while so they "warm up"?

[bandicoot.livejournal.com]

I think it's just based on slower chemistry at lower temperatures. I doubt it really helps, but I do it anyway since I have the fridge space. Modern battery chemistry works well over the range of temperatures we usually encounter, with a few exceptions, and there isn't any need to warm them up.

Lithium Ion batteries, if I remember correctly, don't like cold temperatures - like below 0F. I'm using a tiny computer to drive a radio to signal me when my mailbox has been opened. While I use a small, flat Lithium Ion battery for my receiver indoors, I use alkalines for the outdoor unit because of the cold sensitivity of the Lithium Ions in the winter.