Fester
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2010
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Just bought Total BitHead and waiting for it to arrive. In the meantime I've been doing some research on batteries. Found this on one of the battery websites:
"Can NiMH batteries be substituted for alkaline batteries even though they are only 1.2 volts?
Yes, for most high drain electronic applications NiMH batteries are ideal substitutes and you needn't worry about the apparent voltage differences. Even though alkaline batteries are rated at a nominal 1.5 volts, they only deliver 1.5 volts when they are fully charged. As they begin to discharge the voltage of alkaline batteries continuously drops. In fact, over the course of their discharge, alkaline batteries actually average about 1.2 volts. That's very close to the 1.2 volts of a NiMH battery. The main difference is that an alkaline battery starts at 1.5 volts and gradually drops to less than 1.0 volts. NiMH batteries stay at about 1.2 volts for most of their discharge cycle."
I've got no technical background so bear with me
From what I understand the recommended alkalines for the Bithead only keep their 1.5V charge for a short period of time and then fall to 1.2V fairly quickly. Whereas the NiMH will maintain a constant 1.2V throughout most of their cycle. If that's the case wouldn't I be better off by using the NiMH's and save myself a small fortune on alkalines?
Bit confused, that's all.
Cheers.
"Can NiMH batteries be substituted for alkaline batteries even though they are only 1.2 volts?
Yes, for most high drain electronic applications NiMH batteries are ideal substitutes and you needn't worry about the apparent voltage differences. Even though alkaline batteries are rated at a nominal 1.5 volts, they only deliver 1.5 volts when they are fully charged. As they begin to discharge the voltage of alkaline batteries continuously drops. In fact, over the course of their discharge, alkaline batteries actually average about 1.2 volts. That's very close to the 1.2 volts of a NiMH battery. The main difference is that an alkaline battery starts at 1.5 volts and gradually drops to less than 1.0 volts. NiMH batteries stay at about 1.2 volts for most of their discharge cycle."
I've got no technical background so bear with me
From what I understand the recommended alkalines for the Bithead only keep their 1.5V charge for a short period of time and then fall to 1.2V fairly quickly. Whereas the NiMH will maintain a constant 1.2V throughout most of their cycle. If that's the case wouldn't I be better off by using the NiMH's and save myself a small fortune on alkalines?
Bit confused, that's all.
Cheers.