Recahargable batteries... what available and whats works?

[RockysDad]

I'd like to learn more about rechargable batteries and was wondering whats out there and are there any that are better then others when it comes to PCDP. Could you also explain pros and cons of each type, who makes them and what model number of the kits they are. All I know are NiCads from the yellow Eveready brand. They are pretty old and don't work too good. Any other recommendations?

I did a search but all I read are acronyms which I don't understand. Help please... TIA.

 

[Lisa]

I'm assuming you're talking about AA batteries.

There are two most common used rechargebles.
NiCd and NiMh. (other chemistry inside)

The NiCd ones are the older ones. They have less capacity then the NiMH.
They also suffer from memmory effect. which means that you always have to fully charge them and use them till they run out of power. Otherwise the capacity will get less and their running time will dicrease.
(i.e. When you often charge them when they're still half full they will 'remember' that and start acting as if they're empty when they are infact half full. Then the power you get out of them is only half of what they could have given you.
This is not exactly how it works but gives a impression on what to expect)

NiMh are of a newer generation.
They have more capacity so their running time is longer.
Where most NiCd have 700 mah, newest NiMh have over 1800 mah. Your player will last almost three times as long on them.

The issue of memmory effect with NiMH batteries is unclear to me.
Some people clame there isn't any other say, it's still there but a lot less.
All in all it's better than with NiCd batteries.

I know Powerex makes good NiMh batteries and chargers (only availeble in the US) but there are lots of others that are fine too I presume.
From personal experance I can say that I would stay clear from Varta batteries if I were you. All their batteries I've ever owned leaked when they shouldn't have. Even brand new Alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries shouldn't leak no matter what the circumstances (unless you do very stupid and/or dangerous things to them)

 

[Lisa]

This site contains a lot of info for beginners:
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/batteries.htm

Their FAQ is pretty good:
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/w...aq&uid=default