NiMH Batteries Revisited

[Mark Holtz]

There is a slight problem with a GPS unit... it consumers batteries like nobody's business. According to the manual, without a backlight, alkaline batteries only last 14-15 hours. I do plan on getting a cigarette adapter for the car, but am looking at NiMH batteries. Any recommendations? Good places to purchase them in bulk?

[Richard King]

Do you need AA or AAA batteries. I have a bunch of AA batteries sitting around that I used to use in my old camera. Since I don't use the camera anymore they are just sitting here collecting dust. My GPS uses AAA batteries and I go through them about twice as fast as you mention above. There doesn't seem to be much difference between NiMH or Alkaline batteries life. I always buy my batteries from one of my distributors

[Jacob S]

I use NiMH batteries for my walkie talkies and for my cordless mouse (since the cordless mouse would only work for a day or two before the batteries would run dead). It seems to last two or three times longer with the NiMH batteries, they charge in an hour (the Energizer ones) and supposed to recharge up to 1,000 times. They cost about $10 for a pack of four.

[Ric]

I've bought mine from here - pretty good prices.
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp

[cdru]

The difference between NiMH, NiCad, and Alkyline batteries is the voltage curve , shelf life, and "memory" effect.

As NiCad and Alkyline batteries are used, their output voltage levels slowly drops off in a gradual curve. Once the voltage level reaches a point where it is below a threshold, the device can't power on. When NiMH batteries are used, they hold a higher voltage longer, then quickly drop off towards the end. Your usable power above a certian level is longer, but for devices that could operate on low voltage, say a light bulb, they might not last as long as others.

NiMH will lose it's charge over time, even if it's unused. They don't make good long-term always ready battereies like the other two do due to this.

NiCads are the only one of the three that has a memory effect. Always discharge the batteries as far as possible, then fully charge them.

When you buy battereies, check to see how many milliamp hours they are rated for. Different batteries have different capacities. Good ones will have 2100.

[ToddMeister]

There is a slight problem with a GPS unit... it consumers batteries like nobody's business. According to the manual, without a backlight, alkaline batteries only last 14-15 hours. I do plan on getting a cigarette adapter for the car, but am looking at NiMH batteries. Any recommendations? Good places to purchase them in bulk?

Mark,
Check out www.mahaenergy.com

Their NiMH batteries are top of the line. I use em in all my stuff.

I have the 2100mAh batteries, but now they offer 2300mAh batteries.

Todd

[firephoto]

I've been getting all my AA NiMH batteries from:
http://www.nimhbattery.com/
They usually have some great combo deals if you need a charger. I bought a couple of MH-C204F chargers and a bunch of 1800mAh cells a couple of years ago for my radios, gps, camera, and camcorder and they're still working great. I have some PowerX and NEXcell AA's. Sanyo makes the best raw cell and others put their labels on them or use them in their proprietary packages for gadgets with battery packs.