Rechargeable AA batteries

[JoeTC]

Any have any luck with rechargeable AA batteries? I just bought a H2Oc GPS and the guy at Cabelas told me not to use rechargeable batteries because they don't last very long. Wanted to get a few other opinions.

Thanks,

Joe

[JohnMickish]

I don't know how they will hold up in your GPS but we use rechargable AA and AAA batteries around the house in the remotes, the thermostat and the Wii game controlers. Had them for two years now, I can't complain.

[silverado 295]

I use the rechargables and have for many years in my H2O. They last about 3 hours if left on all the time. a few days if you use it infrequently meaning, on a for a while to find a spot or mark a spot. Shut it off. You buy the chargers that hold four batterys, take two extras along in your pocket.

I have a charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter in my truck. it charges 4 batterys.

[jeffreyd]

i have a spot personal messenger and it calls for the lithium battery. it says that it will continue to work, sending a signal for up to a year on these batteries. I put them in my magellon gps and have not had to replace yet. i will use them for now on. have never used the recharge type however i might look into it too.

[croixflats]

I get 16 to 18 hrs, left on, out of my Garmin so I'd say they are worth the money. I have the best luck out of the Hybrid RayOvac and their cheaper. The Energizers seemed to loose their charging capabilities faster Duracell a bit better. I am now trying Duracell new ones that claim to hold charge longer and with more charges I expect them to be similar to the RayOvac but again they cost more.

[Northlander]

I use rechargable lithium batteries in my H2Oc and they last longer than anything else I have tried. Plus they are way better in the cold.

[BobT]

H2Os must be real power hogs. It seems there are many discussion here that elude to poor battery life with H2O. My Garmin Rino120 will run all day deer hunting on one charge and that includes leaving the radio turned on.

That said, there are different types of rechargeable batteries and to just make a blanket statement not to use them because they won't last is cutting them short. I like to use NiMh batteries in my GPS. Here's a little comparative information that may be helpful.

NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride)

* Higher capacity of NiCd

* Less memory retention. Doesn't require frequent deep-cycling to avoid capacity memory problems.

* Lower charge shelf life. (will lose charge faster during non-use)

* Not a good cold weather battery. (I honestly haven't noticed this)

* Shorter life cycles

* Voltage drops as charge diminishes

NiCd (Nickel Cadmium)

* Longer life cycles

* Medium cold weather performer

* Retains better voltage level even at lower charge

* Medium loss of charge during non-use

* Suffers from memory retention. If repeatedly discharged to only half life and then recharged, it will develop a memory to that capacity level.

Li-Ion (Lithium Ion)

* New kid on the block

* Excellent cold weather performer

* Improved life cycle

* Faster recharge

* No memory retention issues

* No shelf life charge loss issues

* More prone to eruption in warmer conditions

[Esox_Magnum]

I run Lithiums in mine when off the power cord, get a couple days on a set if on all day. Think I used 4 sets on a 8 day VErmilion muskie trip in Aug,1st set was put in in May.. buy them off da bay for cheap, think I got 50 the last time for $30. All I'll run in anything are Energizer Lithiums

[LwnmwnMan2]

I run the green Energizers that are rechargable. You get 2 AA and 2 AAA with the recharger pack at Best Buy for about $30 if I remember.

I run a radio headset while working 8 hours / day for a week off of 1 AAA.

I wouldn't have any other type of battery anymore.

[JollyT]

NiMH work well in anything that is high draw. I've got a bunch for my camera and flash, so use them in my Garmin GPS as well as a digital audio recorder I have. I think they are the only way to go. They do self discharge about 40% per month, so you do need to top them off before a trip.

[Iceboy]

Low Discharge NiMH batteries are what you want - just search for them. I use them in my Garmin Vista HCX and they work great and last a long time. I also use them in my gamecam's and they work for months in them as well, even during cold weather.

dan

[TruthWalleyes]

I have rechargable AA batteries. Use them in my H20. Good life, Use your power saving options when you don't need the full power. I've been saving money on these batteries for over a year now.

[jeffreyd]

some great data on accupower batteries at the site. gives the breakdown on loss from storage at various temps, as low as -18c. i am going to start doing recharge batteries as i hate to throw them in the landfill. great info from everyone.

[rcatcherman]

I got a charger and 8 AA batteries for $19.00 at sams club they have been used for about 4 years now. Saved a lot of doe ray me on these.

[jigginjerk]

Just a question here. Why are the AA rechargeables rated at 1.2v and regular AA are 1.5v? Just noticed that on my Duracells and Eveready rechargeables.

[JollyT]

The different chemistry formulas equate to different voltages. If you took chemistry, remember the different electrons shells and valences?

That is what causes the voltage differential across the batteries poles. That is why you don't see lithium Ion AA rechargables. They would be around 3.6 volts and blow out your electronics.