Rechargable batteries

[MIDNIGHT777]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience using the rechargable batteries(AA)? I am tired of spending the money to constantly replace them in my GPS, handheld radio, headlamp, ect...ect... It seems like everything I use requires the AA batteries. I was wondering if they hold a charge for the same amount of time the regular ones do? Are they worth the 40-50 bucks they and the recharger cost?

Matt

[DTro]

I use them in my GPS (magellan 315) and they work well. I use the energizer NiMH 2100 batteries. The only problem is that they screw with the battery meter. Fully charged batteries read half worn. They last about the same just ignore the meter.
By the way you can get a charger with 4 AA's for under $20. At any of the big boxes.

[This message has been edited by dtro (edited 04-17-2004).]

[Guest]

nimh and nicd batteries will have a lower voltage than alkaline batteries, but last and last check a camera store for re-chargables and ac/dc charger for around $25

[Trailblazin]

Keep on using your AA's...Not worth it!

[IFallsRon]

Check your user manual. Rechargables aren't a universal replacement.

[MIDNIGHT777]

Ron, Thanks for the heads up. I never even thought of that. Thanks to all for the replies. Still undecided! Not like it is a do or die question anyway.

Matt

[bbells]

Midnight, I had a photography business for 20 years and we used nothing but rechargeables when they became available. The regular AA's had more voltage, but didn't have enough amperage to last the length of time we needed them to last. The new rechargeables now have even higher amperage, 2300 ma's. Now I use them in our digital cameras, but have a battery pack on the side that gives me 7.2 volts for the 6v cameras. The only problem I see you having with rechargeables is that they loose approx. 2% of their charge a day. I don't like letting my gps batteries go dead because I had the main battery inside die on one and I lost my gps readout at 6500 feet over south dakota with no land marks. It was uncomfortable and I suddenly had to figure out how to use that map thingee and the VOR.

[MIDNIGHT777]

Thanks for the info. Bells

Matt