How much do you know about rechargeable batteries?

[Coley]

I'm concerned that there isn't enough information about how these work. I am worried that people get put off using them because they don't recharge them properly and they then run out to quickly.

I would appreciate it if you lot could inform me of your knowledge or even lack of just because I am curious.

Also I would like this page to be refered to by people who are consdering using rechargeable batteries.

All your additional information will be much appreciated.

[hobble]

I have used rechargeables for 5 years and have found them to be great, especially in digital cameras.
I have had the same 4 batteries now for 5 years and they still work well.

[NickCantle]

I use and have used re-chargeable batteries for a few years. As has already been said, they are excellent for cameras, computer peripherals, games, and I could go on for some considerable time...

I've never had my fingers burnt. If you've got enough batteries to be able to always have a pair or 4 ready to pop in the remote or the like, then it's so much cheaper and surely more efficient than to keep buying alkaline batteries?

Nick

[Kayleigh]

You have to charge them for long enough or they don't hold the charge.
They have a sort on memory..

[Coley]

I just want people to find information about them if there not really looking for it. Plus, finding out what people think about them and learning of there own experiences is my main intrest, its for my own research. I've met some really ignorant people in my time (no affence intended, only for who I'm talking about ) so giving it to them in plane english is the goal. Stuff like the type of batteries you should use for a Wiimote for example and how to discharge them properly before recharge to get the best from them.

If you want to know what batteries to use for what, just ask on this thread.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

You have to charge them for long enough or they don't hold the charge.
They have a sort on memory..

the memory effect generally comes about from not discharging fully before a recharge - but is more of a problem for nicad/nimh (ie nickel cadmium/nickel metal hydride) batteries than it is for lion (lithium ion) - which are generally the type you get in bespoke battery packs for digital slrs - e.g the canon bp511 etc.

AA type r/c batteries are often nimh , but it is worth spending the extra to get the lion type if you can find them.

[Lance Morgan]

I use rechargeable batteries. The charging unit has a facility which discharges the batteries before it recharges. Nicad batteries last alot longer this way.

[muckshifter]

"A lithium-ion battery provides 300 to 500 discharge/charge cycles. The battery prefers a partial rather than a full discharge. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Instead, charge the battery more often or use a larger battery ...

"Although lithium-ion is memory-free in terms of performance deterioration ... short discharges with subsequent recharges do not provide the periodic calibration needed to synchronize the fuel gauge with the battery's state-of-charge. A deliberate full discharge and recharge every 30 charges corrects this problem. Letting the battery run down to the cut-off point in the equipment will do this ...

"... lithium-based batteries have a lifetime of two to three years. The clock starts ticking as soon as the battery comes off the manufacturing line ...

Frequently Asked Questions about Rechargeable Batteries

Well worth a read, it may surprise you.

[sumimasen]

I have used rechargeable batteries ever since I got my digital camera, about a year ago. They are fantastic! I bought a battery charger unit along with it, which can charge up to 4 batteries at a time. My 8 batteries is all I ever needed and they are still going strong. Best investment I have made in a long time....
As my camera only takes 2 at a time, I have never run out of battery power yet. I always carry 2 charged batteries in my pocket, whenever I go on a 'photographic mission'....
When I get home I just put the empties in the charger and leave them over night to recharge. A red light tells me when they're ready. I do try to use my 8 batteries equally, so I put them in different compartments: already fully charged and just charged, so I know which one's to use next. Well, it's a bit sad, I know, but it works for me.

[Rich_]

Originally Posted by eeyore

the memory effect generally comes about from not discharging fully before a recharge - but is more of a problem for nicad/nimh (ie nickel cadmium/nickel metal hydride)

I thought that the NiMh battery does not have a memory effect like the Nicad, & did not loose it's charge in cold weather to the same extent as nicads? According to one source I read, the modern Nicad doesn't have memory effect either, which surprised me?

Also, both these batteries will self discharge when not in use apparently, so you would be better charging them just before you need them. If you charge them and don't use them for a week or two they can loose their charge. This link seems useful to explain the pros & cons of the battery types. Battery types