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paulz
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# Posted: 7 Mar 2021 04:59pm
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Did you know there were A and B batteries at one time?
Anyhoo, now that Harbor Freight has stopped giving away batteries with a coupon it looks like I'll have to start buying batteries that last more than a week. I actually like the crappy ones in some things, like portable lights that I never remember to turn off. No sense in wasting good ones. But the smoke detectors and TV remote get the good ones. Priority stuff.
I know from the camera thread some of you are using lithiums. How do they perform? If run down all the way do they recharge? What about NiCads rechargeables? Or do you still prefer quality alkaline?
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Brettny
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# Posted: 7 Mar 2021 06:27pm
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Lithium AA and this type of battery arnt rechargable. Generally I only use lithium when cold weather work matters, basically only trail cameras.
Have you thought about rechargable? I bought a 16 pack of "night owl" rechargable AA and AAA off amazon a bit over a year ago. I burn out 3AAA in a head lamp about every 2 days after we turn the clocks back until spring. I haven't had a single failure. When I figured the bay back on rechargable I would only have to charge them 10X to break even. I do still keep low cost alkaline battery around for things like remotes, kids toys, summer time trail cams and other odd non frequent use items. Generally my cheap crappy battery is the harbor freight blue ones. There a bit better than the yellow free ones.
Project farm channel on you tube has a prety good test of alkaline batteries and rechargeable.
Duracell have completely gone to crap so dont buy them.
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FishHog
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# Posted: 7 Mar 2021 06:39pm
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I've been moving over to rechargable AA's, which is mostly what I need. Still buy a couple 9v and C's a year.
Spypoint cameras do not like rechargeable, but my other trail cameras work fine on them. Lithium Energizer for my spypoint.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 08:17am - Edited by: Brettny
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I'm going on just under 2.5 NY winter months on Energizer lithium in my spypoint. Theres currently about 2ft of snow on my picnic table up there. O and I'm still at 98% charged.
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paulz
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 08:58am
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Lol, I'm still screwing around with location on my Spypoint (which is working great now btw). I put new freebie HF batteries in it the other day, stuck it in a bad spot, it took about 50 false pictures and knocked the batteries down to 35%. I have it on a car battery now using the 12v jack. I thought 'Hi' sensitivity meant less photos since it was more sensitive, guess it's the other way around..
I see HF sells Nimh rechargeable batteries and the charger, going there today so probly get some. But while surfing I did notice some rechargeable lithiums, fwiw, no idea how good.
Thanks guys.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 09:22am
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The night owl rechargable batteries at amazon where cheaper when I checked the price. Xtar chargers are nice units and show input AH. My vc4 was about $25 and does lithium 18650 to AAA batteries and may things in between.
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ICC
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 10:23am
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I have used Sanyo/Panasonic Eneloop AA and AAA NiMH rechargeable cells for probably 15 years now. They have made a few versions over the years, each one an improvement. Older NiMH cells had a higher rate of self-discharge. The latest version has an extremely low self-discharge.
NiMH cells have a rated voltage of 1.2 volts. They work in almost all devices that are made to use alkaline batteries. Alkaline cells start with a higher voltage and drop continuously as they are used. The NiMH cells hold their voltage through virtually the entire discharge. As I said, most devices work well on them as most devices are made to work as alkaline cell voltage drops.
To me, Eneloops are a little like Honda generators. Eneloops cost more than the other brands of NiMH. But like the Honda generator, they work well and are very long-lived.
Those AA-sized rechargeable lithium-ion cells actually contain a small lithium-ion cell; the same chemistry that is used to make the 18650 3.6/3.7 volt rechargeable cells. The AA cells use a circuit board in each cell to reduce the voltage to 1.5 volts. It also boosts the charge voltage when the cells are charged. The idea is good, I am just not sure what the lifespan will be. That depends on the quality of the electronic components as well as the quality of the lithium-ion cells that are used in each cell.
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paulz
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 10:30am
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Quoting: ICC NiMH cells have a rated voltage of 1.2 volts. They work in almost all devices that are made to use alkaline batteries. Alkaline cells start with a higher voltage and drop continuously as they are used. The NiMH cells hold their voltage through virtually the entire discharge. As I said, most devices work well on them as most devices are made to work as alkaline cell voltage drops.
So I guess that explains why the Spypoint doesn't like them. What about LED flashlights etc., any experience with those?
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 10:31am - Edited by: gcrank1
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Ive had poor luck with rechargeable, they dont pump up after a while so less 'amp hours'. Then there was my wife tossing some when she changed the set in the battery eating camera.....
I buy the dbl and tpl A alky batteries at the 'Dollar Store' for, ding!, a buck for a 3-pack. They test well for power and life on a u-tube trial against higher priced name brands.
A set rarely goes bad all together; I test each and save any at or above 1.25v to use in led flashlights that dont care.
An expensive lith makes sense for a mission critical or hard to get at/change devise. I have ONE.
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paulz
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 11:03am
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I bought rechargeables too a long time ago (over 5 years at least, maybe even 10) and was not happy with their life either, but like ICC says tech improves..
And I also get the dollar store ones, Panasonic they say. Not sure how they compare to the HF cheapos, never done a test.
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ICC
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 07:39pm
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I have had good experiences with Eneloop cells in the very few LED flashlights I have that use AA or AAA cells. They have worked well, but I have given away many of the AA and AAA lights I used to have. The lights I now use employ either 18650 or 21700 lithium-ion 3.6-volt rechargeables. Some are rechargeable in the light via a USB port.
My media center remote uses Eneloop AAA's. I have a few remote read thermometers and they use AA Eneloops.
Most battery powered devices I have use lithium-ion rechargable cells.
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DryCreek
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 07:41pm
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I switched almost exclusively to eneloops (low self-discharge nickel metal hydride) years ago.
-It's more convenient to recharge than rebuy
-with a small solar panel, I have an infinite supply of batteries
-they support higher currents than alkalines, so some flashlights will be brighter
-you don't have to go around with a flashlight or whatever with half charged batteries (or be tossing half used batteries)
-most importantly, they never leak. You only have to have alkalines leak once in a $50 flashlight/radio/whatever to pay for a lot of eneloops.
I have only encountered a couple of things that don't like the 1.2 volts (vs 1.5 for alkalines). If it's a flashlight or something like that, you can use alkalines, lithium primary AA's, or maybe one of the 1.5V AA sized Li-ions mentioned above (those were news to me). I have one device, a driveway alarm, that used 4 AAs (so 6V) and would beep a low battery warning on 4 eneloops (4.8V). I made a holder for 5 AAs, so 5*1.2=6V, so the device doesn't know about the eneloops anymore. But 98% of things are OK with 1.2V, because that's within the range of a mostly-discharged AA.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 08:52pm
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ICC is right. 18650 lithium is far superior..just wish they made more things that take them. I think I have about 14 18650 that are 1500mah+
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ICC
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 09:13pm
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Quoting: Brettny I think I have about 14 18650 that are 1500mah+
 I use mostly Samsung or Panasonics with 3000 to 3500 mAh capacity. Lots of run time even with high brightness levels. The newer 21700 cells are even better with up to 4800 - 5000 mAh capacity in the slightly larger package. There are some very cleverly designed lights that are barely longer than the cell; very easy to carry all the time.
Brettny, have you modded any lights, built any custom lights from parts. ? I like swapping the emitters (leds) for ones that offer better color rendition or more lumens as well as swapping the driver for more amps or efficiency or firmware I like better. Just another hobby to spend money on.
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paulz
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 09:31pm
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While we're on the subject, I grabbed this out of the recycle box at the firehouse the other day, I think it went to a handheld light. It's a lithium S02, sulfur. dated 2016 but probably hardly used. Thought maybe it might be salvageable but has les than a volt.
Watcha think?
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 8 Mar 2021 10:32pm
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https://www.physio-control.com/product/LIFEPAK500/Power-Options/Li-SO2-Non-Rechargeab le-Battery/
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 9 Mar 2021 08:25am
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Ah, yes, it's out of a defibrillator. Thanks.
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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 9 Mar 2021 09:27am
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We stumbled on THESE lithium rechargeable headlamps a while back. Super bright, 1100 lumens, with multiple lighting options. The batteries last a long time.... long enough that at some point last winter it dawned on me I had never recharged the one I was using. Plugged it in and it still showed 1 bar of charge. The best part is they are only $20 for 2 of them. I see right now they are $17.98 a pair... we have 4 of them so I don't need anymore.
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paulz
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# Posted: 9 Mar 2021 11:23am
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Those are nice, might have to get 'em. About those multiple lighting options though.. the one I have (AAA bats) has that too, and every time I put it on I have to stumble through the buttons for the regular old light...not the red LED, not the flashing LED, not the side LED, just the damn light.
Who uses the flashing LED on these things, people that go to Raves?
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ICC
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# Posted: 9 Mar 2021 03:21pm - Edited by: ICC
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Quoting: paulz Who uses the flashing LED on these things.....?
I totally hate all lights with strobe modes, S-O-S mode, etc. that need to be cycled through when changing levels. If a light designer must include them those modes should be hidden, accessible with a certain click pattern. But almost all the cheap Chinese lights include them.
For a headlight that is on the low end of the price scale, but not a cheap POS, I recommend a look at the following...
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K2SQQX7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=U TF8&psc=1
That is available under many different names and from many sellers, some on Aliexpress. Here is a link to one I have bought. Much lower cost.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32954801237.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4b664c4dpw8jcO
There are three versions. I would not bother with the one with two emitters. The body can't take the extra heat if run on a higher mode. I have not tried the zoomy version. Generally, I don't like zoomy flashlights because the zoom usually causes a loss in output.
I have changed the emitter in mine as well as changing the reflector for an optic with a little better, more even light distribution. However, the way it comes is quite tolerable, especially for the price.
The cell they offered was a good deal. Not the highest capacity cell but seem to work well.
One criticism I have of these is that after a year or two the elastic head strap loses its elasticity.
The Aliexpress light will likely take 6 weeks or more to get here in the US. But at less than half the cost of the Amazon offering .....
No blinkies. No red. Mine came with 5 levels, always turns on in the medium mode. Holding the switch button when the light is on makes it switch to the next lowest. Once the lowest setting is reached a it switches to maximum, then level 4 and back to medium. Goes in a circular pattern, but when turned on from off it always goes to medium. The maximum brightness is instantly available from off with a double click.
There may be different mode patterns from different sellers. Check on that if ordering.
USB port for charging.
How's that for topic drift? Maybe we need a flashlight topic?
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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 9 Mar 2021 04:26pm
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I guess the cycling through/ blinking light stuff just doesn't cause me concern... The one I linked - first click high single beam, second lower single beam, third side/flood lights high, fourth side/floods lower.... then red, blinking red... off. pretty simple. Wish it had a lock feature. The spendy ones we use backpacking have a lock feature that works great so they don't accidentally come on and run the batteries down.
BTW... ICC you got me looking at the Eneloop rechargeable. Do you suggest the regular or Pros? I see you sacrifice chare cycles for the Pros but gain mAh.
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ICC
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# Posted: 9 Mar 2021 04:39pm
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I have the std ones. Before deciding also check the following site if you haven't already found it....
https://eneloop101.com/batteries/eneloop-pro/
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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 9 Mar 2021 05:09pm
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Thanks! Yep been there.
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 10 Mar 2021 08:26pm
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Well I did it again. Left my LED work light on for, uh, 4 days or so.
If that happens with the rechargeable NiMH AAs, are they toast?
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 10 Mar 2021 10:32pm
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That is not good, but not instantly fatal to the Envelope in my limited experience of overdischarge. I did discharge a cell once down to where the charger would not recognize that it was inserted. I parallel jumped another partly discharged cell for a few minutes. That raised the voltage to where the charger recognized it. The cell did charge up and is in a small light that gets used once in a while. No issues that I have seen. I have marked the cell so I know it's history.
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hueyjazz
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2021 01:06pm
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18650 lithium is in a lot of laptop and power tools battery packs.
Dirty little secret is most often only one cell is bad causing the entire string not to charge. Dewalt battery cases come apart with security driver. Lap top you have to bust apart and where I often get donor batteries from.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2021 03:35pm
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Quoting: hueyjazz 18650 lithium is in a lot of laptop and power tools battery packs. Dirty little secret is most often only one cell is bad causing the entire string not to charge. Dewalt battery cases come apart with security driver. Lap top you have to bust apart and where I often get donor batteries from.
This is where I got all my 18650 cells from. Never bought a new one. Laptops, power tools even a cordless vacuum.
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 14 Mar 2021 01:07pm
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Well Harbor Freight got me again, 30% off items up to $10, 5 item limit. Did I mention HF is near my city house?
On the charger now..
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rachelsdad
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# Posted: 18 Mar 2021 04:38am
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Those 1,100 lumen lights are something.
I'm an avid backpacker. I still own a Petzl headlamp, state of the art in 2008, that shocked the world with over 50! Perfect for backpacking, I amazed friends with the incredible amount of light and i was probably responsible for a few sales as I spread the gospel so to speak.
Look at this comparison from REI, a very trusted site in the bp world.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/best-headlamps.html
Now I'm going to buy two of those headlamps and bring them (both) with me but I'll still have my old Petzl as a back up!
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 18 Mar 2021 10:40am
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I'm sticking with my HF unit for now
So my new MINH batteries showed 1.38v when I pulled them off their initial charge yesterday, I guess they'll drop down to 1.2 in use? Put them in a pocket LED flashlight, which I usually remember to turn off.
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