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MtnDon
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# Posted: 11 Aug 2015 11:31pm
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I recently discovered these batteries and I am very pleased. Introduced 10 years ago by Sanyo and now sold under the Panasonic name. (where was I? Why did it take me a decade to discover them?)
These are rechargeable NiMH, nickel metal hydride, batteries. These are low self discharge NiMH. I used NiMH back in 2000 when we got our first digital camera. Back then their main fault was that when left sitting for a month they lost almost about 25% of their capacity due to high self discharge. Not these newer low self discharge ones. One thing that has always been good about NiMH is they can supply much more current than alkaline batteries. That has not changed.
Over the years the number of times the Eneloops can be recharged has increased from 1000 to 2000 or more. They have a capacity of 2000 mAh which is not bad. Maybe not as high as some good alkaline, but these are rechargeable. There are newer versions that advertise greater capacity.
There are some other brands out there but the Panasonic are recognized as being the best. maybe. The Amazon basics NiMH batteries are apparently re-badged Eneloops.
When you buy them they are precharged to between 60 to 80% charge. Using a solar powered factory. It takes several cycles to get them to supply the maximum capacity. They need a smart charger. Sanyo/Panasonic has a few; sometimes a charger and a pair of batteries is a good deal. LaCrosse makes several chargers which are smart, one can be used off 12 VDC. Some offer features that are useful. I have their "1000"model.
I've been using them in my newest high output AA flashlights. I am very pleased with the lights and the battery performance.
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Timber Tramp
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2015 12:43am
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I hear ya, being off the grid I use alot of AA batts mostly for lighting and my radio. With the days getting shorter flashlights come to mind.
I went to the recycle shed at the dump 3 years ago and got at least 50 rechargable batts that I'm still using now. 99% of the 150 pounds of the alkaline batts I took were still good. Miners, foresters and geoligists throw out batteries faster than one can change their socks. Lol
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NorthRick
Member
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2015 11:21am
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Any idea how they work in the cold? And I mean Alaska cold, not Arizona cold. I realize all batteries lose a lot of capacity when it gets below zero. My existing NiMHs are getting tired and aren't much good when running around in the winter time anymore. Disposable lithiums work the best, but they are spendy, and disposable.
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2015 12:35pm
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temperature answer is here
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LoonWhisperer
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2015 02:21pm
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Also happy with my Eneloops. I use C & D adapters on my lanterns etc and they work fine as well. Much simpler when all you need is AAA & AA.
Anyone using them for their trail cams? Each one of mine take 8 AA's. Yikes.
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NorthRick
Member
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2015 04:19pm
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Thanks MtnDon. I was hoping for a temp vs capacity curve though. "Works down to -4F" suggest that they stop working at all at that temp. What would be nice to know is, if it can supply 2000mah at say 70F, what temp does it drop to 1000mah, or 500.
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2015 04:46pm
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Try searching candlepower forums. Or do a goggle. I would but I am presently on a limited data link in the boonies.
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Timber Tramp
Member
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2015 10:18pm
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I can't say how much the cold affects the rechargeable AA's but it's gotten down too minus 44 outside and ten below inside and I can't say that it has hurt the batts at all.
This is my temporary shelter where I have spent 4 winters while building with logs.
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