Using NiMH rechargeable batts in torches

Phil2008

Phil2008

Phil2008

Soldato
Joined
17 Dec 2004
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Id thought I would give it a go as I get through quite a few packs of alkaline batts every year.

Ive bought some UNIROSS Performance 2600series, Ive recharged them for the first time and loaded them in the torch. At the moment its nice and bright, but my fear is when I come to use the torch in a few weeks, it wont be as bright, as rechargeable loose their energy more so then non rechargeables so Im told.

So have you ever used NiMH rechargeables in torches and if so how did it compare to non rechargeable?
 
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Most of the below has been nerfed by Aod's reply (Aod who still hasn't sent me my momento :p). I had no idea about those Eneloops.

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Yes and unless you use them regularly, it's annoying as what happens is that you really need your torch one day, and switch it on to find the batteries have self-discharged.

One solution is keep a set of NiMHs in a charger at all times but that's a bit annoying.

I use 18500 cells for my torch which is one example of a cell that holds its charge but still has lots of capacity, as I got so bored of churning through AAs.
 
I just bought 8 of these Vapextech rechargeable AA's. Haven't use them yet. Come in a nice plastic box too. :)

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I hope your Vapextech batteries are better than the ones I got. They said 2900MAh on them but I'd say they were more like 1000MAh if that.

Don't worry though, I could have just got duff cells as other people seem to like them.
 
Mark A said:
I hope your Vapextech batteries are better than the ones I got. They said 2900MAh on them but I'd say they were more like 1000MAh if that.

Don't worry though, I could have just got duff cells as other people seem to like them.
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I hope they're ok, they were recommended from here.
 
My torch takes the D size batts, as Im still in the dark ages and use the old style torch. I've slightly upgraded as I use the Xenon bulbs that makes a much brighter light.
 
The only problem with using rechargeable batteries in torches which are designed for normal batteries, is they are not as bright. This is because AA rechargeable batteries are 1.2v, but normal AA batteries are 1.5v - so a pair of rechargeable AAs gives you a 0.6v/20% loss.
 
darael said:
The only problem with using rechargeable batteries in torches which are designed for normal batteries, is they are not as bright. This is because AA rechargeable batteries are 1.2v, but normal AA batteries are 1.5v - so a pair of rechargeable AAs gives you a 0.6v/20% loss.
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Yeah thats what I thought too, but then after looking on the net, I came up with this......

Using 1.2 V rechargeable batteries will have no effect on the use of the equipment. In fact an alkaline battery only benefits from 1.5 V voltage at the beginning of its discharge. Then, it drops constantly to well below 1.2 V. Finally, it drops to around 0.6 V. Most equipment will work happily on anything between 0.9 V and 1.5 V. Unlike alkaline batteries where the voltage drops quickly, rechargeable batteries offer a more constant voltage around 1.25 V throughout the entire period of use.

That is why the latest rechargeable batteries will actually outperform alkaline batteries in equipment calling for a constant and high level of energy input, such as digital cameras, flashes, camcorders, computers, portable phones, CD players, toys, gadgets - well just about anything.
 
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Phil2008 said:
Yeah thats what I thought too, but the net, I came up with this......

Using 1.2 V rechargeable batteries will have no effect on the use of the equipment. In fact an alkaline battery only benefits from 1.5 V voltage at the beginning of its discharge. Then, it drops constantly to well below 1.2 V. Finally, it drops to around 0.6 V. Most equipment will work happily on anything between 0.9 V and 1.5 V. Unlike alkaline batteries where the voltage drops quickly, rechargeable batteries offer a more constant voltage around 1.25 V throughout the entire period of use.

That is why the latest rechargeable batteries will actually outperform alkaline batteries in equipment calling for a constant and high level of energy input, such as digital cameras, flashes, camcorders, computers, portable phones, CD players, toys, gadgets - well just about anything.
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I can tell the difference with my torch. I admit I thought it was my imagination at first, but it's not! :D
 
Merlin5 said:
I just bought 8 of these Vapextech rechargeable AA's. Haven't use them yet. Come in a nice plastic box too. :)

dEJgu.jpg
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Terrible batteries - you'll be lucky to get more than 2200mah out of them and they';; self discharge in a week.

Eneloops or some form of LSD NIMH is the only way to go for rechargeable batteries.

Merlin5 said:
I hope they're ok, they were recommended from here.
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Who by? I'll add them to my ignore list :-)

darael said:
I can tell the difference with my torch. I admit I thought it was my imagination at first, but it's not! :D
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Must be a **** non-regulated torch then ;-)

Phil2008 said:
I wonder why the voltage is lower anyway with rechargeables?
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Different cell chemistires - nimh versus alkaline. Lithium are different as well at 1.7v.
 
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I've bought 2 sets of these for my camera about 3months ago, and I haven't needed to change/charge up the first set so far. I had energizer before and they only lasted about a month before they died in the camera.

fujimax-2800-mah-aa-nimh-4pk-rechargeable-batteries-466-p.jpg
 
I use GP ReCyko rechargeable AAs because of their claimed ultra low discharge. I've been using them on my bike light for nearly two years now and I can honestly say they definitely do not self discharge. You can leave them in the light for months over the summer and they still work fine after all that time. They work great in the remote controls at home as well. I think I last charged up the AAAs in the main TV remote about a year ago.

They were one of the only ones boasting ultra low self-discharge when I got them, but I know there are plenty of other batteries out there now that do the same, but these are the ones I've got:

http://www.gprecyko.com/en/index.html
 
I didn't see that thread sorry :(. Just give them a try, they might be fine for what you need them for.

If they aren't up to scratch then get some eneloops :).
 
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