Multitool.org Forum
Non Tool Forum => The Shutter Shop => Topic started by: kreskin13 on March 21, 2008, 12:12:30 PM
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Anyone who uses a digital camera knows how expensive batteries are. If you're not using rechargeables, start NOW!
Not only are they much cheaper to use, they are much better for the environment.
Here is an article I found this morning with an update on the rechargeable battery world and how to use them properly. I use the Sanyo Eneloops with a Maha charger, but this La Crosse looks very good.
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/001078.html
Here are a couple of places I've bought rechargeables from.
http://www.greenbatteries.com/
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/index.htm
Calvin
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Anyone who uses a digital camera knows how expensive batteries are. If you're not using rechargeables, start NOW!
Not only are they much cheaper to use, they are much better for the environment.
Thats they are, normal batteries are horribley expensive to dispose of safely :o
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I'll never buy alkies again, Eneloops for me from now on! :cheers:
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Is it safe to use Eneloop on AA and AAA LED flashlights ?
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more than safe bro, I'd recommend it!
last longer-over and over use, more continuous power after a few minutes of use alkies drop off fast, never leak, hold a good charge if you store the light.
These are not Lithiums bro, so their quite safe.
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Ok, I'll get Eneloop batteries for my 2 LED flashlights. Thanks WhichDawg!
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if you do you'll have to get a charger for them! and stay away from quick chargers, they kill your rechargeables over the long run!
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I already have a slow charger that I use to charge NiCad batteries before. Thanks for the reminder.
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I use Eneloops with that LaCrosse BC-900 charger you linked to. Both work awesome. That charger is the best available, IMO. The Maha C-9000 is awesome too, but the LaCrosse is less expensive and easier to use.
Eneloops work great in flashlights too!!
FWIW, I've also had great luck with Ray-O-Vac hybrids.
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My La Crosse shipped today! When I first saw the article on www.lifehacker.com. I followed the link to Amazon and saw they had them in stock for less than $40. I did a little more research on the La Crosse (I'm a big Maha fan 8)) liked what I read, went back to Amazon a few hours later and they were already out of stock! I guess that article caused a gold rush on them. :o
If you have any interest in computers, I can't recommend www.lifehacker.com enough. They cover both PC and Mac with lot's of free (and legal) software links. They tell you what the software does and why they like it. Great stuff.
Calvin
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I already have a slow charger that I use to charge NiCad batteries before. Thanks for the reminder.
This is the charger I was talking about. Is it safe if I use this to charge Sanyo Eneloop? Thank you.
Eddie
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/edap617/DSC00034a.jpg)
Close up view showing the model number.
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/edap617/DSC00030a.jpg)
Name plate at the back. I cant read the instruction in Japanese but at least there is an English portion at the bottom.
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/edap617/DSC00038.jpg)
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what I've read Eddie is;
a NiCd charger will also charge NiMH cells, but there are a few specific things to check for.
-If the charger applies a low current on a timer before cutting off, then this may not be enough to fully charge typically higher capacity NiMH cells. It may be necessary to run the timer a second time.
-If the charger applies a low current continuously without ever stopping, then leaving the power connected after the NiMH cells (eneloops are NIMH) are charged may cause damage from overcharging. In such a case you would want to find out how long it takes to fully charge the cells and unplug after that.
-If the charger uses some form of intelligent charge termination (smart charger, I think yours is a dumb charger, meaning no settings, digital display) you would be wise to test first. Make sure the cells don't start getting hot and staying hot at the end of charge, since this would be a sign of missed charge termination and overcharging. they will not be dangerous, just not last as long, you'd be killing your batteries life.
I would pull the plug after charging is complete (light goes out?) just to be on the safe side, if yours stops at all! Otherwise check (touch) the batteries to see if their getting hot.
I myself would invest in a newer, dedicated NiMH charger.
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WhichDawg,
Thanks again. I will try using this charger and will follow your intructions. Will buy a modern charger later.
Eddie
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np amigo, I think eneloops are great, they claim to be able to charge 1000 times! (to early/new for us to see if this is true but so far their doing it!) that's 1000 times you'd have to buy regular batteries! and no leaking!!!
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Name plate at the back. I cant read the instruction in Japanese but at least there is an English portion at the bottom.
The japanese portion are just a bunch of warnings, like read the owner's manual, don't charge alkaline, don't disassemble etc. nothing you don't know already. (you do know them already, right? :pok:)
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Name plate at the back. I cant read the instruction in Japanese but at least there is an English portion at the bottom.
The japanese portion are just a bunch of warnings, like read the owner's manual, don't charge alkaline, don't disassemble etc. nothing you don't know already. (you do know them already, right? :pok:)
Thanks Jzmtl. I feel safe to charge the Eneloop with my old charger now.
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Name plate at the back. I cant read the instruction in Japanese but at least there is an English portion at the bottom.
The japanese portion are just a bunch of warnings, like read the owner's manual, don't charge alkaline, don't disassemble etc. nothing you don't know already. (you do know them already, right? :pok:)
Thanks Jzmtl. I feel safe to charge the Eneloop with my old charger now.
remember don't leave them in that charger and get hot! you'll kill their life span if they do. a battery tester or multi meter will tell you if they are fully charged.
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What are the benefits of the eneloops over duracell rechargeables? I see the eneloops in Costco all the time, but I've already got a mess of duracells.
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here's a thread for you to read about that bobfish; http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=189615&highlight=duracell
they say it all :)
let me know if you have any questions or problems :cheers:
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In short, the LSD batteries such as the Eneloops and Ray-O-Vac hybrids will only lose 15-20% of their charge per year in storage. The high-capacity NiMH batteries such as the Duracells will lose up to 80% of their charge in 90 days of storage.
So, while the Duracells have a higher capacity, after a short period of time in storage the Eneloops would have much more charge than the Duracells. If you use your batteries frequently and don't store them between charges, you will get more performance out of the Duracells. If you store charged batteries even for a couple of weeks during use, the LSD type batteries should be used.
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Aha!
:cheers:
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I have had bad luck with my Radioshack electronic batteries. Every time I go to use my wifes digital camera there dead. Plus, they don't charge right. I think I may buy her some nice Energizer ones soon..
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That's funny; I've had people swear to me that the Radioshack batteries are the bee's knees, but every time I've used one they were junk.
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I've never liked them, and have read their not good either.
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I have had bad luck with my Radioshack electronic batteries. Every time I go to use my wifes digital camera there dead. Plus, they don't charge right. I think I may buy her some nice Energizer ones soon..
Energizer rechargeables have a terrible reputation, and my experience with them supports that. They self-discharge quickly and don't allow nearly as many recharge cycles as they claim before they are toast.
If you want a great NiMH rechargeable, I highly recommend the newer LSD NiMH battery technology, as discussed above. Sanyo Eneloops or Ray-O-Vac hybrids are both great choices.
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Off topic, I'm embarrassed to say that every time I read the word "eneloops" I think it's some kind of Dutch swearword.
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I'm glad you said that- I always think they are Fruit Loops with caffeine added! :ahhh
Def
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Eneloops are fantastic. The LSD technology has really helped out the rechargeable cause. They are now viable for use in flashlights and other low drain devices. Previously it was almost useless to use rechargeables in anything other than high drain products (digital cameras, portable games and CD players, etc.).
I thought that they only made Eneloops in AA but just found some AAA. A lot of things use AAA these days as they try to shrink everything down so you can barely even handle them! :ahhh
Now my AAA flashlights, remote controls, cordless mice, etc. have rechargeable batteries in them that won't drain to nothing after a couple of months.
Circuit City was the only place that carries the AAA Eneloops who actually had them in stock.
Calvin
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:think:
I think Costco has an Eneloops set that has AA's and AAA's. Next time I swing by I'll try to remember to check.
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I found some Ray O Vac "hybrid" LSD rechargeables the other day at Target. They had both AA & AAA in 4 packs. AAA LSD's seem kind of hard to find so I was happy to find them on the shelf. I picked up a pack that had 2 AA & 2 AAA with a charger for $10. I thought that was a pretty good deal, although the charger is probably a piece of garbage. :twak:
I had read some pretty good things about these Ray O Vacs but had never tried them. I'll give them a ride around the park and see how they match up against the Eneloops.
I also ordered this Eneloop Travel Pack. I'm really interested in trying out the C & D cell adapters.
They want $35 for it, but when I ordered mine yesterday they were only $30! ???
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012S5CSY
Calvin
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My Eneloop Travel Pack arrived today! :mail: It looks good, I can't wait to put them to work.
My mother needed a charger and some rechargeables so I told her to make sure and get some LSD's. Since most people don't really understand much about how the rechargeable world works I went on one of my favorite sites and ordered her the La Crosse BC-900 with the travel bag and accessory kit. Got a great deal, on sale for $39.
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/
While I was on the site I had to pick up something for myself so I ordered a couple of other brands of LSD's. Maha has one out called Imedion so I picked up some AA & AAA. I also picked up some from NEXcell called EnergyOn.
I highly recommend this site, they really got it going on! 8)
Calvin
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My Eneloop Travel Pack arrived today! :mail: It looks good, I can't wait to put them to work.
My mother needed a charger and some rechargeables so I told her to make sure and get some LSD's. Since most people don't really understand much about how the rechargeable world works I went on one of my favorite sites and ordered her the La Crosse BC-900 with the travel bag and accessory kit. Got a great deal, on sale for $39.
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/
While I was on the site I had to pick up something for myself so I ordered a couple of other brands of LSD's. Maha has one out called Imedion so I picked up some AA & AAA. I also picked up some from NEXcell called EnergyOn.
I highly recommend this site, they really got it going on! 8)
Calvin
Calvin, do they have international shipping? Thank you.
Eddie
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The Eneloops travel pack was a deal of the day on Amazon. Now it's back to $50.
I thought about picking it up, but I put it off. Also, I think they have a similar price at Costco.
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My Eneloop Travel Pack arrived today! :mail: It looks good, I can't wait to put them to work.
My mother needed a charger and some rechargeables so I told her to make sure and get some LSD's. Since most people don't really understand much about how the rechargeable world works I went on one of my favorite sites and ordered her the La Crosse BC-900 with the travel bag and accessory kit. Got a great deal, on sale for $39.
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/
While I was on the site I had to pick up something for myself so I ordered a couple of other brands of LSD's. Maha has one out called Imedion so I picked up some AA & AAA. I also picked up some from NEXcell called EnergyOn.
I highly recommend this site, they really got it going on! 8)
Calvin
Calvin, do they have international shipping? Thank you.
Eddie
It looks like they do ship internationally Eddie.
http://thomasdistributing.com/ship-international.htm
Calvin
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The Eneloops travel pack was a deal of the day on Amazon. Now it's back to $50.
I thought about picking it up, but I put it off. Also, I think they have a similar price at Costco.
It looks like there are a couple of the larger kits available from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-eneloop-Travel-Power-Pack/dp/B0012S5CSY/ref=pd_bbs_sr_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1209199001&sr=8-10
http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-Eneloop-Battery-Charger-Batteries/dp/B000WPJIME/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1209199298&sr=8-4
Here is a link to a bunch of Eneloop options from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=eneloops&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aeneloops&page=1
Sometimes Costco and Sams Club have packages put together for them that you can't get anywhere else. That's one of the reasons to shop at those places, I think they have a lot of great deals.
Calvin
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Thanks for the link Calvin. Just checked and they do ship to the Philippines.
Eddie
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Here is a good place to buy battery adapters separate if you don't need the full kit:
http://www.greenbatteries.com/battery-adapter.html
The LaCrosse BC-900 charger, which I highly recommend, comes with a set too:
http://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technology-BC-900-AlphaPower-Battery/dp/B00077AA5Q
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Terry, thanks for the links.
Eddie
(http://th299.photobucket.com/albums/mm294/seductive_nymph/GIF%20IcOns/th_smile.gif)