alantdc

Just curious, what rechargeable batteries are people using for their AA battery extender? I use 2500mAh Energizer e2 AA's with my Boxwave extender, and I'm finding that the Energiezers self-discharge incredibly quickly. I have to use them within a week or else they're too low to sustain a charge! Is this normal for NiMH's?

Now, I see there are now these low-drain batteries like the Sanyo Eneloop ; however, the capacity is 2000mAh. Is this high enough to charge and power the Axim? Thanks.

speedy1979

This is one of those rare occasions where it maybe better to use non-rechargable ''AA'' batteries. Since all rechargable batteries will discharge eventually.

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alantdc

Originally Posted by speedy1979

This is one of those rare occasions where it maybe better to use non-rechargable ''AA'' batteries. Since all rechargable batteries will discharge eventually.

Unfortunately, regular alkaline batteries don't have enough current to charge and use the Axim at the same time. I believe it would charge ok if the Axim were powered off, though. Anyways, I ordered the Sanyo Eneloops, since they're actually the same price as the regular AA NiMH's! When they arrive, I'll post on how well they perform and hold their charge...

PocketBrain

I use the 2650 mAh Rayovac NiMH rechargeables in my home-made extender.




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speedy1979

Originally Posted by PocketBrain

I use the 2650 mAh Rayovac NiMH rechargeables in my home-made extender. .

How long does it take for those new rayovacs to self-discharge in comparison to lower amperage batteries?

daviddd

I use various makes of 2000-2300 maH NiMH AA's in the standard (i.e. Ebay) 4-battery extender, I seem to get 1.5 to 2 complete charges of the Axim from a fully charged set of batteries.

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alantdc

Originally Posted by alantdc

Now, I see there are now these low-drain batteries like the Sanyo Eneloop ; however, the capacity is 2000mAh. Is this high enough to charge and power the Axim? Thanks.

In case anyone is wondering, the 2000 mAh Eneloops in my Boxwave charger are able to charge the 2200 mAh extended battery on my powered-on X50v if the current state is above 70%. Below that, it doesn't seem to charge. Also, with the Axim off, I was able charge the battery from 15% up to around 90% in about 2 hours.

daviddd

Originally Posted by PocketBrain

I use the 2650 mAh Rayovac NiMH rechargeables in my home-made extender. .

I'm thinking of building one of these PB, but I noted that the 7805 runs at max 1A - d'ye know what's the max current use for the Ax? And why 6 AA batteries rather than say 5 or 7? (Not trying to be clever, just curious!)......

..........and any reason why I couldn't use a sealed lead acid battery with a 5V regulator ?(apart from getting a hernia carrying it around)

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wizk1

Originally Posted by speedy1979

This is one of those rare occasions where it maybe better to use non-rechargable ''AA'' batteries. Since all rechargable batteries will discharge eventually.

Absolutely not! As well as Alkaline batteries generally not being powerful enough for such a high-drain device, they are VERY bad for the environment. (The eco-warrior in me comes out).

several companies have released rechargeable NI-MH batteries that don't self-discahrge as quickly as normal NI-MH batteries. As far as I know, the companies that participate in this technology are the following...

GP, with their product called "Recyko"
Uniross, with their product called "Hybrio"
Sanyo, with their product called "Eneloop"

As far as I know, these are the only batteries that are available at present (in the UK anyway), but if anyone can add to the list, that would be super!

Hope this helps
wizk1

daviddd

Just done a quick check and found the following NiMH AA's:
Ansmann Digital 2700 @ £13.99 for 4 (!)
GP 2700 for @ £11.99 for 4
Fameart 2700 @ £10.99 for 4
Fameart 2500 @£7.99 for 4 (seems better value)
These at:
http://www.tantronics.co.uk/acatalog...Batteries.html

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mingkee

Lithium AA batteries work alot better than Alkaline batteries, but they're expensive
2500mA/h or higher Ni-MH batteries are still fine

Originally Posted by alantdc

Unfortunately, regular alkaline batteries don't have enough current to charge and use the Axim at the same time. I believe it would charge ok if the Axim were powered off, though. Anyways, I ordered the Sanyo Eneloops, since they're actually the same price as the regular AA NiMH's! When they arrive, I'll post on how well they perform and hold their charge...

radimus

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eaglescout624

hey,

if you battery expander can you run the ax as an external power sources.

thanks

radimus