What is the hot buy. I need a charger and aa and aaa size battery. Should I just get the cheap 1000mah style usld style I saw 2500mah style. Will an 18560 kill my remote controls What do I buy for general household and flashlight use?
household rechargable batteries
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JHZR2
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18650 is a larger cell and different chemistry/voltage.
Id look at the low self discharge NiMh like eneloop and Duracell Precharged.
The thing with rechargeable AA/AAA is that they are NiMH chemistry. Their voltage is lower, but so is their impedance, so their voltage under load is actually the same or higher.
For remotes that have very little draw, I think regular alkaline are just fine and you won't see an ROI. For something more regularly used, its different.
Most NiMH rechargables in larger sizes are either NOT truly the right energy (say 10000mAh or so), because they are a AA in a D cell body, or are not the low self discharge variety, so be careful.
Id look at the low self discharge NiMh like eneloop and Duracell Precharged.
The thing with rechargeable AA/AAA is that they are NiMH chemistry. Their voltage is lower, but so is their impedance, so their voltage under load is actually the same or higher.
For remotes that have very little draw, I think regular alkaline are just fine and you won't see an ROI. For something more regularly used, its different.
Most NiMH rechargables in larger sizes are either NOT truly the right energy (say 10000mAh or so), because they are a AA in a D cell body, or are not the low self discharge variety, so be careful.
eneloops are the bees knees but the (don't laugh) harbor freight AAs are a good value at $5.99 or $6.99 minus 25% for four.
I over spent on a Lacrosse BC-9009 that will exercise your cells, report amp-hours as measured, charge each cell individually to its fullest, etc. For the $ I spent its menu buttons jammed up pretty quickly.
I over spent on a Lacrosse BC-9009 that will exercise your cells, report amp-hours as measured, charge each cell individually to its fullest, etc. For the $ I spent its menu buttons jammed up pretty quickly.
Originally Posted By: evandostert
What do I buy for general household and flashlight use?
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/
What do I buy for general household and flashlight use?
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/
Eneloop batteries are one of the best rechargeable batteries out there. You can get it at Costco but the charger that comes with it is semi smart and have to charge in pairs only. Duracell, Energizer and Rayovac precharged/low self discharge ones work fine. I wouldn't get the super high capacity rechargeable since those likely discharge faster in storage. For remotes and general use I would just use alkaline batteries if you don't replace the batteries that often on there.
As for charger I wouldn't get a cheap one that is timer based. Get on that is smart or at least semi-smart. Something that will shut off/trickle charge when full. Plus protection if bad battery inserted it will not charge. I would avoid any of those 15-30 minute chargers. A full smart charger will charge each cell individually which is great if you have something that uses odd number batteries. A semi smart charger charges in pair which is no problem if everything you use is even number batteries.
The Energizer Recharge universal CHFC2 is a smart charger for around $30 in stores and charge all sizes (AAA, AA, C, D and 9v). This one will charge each cell individually if you place one cell in each bay. The Energizer Recharge smart charger CHP42 is a semi smart charger since you have to charge in pairs, cost around $20. I have both of these chargers and you can find them in any store easily. Most of the Duracell and Rayovac chargers ones I see in stores are semi smart.
As for charger I wouldn't get a cheap one that is timer based. Get on that is smart or at least semi-smart. Something that will shut off/trickle charge when full. Plus protection if bad battery inserted it will not charge. I would avoid any of those 15-30 minute chargers. A full smart charger will charge each cell individually which is great if you have something that uses odd number batteries. A semi smart charger charges in pair which is no problem if everything you use is even number batteries.
The Energizer Recharge universal CHFC2 is a smart charger for around $30 in stores and charge all sizes (AAA, AA, C, D and 9v). This one will charge each cell individually if you place one cell in each bay. The Energizer Recharge smart charger CHP42 is a semi smart charger since you have to charge in pairs, cost around $20. I have both of these chargers and you can find them in any store easily. Most of the Duracell and Rayovac chargers ones I see in stores are semi smart.
I just bought some Amazon Basics nimh rechargeable batteries that are made in Japan and some of the reviewers suspect they're rebadged Enloops.
Amazon has more than one battery under their own brand, but these are the ones I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Pre-C...=amazon+battery
The other Amazon Basics batteries are made in China, but may be good.
My other low-priced battery of choice is Tenergy. I usually buy them off Amazon or Ebay.
NOTE - I'm not one of the battery nerds you'll find online, but I've had good luck with the above choices and they're affordable. I mainly use them in LED flashlights and bicycle lights.
I'm also interested in hearing suggestions for chargers that won't break the bank. I see a couple suggestions above that I'm checking out online.
Amazon has more than one battery under their own brand, but these are the ones I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Pre-C...=amazon+battery
The other Amazon Basics batteries are made in China, but may be good.
My other low-priced battery of choice is Tenergy. I usually buy them off Amazon or Ebay.
NOTE - I'm not one of the battery nerds you'll find online, but I've had good luck with the above choices and they're affordable. I mainly use them in LED flashlights and bicycle lights.
I'm also interested in hearing suggestions for chargers that won't break the bank. I see a couple suggestions above that I'm checking out online.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: stephen9666
I just bought some Amazon Basics nimh rechargeable batteries that are made in Japan and some of the reviewers suspect they're rebadged Enloops.
I believe the Eneloop is the same as the Sony cycle charge, duracell pre charged, etc. At least when I bought a number of each.
I just bought some Amazon Basics nimh rechargeable batteries that are made in Japan and some of the reviewers suspect they're rebadged Enloops.
I believe the Eneloop is the same as the Sony cycle charge, duracell pre charged, etc. At least when I bought a number of each.
Sanyo invented the NiMH low self discharge battery series called Eneloop before the company being bought out by Panasonic/National.
Sanyo has a long history RE: developing rechargeable cells: from late 60s NiCd to NiMh and then the low self-discharge type as well...excellent quality and reputation to boot.
Also: to maximise battery's life and recharge behaviour: it's always best to pursue proper recharging station: go for the delta-v ones instead of the cheep, constant current type.
Good luck.
Q.
Sanyo has a long history RE: developing rechargeable cells: from late 60s NiCd to NiMh and then the low self-discharge type as well...excellent quality and reputation to boot.
Also: to maximise battery's life and recharge behaviour: it's always best to pursue proper recharging station: go for the delta-v ones instead of the cheep, constant current type.
Good luck.
Q.
I use the Green rechargeable AA & AAA NiMH sold by Harbor Freight in a camp lantern we use as a nite lite. The lantern takes 4 "D" cells which I have adapters for that take 2 "AA" cells each adapter. Batteries last approx. a week before needing a recharge.
I tried the Black ones that claimed they were pre-charged, they didn't work as well.
Batteries? Most are made in china anyway.
I tried the Black ones that claimed they were pre-charged, they didn't work as well.
Batteries? Most are made in china anyway.
JHZR2
Staff member
All of my low self discharge cells are Japanese, not Chinese. All my alkalizes are US made. China only if buying at HF...
If you're using something regularly, LSD may not be essential. It is well known that the LSD cells have fewer ampere-hours than the other types. The difference is that the non-LSD ones lose a LOT of their charge over the course of a few weeks, while the LSD ones are still around 85% charge after a year.
If you're using something regularly, LSD may not be essential. It is well known that the LSD cells have fewer ampere-hours than the other types. The difference is that the non-LSD ones lose a LOT of their charge over the course of a few weeks, while the LSD ones are still around 85% charge after a year.
C.Crane NiMH Charger
I have the older version of the above and it's worked great over the years. CCrane is in the USA and provides excellent customer service + advice.
I have the older version of the above and it's worked great over the years. CCrane is in the USA and provides excellent customer service + advice.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
All of my low self discharge cells are Japanese, not Chinese. All my alkalizes are US made. China only if buying at HF...
Oh REALLY??????????????????? LOL
Right here in my hot little hand I have Batteries purchased at Menards, Dollar General, Tiger Direct, CVS, and Walgreen, all of them alkaline, some store brand some name brand, all state, Hencho in china. Another blanket statement down the tubes.
All of my low self discharge cells are Japanese, not Chinese. All my alkalizes are US made. China only if buying at HF...
Oh REALLY??????????????????? LOL
Right here in my hot little hand I have Batteries purchased at Menards, Dollar General, Tiger Direct, CVS, and Walgreen, all of them alkaline, some store brand some name brand, all state, Hencho in china. Another blanket statement down the tubes.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
For remotes that have very little draw, I think regular alkaline are just fine and you won't see an ROI. For something more regularly used, its different.
Agreed 100%.
Regular alkaline can lasted 4-6 years in a remote.
For remotes that have very little draw, I think regular alkaline are just fine and you won't see an ROI. For something more regularly used, its different.
Agreed 100%.
Regular alkaline can lasted 4-6 years in a remote.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: jcwit
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
All of my low self discharge cells are Japanese, not Chinese. All my alkalizes are US made. China only if buying at HF...
Oh REALLY??????????????????? LOL
Right here in my hot little hand I have Batteries purchased at Menards, Dollar General, Tiger Direct, CVS, and Walgreen, all of them alkaline, some store brand some name brand, all state, Hencho in china. Another blanket statement down the tubes.
Blanket statement? I know coo on my batteries thank you very much. Yours may be different but dont imply that I'm a liar when I know specifically where mine came from.
The only Chinese cells I've seen are at HF. Surely others sell them too, but I haven't purchased any. I do a lot of military battery work and there sure is a lot of Chinese production of all kinds of batteries. Doesn't mean there isn't a lot of domestic production as well, for all chemistries. Ditto for Japan.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
All of my low self discharge cells are Japanese, not Chinese. All my alkalizes are US made. China only if buying at HF...
Oh REALLY??????????????????? LOL
Right here in my hot little hand I have Batteries purchased at Menards, Dollar General, Tiger Direct, CVS, and Walgreen, all of them alkaline, some store brand some name brand, all state, Hencho in china. Another blanket statement down the tubes.
Blanket statement? I know coo on my batteries thank you very much. Yours may be different but dont imply that I'm a liar when I know specifically where mine came from.
The only Chinese cells I've seen are at HF. Surely others sell them too, but I haven't purchased any. I do a lot of military battery work and there sure is a lot of Chinese production of all kinds of batteries. Doesn't mean there isn't a lot of domestic production as well, for all chemistries. Ditto for Japan.
Well you made the statement implying that only Chinese batteries are available at Harbor Freight, & I did some research with what I had on hand to dispute that claim, and found it was wrong.
If you wish to claim that is calling you a liar, what can I say, your decision, not mine.
I'm just pointing out Chinese manufactured batteries are available at many other outlets other than just Harbor Freight.
Your military battery work has little to do with whats available on the retail market to the average customer in the East or elsewhere here in the U.S. and may likely vary with the location.
Its clearly obvious you have a complete dislike for Harbor Freight, but in reality they have grown into a viable retail establishment here in the U.S. whether you wish to accept it or not or even is you like it or not. It is what it is, and a profitable one at that.
If you wish to claim that is calling you a liar, what can I say, your decision, not mine.
I'm just pointing out Chinese manufactured batteries are available at many other outlets other than just Harbor Freight.
Your military battery work has little to do with whats available on the retail market to the average customer in the East or elsewhere here in the U.S. and may likely vary with the location.
Its clearly obvious you have a complete dislike for Harbor Freight, but in reality they have grown into a viable retail establishment here in the U.S. whether you wish to accept it or not or even is you like it or not. It is what it is, and a profitable one at that.
JHZR2
Staff member
So are US/Japanese batteries available at HF? Didnt think so. Thus China only if buying at HF. Not sure why you're trying SO hard to prove me wrong... But the reality is that domestic alkalines are available all over from the major manufacturers.
I couldn't care less if the stores you cited sell offshore batteries. I know HF does as thats their business model, heck they sell old school zinc chloride cells too.
I don't even know why you're turning this into a HF argument (yet again). Its quite obvious that they sell chinesium. That was never even the point!
Why not check the commentary, which you started with a blanket statement.
Originally Posted By: jcwit
I use the Green rechargeable AA & AAA NiMH sold by Harbor Freight in a camp lantern we use as a nite lite. The lantern takes 4 "D" cells which I have adapters for that take 2 "AA" cells each adapter. Batteries last approx. a week before needing a recharge.
I tried the Black ones that claimed they were pre-charged, they didn't work as well.
Batteries? Most are made in china anyway.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
All of my low self discharge cells are Japanese, not Chinese. All my alkalizes are US made. China only if buying at HF...
If you're using something regularly, LSD may not be essential. It is well known that the LSD cells have fewer ampere-hours than the other types. The difference is that the non-LSD ones lose a LOT of their charge over the course of a few weeks, while the LSD ones are still around 85% charge after a year.
So how about technical discussion? Thats what the OP wants, not how great your HF stuff is, or that you buy Chinesium batteries or that you believe they are all made there, not here or Japan. LSD vs standard NiMH is a good discussion, which you hit upon with practical experience. Response to that in concurrence was my intent per the above quoted text, as I own both LSD and non-LSD NiMH (that all happen to be from Japan).
I couldn't care less if the stores you cited sell offshore batteries. I know HF does as thats their business model, heck they sell old school zinc chloride cells too.
I don't even know why you're turning this into a HF argument (yet again). Its quite obvious that they sell chinesium. That was never even the point!
Why not check the commentary, which you started with a blanket statement.
Originally Posted By: jcwit
I use the Green rechargeable AA & AAA NiMH sold by Harbor Freight in a camp lantern we use as a nite lite. The lantern takes 4 "D" cells which I have adapters for that take 2 "AA" cells each adapter. Batteries last approx. a week before needing a recharge.
I tried the Black ones that claimed they were pre-charged, they didn't work as well.
Batteries? Most are made in china anyway.
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
All of my low self discharge cells are Japanese, not Chinese. All my alkalizes are US made. China only if buying at HF...
If you're using something regularly, LSD may not be essential. It is well known that the LSD cells have fewer ampere-hours than the other types. The difference is that the non-LSD ones lose a LOT of their charge over the course of a few weeks, while the LSD ones are still around 85% charge after a year.
So how about technical discussion? Thats what the OP wants, not how great your HF stuff is, or that you buy Chinesium batteries or that you believe they are all made there, not here or Japan. LSD vs standard NiMH is a good discussion, which you hit upon with practical experience. Response to that in concurrence was my intent per the above quoted text, as I own both LSD and non-LSD NiMH (that all happen to be from Japan).
gathermewool
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JHZR2
Staff member
Is that a good price vs Amazon? I haven't bought AAA rechargeable in a while (only run them in higher end graphics calculators). Still, the stay charged ones will need to be topped up after a year or two, while the alkalizes should be stable five or more years. Remotes don't really have any load. The bigger issue may be input voltage to drive the emitter.
Quote--Why not check the commentary, which you started with a blanket statement.
So where did I make a blanket statement? I stated "most", so using the word "most" makes it a blanket statement, so be it I guess, what ever you say, believe as you wish.
The OP wished to know what batteries would work for him, I did nothing more that give my suggestions as to what works fine for me, and suggested where he might find them available country of origin be darned.
I know what worked for me in my applications which I'm positive would work just fine in the OP's applications as I also use them in my remotes, recharged maybe once twice a year.
With that said I don't even know what a LSD battery is, nor do I care, actually I thought it was a drug of the 60's.
So where did I make a blanket statement? I stated "most", so using the word "most" makes it a blanket statement, so be it I guess, what ever you say, believe as you wish.
The OP wished to know what batteries would work for him, I did nothing more that give my suggestions as to what works fine for me, and suggested where he might find them available country of origin be darned.
I know what worked for me in my applications which I'm positive would work just fine in the OP's applications as I also use them in my remotes, recharged maybe once twice a year.
With that said I don't even know what a LSD battery is, nor do I care, actually I thought it was a drug of the 60's.
JHZR2
Staff member
Whatever. Somehow "most are made in China", is not a blanket statement, while "China only if buying at HF" which is absolutely true about their wares is one.
I really don't care to be arguing with you over semantics or how you read into the inflection of a comment I made, when it is irrelevant to the OP and the technical discussion we are trying to have.
Back to answering the OP's question.
Originally Posted By: evandostert
What is the hot buy. I need a charger and aa and aaa size battery. Should I just get the cheap 1000mah style usld style I saw 2500mah style. Will an 18560 kill my remote controls What do I buy for general household and flashlight use?
LSD (Low self discharge) is the only way to go for remotes, because standard NiMH lose the better part of their charge within a few days.
Though others apparently don't care about LSD (despite supposedly taking part in a battery discussion), it is a major consideration. Standard NiMH loses about 10% SOC on the first day, and then about 5% per day after that. This is why some folks don't have issues with devices drained over a week or a few weeks. LSD cells lose about 15% SOC over the course of a year, so are much better for low/no drain and idle devices.
The thing to remember is that the LSD cells generally hold about 20% LESS energy (say 2500 mAh for a standard vs 2000 mAh for an LSD AA), so that also must be a consideration for some applications - a remote is not one where that need be considered.
There is a superior lifecycle cost for NiMH vs alkaline cells for certain applications with high draw, where the high impedance of alkaline cells drives the load voltage below 1.2V. This is because the impedance of NiMH (Vterminals=Vunloaded-current*impedance) is much lower so the loaded voltage doesn't drop. Not an issue for a remote. But Im not convinced NiMH is smart for a remote anyway.
Anyone who actually wants to learn about the design and engineering considerations of NiMH, this is a decent read:
http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/nickelmetalhydride_appman.pdf
I really don't care to be arguing with you over semantics or how you read into the inflection of a comment I made, when it is irrelevant to the OP and the technical discussion we are trying to have.
Back to answering the OP's question.
Originally Posted By: evandostert
What is the hot buy. I need a charger and aa and aaa size battery. Should I just get the cheap 1000mah style usld style I saw 2500mah style. Will an 18560 kill my remote controls What do I buy for general household and flashlight use?
LSD (Low self discharge) is the only way to go for remotes, because standard NiMH lose the better part of their charge within a few days.
Though others apparently don't care about LSD (despite supposedly taking part in a battery discussion), it is a major consideration. Standard NiMH loses about 10% SOC on the first day, and then about 5% per day after that. This is why some folks don't have issues with devices drained over a week or a few weeks. LSD cells lose about 15% SOC over the course of a year, so are much better for low/no drain and idle devices.
The thing to remember is that the LSD cells generally hold about 20% LESS energy (say 2500 mAh for a standard vs 2000 mAh for an LSD AA), so that also must be a consideration for some applications - a remote is not one where that need be considered.
There is a superior lifecycle cost for NiMH vs alkaline cells for certain applications with high draw, where the high impedance of alkaline cells drives the load voltage below 1.2V. This is because the impedance of NiMH (Vterminals=Vunloaded-current*impedance) is much lower so the loaded voltage doesn't drop. Not an issue for a remote. But Im not convinced NiMH is smart for a remote anyway.
Anyone who actually wants to learn about the design and engineering considerations of NiMH, this is a decent read:
http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/nickelmetalhydride_appman.pdf
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