Hipshot Loc: Frostbite Falls, MN

Sanyo is the largest battery maker in the world. I have used their Eneloop AA NIMH rechargeables for years (the one with white wrap, 1900 mAh) and just took delivery of their new black wrap 2400 mAh AA batteries that are suppose to be less cold temp sensitive and last longer. Well, these NEW batteries are only 1.2 volts and therefore be underpowered for some products; or, the device will not function for as long a time. Unless, of course, the device is designed for 1.2 volts.

Some tips on NIMH batteries. I have gotten them to last years by charging them after they have been discharged no more than 50% and 10-30% discharge is even better. They love to be only partially discharged and then recharged. Don't run them down like NiCAd batteries before recharging them.

I have 2 of the white wrap Batteries that have been used in my radar detector for about 3 years, continuously. I have just, Friday last week, put a pair of the new black Label (high capacity for professional use) in the detector for a comparison. I'll report back in a few years.

The Eneloops are fine batteries.

Check out www.BatteryJunction.com

randymoe

I will be using my new, just bought from Costco, Sanyo eneloop AA 1.2 V min 1900 mAh batteries in 3 SB 800 speed lights. I understand they are low voltage, but hope the SB 800 which can use 4 or 5 AA will respond well over time. Since we seldom use a speed light's full power I think I will not miss the higher voltage provide d by 5 Alkaline 1.5 v batteries.

And maybe the speed light will last longer...

I am disappointed Costco does not seem to be selling the current Sanyo best. Costco must be slipping, they used to provide the latest technology for less.

Where did you obtain the AA 2400 min mAh?

Lionsgate Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona

If you are using these in a camera check your camera owner's manual. Two standard AA batteries generate 3 volts (1.5 each). Most rechargeable AA batteries generate 1.2 volts (or 2.4 volts for 2 batteries). If you "under volt" your camera you can damage the electronics.

barbkelly Loc: Delaware

I only use Eneloops. I use them in my Speedlite. What I love about them is that they hold their charge when not in use.

Hipshot Loc: Frostbite Falls, MN

Randymoe, I got mine at www.batteryjunction.com. I find interesting items there. Good prices. Been using them for several years, always fast service and communications about what is happening with orders. I am on their email list and got one announcing the availability of the new Eneloops and ordered the next day. Got email about my order that said they didn't have enough in stock to meet the initial demand and were back ordered. About a week later I got another email saying they were shipped. They always have some sale going on.

A couple of other sites I get interesting stuff from are www.all-battery.com and www.lighthound.com. The last one carries replacement flashlight bulbs and LED modules that are often higher output and/or longer run time than factory stock in a flashlight. I got a couple that upgraded a few Surefire flashlights.

randymoe

Thanks for the links!

I just bought a Fenix E05 flashlight from Amazon. Recommended by Ken Rockwell. It is the size of a AA, uses a AAA and is very sturdy and bright. Fits on key chain easily. Fenix recommends a rechargeable and claims it produces light at the same power for nearly 3 hours.

Nice tiny flashlight.

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

As I order most things from B&H, I have found the Pearstone 2600mAh Ni-MH AA batteries and the Pearstone charger to be quite decent. 10 packs are $20, and the 4 hour, 8 batteries at a time charger $37.50.

Here is the link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=pearstone+AA&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

The key to performance is to have enough batteries to allow the in-use set to deep discharge prior to charging. All battery chemistry designs, regardless of claims otherwise, are best served via deep discharge before charge. The olde concept of "memory effect," which most modern battery makers say they have cured, is only cured to inspire battery life shortening through improper charging and the resultant new battery repurchase. After all, every battery manufacturer is in business to sell you more batteries.

steve7cat Loc: Swindon uk

I use eneloop batteries in my pentax k-x they hold there charge much longer than regular rechargeable batteries,I have had no problems with them holding there charge. Are you sure you have not been sold counterfeit ones
As others have suggested I use the new nickel zinc 1.6v in my cheap compact as it is very sensitive to a small voltage drop and does not like the eneloop low voltage check ebay for NIZN .

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

That is all I use in my daughters Pentax K-x and also my flash she consistently gets around 600 shots per charge.

Wilderness Images Loc: Apache Junction, AZ.

Hey Old Timer. Don't rely on a voltage measurement of your batteries as a determining factor of "keep" vs "throwaway".

Standard, non-rechargeable batteries have a terminal voltage of 1.5 volts, while a rechargeable battery has a terminal voltage of 1.2 volts. Often a built-in battery status indicator will show that a rechargeable battery is already partially depleted (but it's still fully charged).

Rechargeable batteries will, over a period of time, "self discharge" while just sitting on a shelf. It's best to fully recharge them after they have been depleted, even if they are going to be in storage for a while, then recharge them again prior to using them again.

I started using a Ray-O-Vac "Platinum", 2,100 mah, NiMH, rechargeable that has performed outstandingly for the entire winter season. I purchased the charger and 4 batteries at Wal Mart for $20 (+/_).

lobo-1 Loc: New Park,Pa

Old Timer,buy American
The insurance bit is a rip off.

meatyore

Excellent info- Thanks R~

Gregg

I use Samsung Eneloop batteries in my Z981 and they work quite well. They seem to discharge morre slowly when in use, and will hold a full freshdormant charge seemingly forever. I recommend them.

mr_class Loc: Jim Thorpe, PA

I just checked my wildlife surveillance camera that uses 12 AA 2700 Powerex batteries charged in the Powerex MAHA chargers. The camera ran from March 14 until today taking 8115 exposures. There was still 40% charge left in the batteries. They could have easily lasted another month.