David R. Busse wrote:
> 5. Extra batteries. Go by the Costco or Sam's warehouse stores and stock
> up on batteries for your camera, since most of the newer, better cameras
> need batteries. Rule #1: Your batteries will always DIE trackside in
> places like Kellerman, Alabama or Amboy, Calif., if you haven't packed
> extras.
Better yet, for those with AA powered cameras and accesories, buy some
Ni-Cad rechargeables and never have to buy batteries again. Sure, the
Ni-Cads may cost 4 times as much, but they will last 100 times longer
with proper care.
I've tried different brands, and have found the Millenium brand to be
the best, plus a one hour recharge with their rapid charger (have never
used one though). Avoid the Radio Shack batteries, I've have had
nothing but bad luck with them personally. BTW, Eveready makes a really
compact 5hr, 4 AA cell recharger (#FCC2) that's great for traveling.
One important note when using Ni-Cad batteries is to complelety
discharge them after use and before you recharge them. I made a simple
discharger from a 4 cell tray and a 6.3V, 0.25A bulb. Just throw the
batteries into the discharger until the light goes out and then charge
appropriately. Without this discharging, your batteries will exhibit
the dreaded memory effect, which basicly means the batteries will learn
to "dump" too early when used in a cyclic fashion.
If you use a flash regularly, you'll appreciate that the Ni-Cads have a
faster cycle time than alkalines. I've also found that the Ni-Cads
appear to do better in cold weather, though I've never done any real
testing.
--
Chad Hewitt [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Houghton, MI
Structural Engineering Grad Student
Intermodal-l List Owner
MTU Lode Photo Editor- http://www.grp.mtu.edu/lode/
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