IMO used to sell AccuPower batteries and chargers that I thought were excellent. I have a bunch of NiMH AA 2400 mAh that I'm still using, 7 years later.
They're an Austrian company http://www.accupower.at/index_en.php. They presently offer AA cells at 2600 and 2900 mAh, and AAA cells at 1000 and 1200 mAh. However, their US subsidiary, http://www.accupower-usa.com/, now offers AccuEvolution AA cells at only 2200 mAh, but that's because they are the newer "Low Self-Discharge" batteries with greater power retention, similar to the Sanyo Eneloops. These can be purchased online for $9.95 for a four-pack, which is very competitive. They're also available at Real Goods and Overstock.com. Their AccuManager 20 charger, though pricey ($55), is a full- maintenance unit that uses pulse-charging and monitoring of each individual battery (and can charge mixed sizes simultaneously, keeping them on float indefinitely). I highly recommend 'em. Alex On 8 Aug 2012 at 7:58, Geary Schindel wrote: Bill, Have any suggestions on where to buy these on line. Considering the number of batteries I've run through, time to reinvest in rechargeable. Geary From: Bill Walden [mailto:wdwal...@windstream.net] Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 11:43 AM To: Marvin and Lisa; texascavers@texascavers.com Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Rechargeable Batteries I have been using the same set of Energizer 2700 mAHh rechargeable batteries for at least 4 years for multiple caving trips per month in my Apex headlamps (at least 4 headlamps over the 4 years - the batteries have outlasted 3 Apex headlamps). I always charge these batteries the night before a trip because the charge will decay over time. Over the years the capacity has decreased from enough to last an 8 to 12 hour cave trip to about 6 hours. My suggestions: Don't consider buying rechargeable batteries at Wal-Mart - most of the packages of batteries they sell are not labeled with the capacity and if the package is labeled it is typically a low rating (less than 2000 mAh). The Sanyo batteries recommended by Marvin sound good. These batteries represent a new generation of nickle metal hydride batteries that hold their charge much better than my old Energizers. Don't buy nicad batteries as they have a memory effect. Carefully check the milliampere hour rating of the batteries. As mentioned most rechargeable batteries sold by Wal-Mart are not labelled or the capacity label is covered by the packaging. I will not purchase rechargeable batteries with a rating of less than 2500 mAh. The most recent batch of AA batteries I purchased are rated at 2900 mAh. Best to use a slow charger rather than a fast charger. The battery charger I use is a "smart" charger - that is it senses the charge on each cell. Once a cell is fully charged, the charger switches to a trickle charge rate (enough to maintain the battery at full charge). My charger works off a 120 volt wall outlet or a 12 volt automobile outlet. Charge batteries day before a cave trip to maximum duration. I use the nickel metal hydride AA batteries for my photo equipment: 3 floodlights each requiring 6 AA batteries, 4 strobe lights each requiring 4 AA batteries, and 3 high intensity LED flashlights each requiring 2 AA batteries (With the reflector removed these flashlights are great for macro photography!). Don't waste your money buying alkaline batteries. Best regards, Bill Walden On 8/7/2012 11:11 PM, Marvin and Lisa wrote: I have heard some good things about Sanyo's Eneloops. They are supposed to hold their charge for a long time and Sanyo claims they can be recharged 1500 times. I've started using them but haven't had enough experience to definitely qualify them. Whatever you do, don't waste money on Energizer or Duracell rechargeables. Marvin From: James Jasek [mailto:caver...@hot.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2012 7:30 PM To: TexasCavers Subject: [Texascavers] Rechargeable Batteries I am interested in making the change to rechargeable AA and AAA Batteries for my cave light and for electronic strobe. Anyone got any opinions on how they compare to the Alkaline Batteries. Do the new rechargeables have the memory problems of the past? Do they last as long and preform as well, and what brand is the best. Thanks, James Jasek -- Alex Sproul NSS 8086RL/FE NSS Webmaster www.caves.org
