Comments inline.. original statements prefixed >
----- Original Message -----
Rechargable batteries don't have enough energy to run some wireless
peripherals they last a week and are quite expensive. The Alkaline
batteries last longer and give off a slower charge than the Nickle Cadium
batteries.
Huh ? Any cell will discharge at the rate set by the load resistance and the
internal resistance of the cell. NiCds have a very low resistance and if
shorted will likely self-destruct. LiMH are even more energetic,
dangerously so if shorted. But it is true that alkaline cells have a higher
amp/hour rating than same-sized rechargeables, neverthless...
...It's far cheaper to use (even an initially expensive) rechargeable than
alkalines, since the recharge cost is negligible. And better for the
environment! The downside is a more frequent swapping of cells and the
inconvenience of putting them on charge.
There are two ways that batteries are commonly arranged in parallel and
serial arrangement. In a parallel configuration all the batteries connect
on a same terminal in a row and let's say for example each each cell is
1.5 Volts. If I have 4 batteries and each are 1.5 volts connected in
parallel the voltage output is 1.5 volts.
>However if I took those batteries and connected them in a serial
configuration end to end the the voltage output is 6 volts becuase since the
batteries are directly connected to each other the voltage is multiplied or
stepped up by a voltage of 1.5 volts.
<snip>
Most battery powered appliences that use alkiline batteries are installed
serial and non-alkiline
parallel.
I don't agree with this generalisation. The current demand of the appliance
will have determined whether serial or parallel cell connections are used,
during design by the maker. It is of no importance as far as the user is
concerned (the user will be unlikely to know in any case) other than
explaining why it is often stressed that all cells be replaced at once and
by the same type. In a parallel configuration mismatched cells may
charge/discharge each other undesirably.
Bottom line: If the appliance will work with the lower voltage of
rechargeables and is endorsed as such by the maker, it is far cheaper to use
them. LiMH cells of good make will stand some months off-load and have lost
little charge. So a spare charged set can be kept and rotated. NiCds are
generally worse in this regard and this may be a problem. Note that any low
battery warning system will give much less warning with rechargeables. This
may be a nuisance. Equipment designed specifically for rechargeables such as
camcorders often have a software algorithm to better estimate the remaining
life, rather than relying on falling voltage, which for rechargeables
happens suddenly and drastically at end of charge.
JMHO and from my own experience. YMMV!
James :-)
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