Batteries

[TechnoDave]

Maybe this should go in another forum, but to me this forum is my home.

When I got my Pro96 almost four years ago, I bought the blue AA RadioShack rechargable batteries. I have had absolutley wonder use out of these. They have lasted this long with undisciplined charging practices (charging whenever, not letting them die until recharging etc). But it seems they are finally headed toward the grave. Last time I was in Radshack they did not have these type anymore. Do you have any preference or have you gotten the same kind of life out of any battery like I did?
Dave

 

[puzzleriddle]

My personal favs are Sanyo eneloops , I have 3more sets ( 4 in a set)arriving today Rechargeable Batteries Battery Chargers Rechargeable Lithium Digital Camera Batteries Maha Ansmann Energizer Sanyo ZTS. this place is where I buy from, Shipping & service are excellent. & my charger is also great bought here.. BTW STAY away from Duracell. I have 3 sets since Dec 07 & 2 bad cells . that is why I am changing to all eneloops . my hand held is the PRS 500

 

[bep]

I will second the Duracell. Bought a whole bunch when the price was right. Well it is less than a year and I have thrown them all out. Even tried reconditioning and still they were always dead.

 

[ScannerWayne]

Hey Dave,

I have the BCD 396T and use re-chargables from CVS of all places. The set I have are now over a year old and haven't had any problems. I use a Kodak smart charger most of the time to recharge them. Takes about an hour and a half to charge them from 3.5V. I get about 5 to 6 hours of use out of them under most listening conditions.

Why CVS batteries? Price was right and I needed them right then. Was skeptical when I first got them but I was in dire need and low on cash. Figured if they lasted six months that would be great. But I've been pleasantly surprised.

Like you I've charged them when they really didn't need it but I did need fully charged bats for that days listening. Other times I've run them till the scanner stopped working and then charged them back up to use again.

And like I said the price was right. Don't recall what it was exactly, 4 or 5 dollars for 4? Something like that. Might want to give them some consideration.

Wayne...

 

[puzzleriddle]

Hey Dave,

I have the BCD 396T and use re-chargables from CVS of all places. The set I have are now over a year old and haven't had any problems. I use a Kodak smart charger most of the time to recharge them. Takes about an hour and a half to charge them from 3.5V. I get about 5 to 6 hours of use out of them under most listening conditions.

Why CVS batteries? Price was right and I needed them right then. Was skeptical when I first got them but I was in dire need and low on cash. Figured if they lasted six months that would be great. But I've been pleasantly surprised.

Like you I've charged them when they really didn't need it but I did need fully charged bats for that days listening. Other times I've run them till the scanner stopped working and then charged them back up to use again.

And like I said the price was right. Don't recall what it was exactly, 4 or 5 dollars for 4? Something like that. Might want to give them some consideration.

Wayne...

Sounds great!. I now have 4 set of 4 Eneloop 200MAH batteries & am about to start using the them all the time I had 3 of Duracell but now after just 6 months 2 dead cells & now 2 sets are about gone I guess .i also use a quick charger & a MAHA at the link I posted earlier where I got the batteries

 

[pathalogical]

I purchased a LaCrosse BC 900 from Thomas Dist last year which included their own brand of batteries and bonus Sanyo Eneloops, 2 packs of 4 AAs. The charger is great and the Sanyos are holing up very well. Also last year I purchased a four pack of regular Duracell NiMHs 2650s, they absolutely do not hold their charge. Sure....they charge up to specs but after sitting for a few days as I rotate my batts around, when it's Durcells turn up to "batt", they last only minutes in my Pro 106. They're still ~good~ for around the house scanning, but not for taking on road trips.

 

[RadioDaze]

Another thing that's convenient is to get extra battery holders for the spare sets of charged batteries. So easy to change out, you can even do it while driving if necessary.

Scanner Master carries the holders.