i have Rayovac hybrid 2100 mAH. everytime it needs to be change 1 battery is dead and the other 3 has little power left. is it suppose to do that. but it does last me maybe 2 1/2 days. really doesn't matter to me i always have back up rechargeable batteries. on the instruction book it recommends to use radio shacks 1800 mAH. should i use that instead. what do u guys think is a better rechargeable battery for the pro 96.
A couple of questions. When you say dead, do you mean dead as in you cannot recharge the battery, or dead in that it has like zero volts.
If it is the first, then I am not even going to guess. If it is the latter and you can recharge the battery then try this. Keep track of the battery that is closest to the terminal between the battery case and the scanner. Check and see if this is the 'dead' battery. I'd guess that it is.
Typically in multicell units, the battery closest to the the terminals seems to run down first. Those further in line are low, but still have power. If you were to change positions you would probably be able to run your scanner (flashlight, camera, whatever) a bit longer.
Now if the 'dead' cell isn't the first cell, then again reread the first sentence in my second paragraph.
NiMH batteries have a unique discharge curve. They will operate beautifully up to a point and then the just drop off. Like going over a cliff. NiCads (even with their memory) had a nice gradual discharge curve.