Best rechargeable Batteries
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Sanyo Eneloops are good.
Some like the Duracell 2650's some like the Engergizer 2500 nimh
Most would agree better to charge the batteries in an external charger (like a MAHA) rather then IN the scanner.
Most would agree better to charge the batteries in an external charger (like a MAHA) rather then IN the scanner.
My vote is for the Energizer 2500mAh NiMH battery along with the Energizer Family Charger.
Of all the NiMH batteries out there, those two are the worst.
Why do you feel the Energizers are the worst?
I have had great luck with them. My current set of 36 has been in rotation now for ten months. I go through two sets of four every twenty four hour period on average. During a non-work day sometimes four sets when running multiple units. Many times you can catch them on sale at Wal-Mart for fewer than nine dollars a set of four. The family charger release just before Christmas last year works great as well.
What battery do you feel is better?
I have had great luck with them. My current set of 36 has been in rotation now for ten months. I go through two sets of four every twenty four hour period on average. During a non-work day sometimes four sets when running multiple units. Many times you can catch them on sale at Wal-Mart for fewer than nine dollars a set of four. The family charger release just before Christmas last year works great as well.
What battery do you feel is better?
NiMH Batteries
http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110194&highlight=NiMh
Short answer: None of the DuraCells I've used can be charged in the Maha charger. They just don't have the life of other batteries. Apparently it is widely known that the Energizers have an initial high impedance. They too can't be charged in the Maha charger.
Since purchasing the Maha charger and "evaluating" all of my batteries; I have tossed out the DuraCells (two models), the Energizers and one type of "Rechargeable" brand. I am still using the Chicago Electric 2000mah (from Harbor Freight) and the blue "Rechargeable" brand (2500mah). I have been given 5 sets of PowerEx batteries and am busy using them in scanners daily. I'm anxious to see how they behave when they reach the end of their lives.
I think the "best" brand of battery is like suggesting a Dodge is better than a Chevy or Coke is better than Pepsi. However, there are some real bad designs out there. If your scanner gets hot when charging batteries, or does not run long enough (@ good volume & with backlight on) between charges; you need to consider the options. I hope you don't make a selection based on the price.
This is a vast topic, and there have been 1000s of posts here on it. Do a search for "NiMH" and you'll quickly see what I mean. This thread has many answers you seek:
http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110194&highlight=NiMh
Short answer: None of the DuraCells I've used can be charged in the Maha charger. They just don't have the life of other batteries. Apparently it is widely known that the Energizers have an initial high impedance. They too can't be charged in the Maha charger.
Since purchasing the Maha charger and "evaluating" all of my batteries; I have tossed out the DuraCells (two models), the Energizers and one type of "Rechargeable" brand. I am still using the Chicago Electric 2000mah (from Harbor Freight) and the blue "Rechargeable" brand (2500mah). I have been given 5 sets of PowerEx batteries and am busy using them in scanners daily. I'm anxious to see how they behave when they reach the end of their lives.
I think the "best" brand of battery is like suggesting a Dodge is better than a Chevy or Coke is better than Pepsi. However, there are some real bad designs out there. If your scanner gets hot when charging batteries, or does not run long enough (@ good volume & with backlight on) between charges; you need to consider the options. I hope you don't make a selection based on the price.
I make my selection on performance alone. After spending thousands on equipment why would a difference of a few dollars per pack of batteries matter? I was simply pointing out that the Energizers not only perform well but are priced competitively.
There are only a few manufactures of NiMH batteries. Many companies’ batteries are toll manufactured. Many name brands are from the same toll manufacture simple labeled differently. They may be spec’ed for production different but the manufacture and technology are the same. This comes directly from a Device Drain Engineer working for one of the major manufactures.
As for chargers, the same Ford Chevy argument can be had. I personally do not care for Maha products. That view is from purchasing batteries & chargers from them in the mid nineties for amateur gear.
Knowing this is a hornet’s nest……… a $500.00 receiver is not a battery charger. Can it function as one, yes. Is that its intended design, function & purpose…. no.
By the way………. Pepsi is better than Coke!
There are only a few manufactures of NiMH batteries. Many companies’ batteries are toll manufactured. Many name brands are from the same toll manufacture simple labeled differently. They may be spec’ed for production different but the manufacture and technology are the same. This comes directly from a Device Drain Engineer working for one of the major manufactures.
As for chargers, the same Ford Chevy argument can be had. I personally do not care for Maha products. That view is from purchasing batteries & chargers from them in the mid nineties for amateur gear.
Knowing this is a hornet’s nest……… a $500.00 receiver is not a battery charger. Can it function as one, yes. Is that its intended design, function & purpose…. no.
By the way………. Pepsi is better than Coke!
I run a mixture of the Duracell 2650's and Energizer 2450's and use a Maha charger. I have never found that the Maha wont properly charge these batteries. The only time I have had a problem is when they show a "high" reading when refreshing. When that occurrs, it's trash can time for the battery.
GM, as an avid reader of your posts, I'm kinda surprised to hear you say you've had trouble with these batteries and the Maha brand. They seem to have a good reputation and my unit has worked almost 24/7 for the last 18 months without a hiccup. (I believe my model is the C9000)
I certainly value your opinion, GM. You are certainly in the know and a source of great help to many here....
GM, as an avid reader of your posts, I'm kinda surprised to hear you say you've had trouble with these batteries and the Maha brand. They seem to have a good reputation and my unit has worked almost 24/7 for the last 18 months without a hiccup. (I believe my model is the C9000)
I certainly value your opinion, GM. You are certainly in the know and a source of great help to many here....
I agree never had a problem with those batteries in the MAHA either... even sometimes when it says HIGH, I discharge them, then cycle and it works perfect again. Other times just dispose.
I also have the MHC9000
I also have the MHC9000
I used amacan. Great rechargable batteries!
Not sure of the site - There warehouse is in Pine Brook NJ
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Maha C9000, results may vary
To my surprise the manufacturer replied back and I worked with one of their engineers for several weeks. First he sent me a replacement charger. The two units (both C9000s) worked identically. I numbered each of my batteries and kept an extensive log of how they were treated by the C9000 and my scanners. Ultimately I sent samples of each of my batteries off to Maha. Bottom line, they blamed the batteries for how their charger functions (or more like how it does not function).
My bottom line here is that the C9000 can not, or will not, charge batteries which have a high impedance. It is not just in refresh or analyze modes, it is in all modes. Certainly I was able to continue to use the Energizer & DuraCell batteries, and charge them with dumb chargers or the scanners. But in doing the calculations, they were no longer giving me even 2000 ma hours of life, let alone 2500 or 2650.
In order to satisfy me, Maha sent me 5 sets of their PowerEx batteries. Of course so far the C9000 has not failed to charge them. Perhaps it won't. Time will tell. In the mean time I've been able to analyze other brands of batteries I own, and I am very happy with the blue Rechargeable (not green) and Chicago Electric brands of all things. At this point a few months later, I have discarded the DuraCells & Energizers as they no longer can power anything for very long and/or don't hold a charge.
There are a lot of threads here on this issue, and one which I've posted with the above, but not recently. Several other RR members replied and many came to the conclusion that Energizers simply have a higher impedance right out of the factory. This makes the C9000 & Energizers incompatible, so you must be charging them via other means.
When it comes to batteries, it proves you get what you pay for.
Thank you. I entered into this topic many months ago fairly blindly. I have a lot of scanners (and other devices that use AA batteries), had many different brands of batteries, and had been using those throw-away chargers (that didn't charge batteries separately). After reading many posts here from many people, I purchased the Maha C9000. My initial reaction regarding the charger was that it is junk. I was so upset with its performance that I posted reviews of it in several places (copied one of them here on RR) and wrote to the manufacturer.
To my surprise the manufacturer replied back and I worked with one of their engineers for several weeks. First he sent me a replacement charger. The two units (both C9000s) worked identically. I numbered each of my batteries and kept an extensive log of how they were treated by the C9000 and my scanners. Ultimately I sent samples of each of my batteries off to Maha. Bottom line, they blamed the batteries for how their charger functions (or more like how it does not function).
My bottom line here is that the C9000 can not, or will not, charge batteries which have a high impedance. It is not just in refresh or analyze modes, it is in all modes. Certainly I was able to continue to use the Energizer & DuraCell batteries, and charge them with dumb chargers or the scanners. But in doing the calculations, they were no longer giving me even 2000 ma hours of life, let alone 2500 or 2650.
In order to satisfy me, Maha sent me 5 sets of their PowerEx batteries. Of course so far the C9000 has not failed to charge them. Perhaps it won't. Time will tell. In the mean time I've been able to analyze other brands of batteries I own, and I am very happy with the blue Rechargeable (not green) and Chicago Electric brands of all things. At this point a few months later, I have discarded the DuraCells & Energizers as they no longer can power anything for very long and/or don't hold a charge.
There are a lot of threads here on this issue, and one which I've posted with the above, but not recently. Several other RR members replied and many came to the conclusion that Energizers simply have a higher impedance right out of the factory. This makes the C9000 & Energizers incompatible, so you must be charging them via other means.
When it comes to batteries, it proves you get what you pay for.
k9jdk
Member
I've had good luck with RAYOVAC Hybrids lately. Their self-discharge rate is longer than any other NiMH I've used in the past. In otherwords, when charged they'll maintain their charge for a longer time compared to others.
When used, they seem to work as well as most of the other comparable batteries.
When used, they seem to work as well as most of the other comparable batteries.
So you're saying that the Energizers are the worst only because they don't work with your charger? I have been using them with my charger (RS and Digital brand) for a couple years now in my radios and GPS units and have had zero issues with them.
SquierStrat
Member
i agree about the duracells but ive had nothing but good luck with the energizers
NiMH batteries
The issue is the internal impedance of the battery. Basically it is the underlying factor which causes them to be very hot while charging. Do some searching of threads here at RR and you'll find lots of others discussing how hot batteries get in their radios (when charging), they too have issues with Energizers (or DuraCells) and that many people feel they are throwing away good money if they do not purchase specific NiMH AAs that have proven themselves. PowerEx and Sanyo Eneloops are two that people like.
I am in the midst of running many sets of batteries through their paces to know fully how I feel. It takes time to know how well they behave over time. So far the 3 brands that failed totally for me are the DuraCells (especially 2650s), Energizer 2500s and green Rechargeable brand. Additionally you might get one set of the same brand of battery that works better or worse than a nominal set of the same brand. I've seen that too.
No. Energizers are bad for several reasons. First of all, I did not get nearly the life out of them as I have other brands (charging some sets in scanners and some sets in cheap chargers). Also, I do not believe I got the run time out of them I should have. The reason I say this is that I have other batteries of at least 2300 mah that run a lot longer than 2500 Energizers.
The issue is the internal impedance of the battery. Basically it is the underlying factor which causes them to be very hot while charging. Do some searching of threads here at RR and you'll find lots of others discussing how hot batteries get in their radios (when charging), they too have issues with Energizers (or DuraCells) and that many people feel they are throwing away good money if they do not purchase specific NiMH AAs that have proven themselves. PowerEx and Sanyo Eneloops are two that people like.
I am in the midst of running many sets of batteries through their paces to know fully how I feel. It takes time to know how well they behave over time. So far the 3 brands that failed totally for me are the DuraCells (especially 2650s), Energizer 2500s and green Rechargeable brand. Additionally you might get one set of the same brand of battery that works better or worse than a nominal set of the same brand. I've seen that too.
I wonder if maybe you got a bad set of batteries. I have been on the same few sets for a couple years now (at least) and still get excellent run time out of them. Sure they get hot while charging but not any worse then any other battery I have charged. At the same time I have had some off brands that failed miserably. At first they seemed like a hit but those suckers sure didn't last very long.
I'm not knocking your tests at all, I'm just giving you my experience with the energizers.
I haven't check in a while but I'll get a set charged up and run them in my 396 (stays busy through MARCS) and let ya know how long they last.
I went with the MAHA MH-C801D charger and bought different Duracells, 1800 mah, 2500 mah & the 2650 mahs.
I tried to condition them in the charger and it did not help. I cannot tell you how long I had to batteries but I know it hasnt been a year. I went ahead and bought some more Duracell 2650's, I will try and take care of these a little better. Time will tell how long these things will last, they hold a charge for quite a while though.
I tried to condition them in the charger and it did not help. I cannot tell you how long I had to batteries but I know it hasnt been a year. I went ahead and bought some more Duracell 2650's, I will try and take care of these a little better. Time will tell how long these things will last, they hold a charge for quite a while though.
All batteries not created equal
Let me clarify something here; I ran a few sets of Energizers for some time. I was fairly happy with them and was charging them in my scanners. But over time they did not hold up and among other things got very hot during charging. I felt that I had so many batteries, of so many different brands & models, and they had been running for many months; so I bought the C9000 in order to analyze and match them. Neither the Energizers or the DuraCells could be charged or analyzed. That was when I wrote Maha/PowerEx.
If these batteries did not do SOMETHING when you first bought them, there would be a lot more complaints. Obviously they must work for some time. My point - are you getting your money's worth? If you consider how many TOTAL hours (over the life of the battery) you are getting for how much you paid, you'd be better off either buying cheaper low capacity off brands, or getting the very best. My experience with DuraCell (even the non-NiMHs) & Energizers has been that, for the amount they cost, I am not getting as much bang for the buck. Add in the fact that some chargers, such as the C9000, won't charge them because of their initial high impedance (or how HOT they get in our $200+ scanners), and that's just another straw on the camel's back.
Yes and no. I did get some bad batteries. This is especially a problem when you buy "store brands", as they just put their name on products they had the lowest bidder supply. One specific brand I bought was great the first time, and dysfunctional subsequent times. In looking at the fine print, I found they were made in different countries.
And I've had off brands that worked better than the name brands - especially Energizer & DuraCell. In another thread, the issue of battery capacity was discussed. In other words, higher capacity batteries are more likey to have problems than lower capacity models.
Let me clarify something here; I ran a few sets of Energizers for some time. I was fairly happy with them and was charging them in my scanners. But over time they did not hold up and among other things got very hot during charging. I felt that I had so many batteries, of so many different brands & models, and they had been running for many months; so I bought the C9000 in order to analyze and match them. Neither the Energizers or the DuraCells could be charged or analyzed. That was when I wrote Maha/PowerEx.
If these batteries did not do SOMETHING when you first bought them, there would be a lot more complaints. Obviously they must work for some time. My point - are you getting your money's worth? If you consider how many TOTAL hours (over the life of the battery) you are getting for how much you paid, you'd be better off either buying cheaper low capacity off brands, or getting the very best. My experience with DuraCell (even the non-NiMHs) & Energizers has been that, for the amount they cost, I am not getting as much bang for the buck. Add in the fact that some chargers, such as the C9000, won't charge them because of their initial high impedance (or how HOT they get in our $200+ scanners), and that's just another straw on the camel's back.
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