PREP Rechargeable batteries - choices/tactics/prices

Doc1

Doc1

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I admit it. I have a lazy streak. That's the bad news. The good news is that this lazy streak is intermittent and I'm usually able to overcome the lazy streak when I need to and manically overcome it for specific reasons and projects. I'm now in the process of dealing with my lazy streak when it comes to rechargeable batteries.

I was cleaning off one of the work tables in my man cave and realized that I had various, single-use, alkaline batteries - both new and used - scattered over the work space. I also realized that I hadn't been using my supply of rechargeable batteries. Smacking myself, I realized that - like virtually everyone - I'd been wasting money on single-use batteries for over a year and that this was a reflection of my lazy streak: It's a lot easier to just go and buy yet another pack of new batteries instead of conditioning and charging my rechargeables. Bad Doc1, bad!

So I began organizing all of my rechargeables, battery charges and disposable alkalines into a workable system, with the goal of eliminating the alkies over time and getting back to using my rechargeables. Fortunately, I have a selection of different battery chargers for the different battery types and one really nice charger that will accommodate several different types of battery types and chemistries.

Below is a handy chart illustrating the common rechargeable battery tpes, along with their strengths and weaknesses. My plan now is to slowly use up all of my single-use alkaline batteries and get back to using my rechargeables exclusively. I also hit eBay and bought a few more rechargeables to fill a couple of holes in my supply. Having the self-discipline to use your rechargeables will save you money over time and from a prep standpoint, it does give you another renewable resource that can be very important in a grid down or econ crash scenario.

Best
Doc

https://www.2wayradiosolutions.com/uploads/NiCd NiMH Li-Ion.pdf
 
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WFK

WFK

Senior Something
I read the charts at your link.
That is generally known stuff but it omits one technology consideration: Lithium Button cells.
These are primary batteries and and therefore not rechargeable; they have a life expectancy of 10 years.
Put away a few of those 2016, 2025, 2032 and maybe smaller diameter. These are used in remote controls
and computer hold-up circuits (3VDC.)
The most usable power storage blocks are probably the 5.0-V (USB) connector equipped Li-ion blocks.
I see more and more consumer stuff go that voltage.
 
Sacajawea

Sacajawea

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Doc, I too thought rechargable batteries would make sense. What I'm finding tho' is that "rechargable" has some limits. IE, after a few times - and literally only a few - the batteries won't fully charge. Especially for usage in outdoor environment with wide temperature changes, I've gone back to Rayovac Max's.
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
Note that we also have a TIP prefix which is good for things like this. One could use either however. I was just letting you know.
 
M

Mercury3

Veteran Member
Note related to this people needs to know is that the rechargable Energizer "D" cell 1.5 volt (standard size) is a ripoff. They put an "AAA" CELL inside the "D" cell case so it looks like a D cell but it's really an AAA with same voltage but much less storage capacity. Total ripoff and deception purpertrated on the consumer.
 
Creedmoor

Creedmoor

Tempus Fugit
Jeep said:
I mostly buy/use Enloop batteries in AAA, AA, C, and D. Also, I have both electric and solar to recharge the batteries.
Click to expand...
Didn’t realize Eneloop made C and D sizes. Or are you just using the adapters for AA’s?
 
Carl2

Carl2

Pass it forward...
Thank you for starting this useful thread, Doc1. Today I read of a possible reduction in the self-discharge properties of Lithium-Ion cells. Battery terminology 101: AAA's and other "batteries" are actually "cells". Multiple cells are combined in a package correctly called a "battery", just as multiple cannons are combined in a military unit termed a "firing battery". From the "Science X Newsletter" today:

Chance discovery could extend battery life by replacing tape that causes self‑discharge​

It happens far too often: you plug your laptop in and walk away only to return hours or days later to find it has lost some of its charge despite sitting idle and unused.
 
Doc1

Doc1

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Sacajawea said:
Doc, I too thought rechargable batteries would make sense. What I'm finding tho' is that "rechargable" has some limits. IE, after a few times - and literally only a few - the batteries won't fully charge. Especially for usage in outdoor environment with wide temperature changes, I've gone back to Rayovac Max's.
Click to expand...

Some, really most, rechargeables need to be "conditioned." That is the battery should be fully discharged and then recharged. That will probably help to get your batteries back up to snuff.

Best
Doc
 
Southside

Southside

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Buy a high quality charger, such as an Opus BT 3100 or BT 3500.

Will recondition batteries that would not take a charge, according to my son who has one. So do I.
 
ShadowMan

ShadowMan

Designated Grumpy Old Fart
You do know that with the right equipment you actually can recharge disposable Single Use batteries? They won't last as long as new single use batteries BUT THEY WILL WORK!! I can usually get 2-3 recharges into them before they are pretty much useless. Something to consider.

BTW....DON'T try to recharge single use batteries in a charger meant for rechargeable batteries!! Bad JuJu!! You have to use a unit SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED for recharging single use alkaline batteries.
 
Jackpine Savage

Jackpine Savage

Veteran Member
I call it procrastination but I can relate.

I have eliminated alkaline batteries for my stuff. Got tired of the leaking. I do keep some around to give to others.

Eneloop is my rechargeable of choice for AA and AAA. I do stock and use some Energizer Lithiums for night vision and for long term storage in devices that go in get home bags, etc.

I stock primary CR123As, mostly the Titaniums from Battery Junction.

Slowly acquiring more 18650s for a couple of headlamps and weapon lights. Mostly Fenix batteries.

Still procrastinating on solar charging :(

I've got the 4 slot Powerex charger for the Eneloops. It's probably 4-5 years old at least. Every once in awhile I'll get an Eneloop that won't charge all the way but if I run them through a discharge cycle on the charger they've always come back. Not one has dropped out of use yet.

Here's my method of organizing the Eneloops. I take batteries out on the left and put charged batteries in on the right, then start back on the left round robin. I do need to start keeping a journal of what the batteries are going into so if the need arises I can quickly track them down.

bat.jpgbat1.jpg

CR123
 
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