I have been running some tests on my Energizer 2500 mAh nimh rechargables in my R-09 since my recorder ran out of steam at about 3 hours the other day (I had hoped to capture all 6-7 hours of the meeting.) Once before, when using the same brand of rechargeables, my R-1 pooped out right at two hours, cutting off the last 10 minutes of a show I travelled far to see. I was bummed.
My early test have shown that right out of the charger I can get 10 hours +/- 15 minutes in the R-09.
When the batteries have been sitting 5-6 days, I have gotten 6-7 hours. These tests are clearly not scientific, but nonetheless are instructive. I am going to contine this process in an effort to develop my own "decay" curve. Obvious note to self is: Always take batteries fresh out of the charger. DOH.
That rate of discharge is out of sync with the chart at:
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/sanyo-eneloop-batteries-aa.phpwhich suggests that a "regular" nimh will discharge to 75% over 6 months.
There is discussion about the new longer discharge nimh batteries, of which these Sanyo are one choice.
Does anyone have any experience with these new "extemely low self-discharge batteries?
edit: see also >
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,57894.0.htmland another edit: see >
http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html [test results]