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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: Kush on December 22, 2008, 09:26:00 PM
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I'm in the market for some AA rechargable batteries to run my HD-P2. I've heard it said that there are Duracell rechargables that are 1.5V per AA battery. I checked at my local stores and all I can find are 1.2V rechargable batteries, all brands. Can anyone point me in the right direction with an online link to the 1.5V ones?
Edit: I know it's possible to use the 1.2V AA's because I have run the Tascam off a 9.6V Wallyworld lion but I'd rather supply the recorder with the highest possible voltage.
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Rechargeable alkaline batteries used to be available, and I assume they still are. They would have an initial nominal voltage of 1.5V. However, it probably does not make any difference for two reasons:
1. Your HD-P2 almost certainly has voltage regulation so it has a constant internal power supply voltage as long as the external power remains above some voltage level.
2. Even though the alkaline batteries start out at ~1.5V, the will quickly drop to less than 1.2V as they discharge. Below about 40% to 50% of capacity (depending on discharge rate) alkaline batteries will actually put out less voltage than NiCad or NiMH batteries in a similar state of discharge. The nickel chemistries have flatter discharge curve than do alkaline chemistries.
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From much experience I endorse the low discharge NiMh cells from either sanyo (eneloop) or powerex (Imedion). Excellent flat discharge, holds charge well, and lasts many charge cycles without dipping in capacity. Oye.
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Just picked up a dozen Sony Ni-MH 2500 mAh Cycle Energy AAs. Looks like a pair can run my R09HR for close to 8 hours. Really happy with them.
Refresh function on the charging dock is nice.
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Just picked up a dozen Sony Ni-MH 2500 mAh Cycle Energy AAs.
All NiMH cells have a nominal cell voltage of 1.2V (some mark it up as 1.25V). It's an inherent limitation of the chemical components.
I also found web stores selling 1.5V NiMH Duracell, but they look dubious to me. It's either snake oil or a misprint. If you pick them up and measure the voltage, I'm sure they are lower than 1.5V.
Each combination (NiCd, NiMH, LiIon etc) has its specific nominal cell voltage. See this table:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_battery#Table_of_rechargeable_battery_technologies
Some equipment will run just fine on 1.2V, but the OP wanted to avoid it in this case.
Like notlance said, your performance will probably be perfectly OK with 1.2V cells.
So he either has to bite the bullet and go for NiMH with lower voltage, or for alkaline rechargables. Well-known brands are Rayovac, Lenmar Charge-Ables and Juice. I've seen them rated 1800-2000mAh. Search Google shopping or ebay and you'll find them. Note that you need a dedicated charger for them.
If you go the NiMH route, the CycleEnergy 1.2V has gotten great reviews regarding the discharge curve:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Energy-Rechargeable-Batteries-4-Pack/product-reviews/B000PHMN44
I can also recommend Eneloop 1.2V, it's cutting edge technology:
http://www.eneloop.info/home/performance-details/voltage.html
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http://www.all-battery.com/96vnimhnicdbatterypackseries.aspx
great site a friend turned me on to. also good prices