OK,
So I got the Maha 204W (new model) charger, and some Energizer 2500 mah batteries. Here is what I have found so far:
1. On a full charge I get 2:50 to 3:15 with 4 lights on my Mod SBM-1. I then get at least 2 more hours on 3 lights. I have been seeing around 6 hours until it shuts off.
2. I bought the newer charger, because it was stated in a PCphoto magazine review that it has a better charging/conditioning algorithm. I also bought the energizer batteries, beause another review shows them to be a tiny bit stronger than the Maha cells.
3. The included Lenmar batteries lick butt! The performace sucks compared to the energizers.
Now my questions are:
1. Should I feel VERY comfortable about the reliability of these over the long term? (brining a backup set does not do me well, as I do not want a cut in the middle of a mission critical recording).
2. When you folks use these batteries, how long will they keep a full charge for? (i.e. is it OK to let them sit more than say 72 hours without losing significant power?) Or, should I always charge them the night before a recording?
3. Are these safe to use in ANY device that takes AA batteries? I wonder if the current draw is different than an alkaline battery, where noise might be added if used in my D-8 or PSP-2 preamp.
4. If I am not "reconditioning" the batteries, should I pull them right after the charger lights become green? Or, will I get a bit more juice out of the charge by letting them sit for X amount of time extra?
Thanks again for the help!