Thread: rechargable AA batteries

I have Fuji, Arlec and Duracell.

Never had a prob with Fuji, seem to take heaps and last ages.
Duracell I've only used & recharged once, didn't seem that flash
It may be me, but the Arlec's seem like gobsh*te to me, as does their charger.
Anyone know anything about them? I thought they were supposed to be good gear, but their name may be better than their batteries.

I used to have heaps of Arlecs for other thingys, fenian, but they've only lasted 2 years or so, before swelling and leaking. (weren't real good in holding a charge, either).

The other rechargeables I have for the camera are 'Grandcell' (NiMH) which work fine and last longer than the Energisers.

But when they drop to below what the camera can take, volts wise, I shove them in a torch and run 'em down, so they get a full charge every time....

Someone from the past said - you can't charge a half charged battery - due to the battery memory effect - true or an urban myth?

GQ

On advice from a mate we bought a Varta fast charger with 4 AA batteries a while back. They last just as long if not longer than the expensive high grade lithium throw aways, but pay for themselves fairly fast. I have two sets of 4 batteries and they run rotation in the camera and the UHF handhelds. They charge in 15 mins and the charger can be run off the cig lighter. Not cheap to buy at about $70 inc 4 batteries but worth every cent. The only shortcoming is that they die without warning whereas the lithiums or alkalines give a little warning with the "flat battery" light on the camera.

Go get some!

From what I have read batteries don't reach their full charge until after 2 or 3 charges/discharges.
I don't use them often enought to check on that though
Once mine are charged, usually the night before I want to use them, I just run them down until the camera stops.
I now have a camera that takes 4xAA's and have noticed that makes a huge difference to the old one that only took 2 batteries.

Andrew