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Is it just me or have rechargeable NiMH improved?

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edy:
I have been using these Energizer 2500 mAh NiMH batteries for several years and decided to buy a few more packs of batteries to run a portable Tecsun shortwave radio and a Sony Walkman (yes, for nostalgic purposes). I decided on a bit pricier Duracells from Amazon, same 2500 mAh rating NiMH (see photo below).

I took my new Duracells out of the pack and they barely fit into my electronics (very tight fit). Did not even charge them, they come “pre-charged” straight from the factory. I have been using them for a month, still haven’t charged them because they are not running out! I must have played over a dozen cassettes and listened to my shortwave radio for many many hours. Battery indicators show still full! I don’t understand it. Either someone is playing a trick on me, these things have improved tremendously or I had crappy Energizers before and didn’t realize it. Anyone have experience with this? I never remember my Energizers ever lasting this long from day one. The Duracells feel heavier than the Energizer but I may be imagining it (I need a scale to verify).

I’m wondering once the Duracells finally run out if I am going to get the same capacity once I charge them in my Energizer wall charger (the one seen in the photo). Is it the batteries or the charger? The charger says output 2.8VDC 360mAx2(AA) per channel (it will charge a pair together, or 2 pairs which is all 4 batteries).

alm:
If you are talking about the difference low-self-discharge (LSD) NiMH batteries make, that's a huge difference, especially in self-discharge rate, but that's not exactly about the past couple of years. Sanyo introduced the Eneloop brand of low-self-discharge NiMH battery in 2005. Though I'm sure you can still buy non-LSD NiMH batteries if you try. LSD batteries are often sold as "pre-charged". The low self discharge rate makes selling them pre-charged feasible. Older style NiMH batteries would self discharge in months.

Check the specifications of your charger. If it was properly designed for NiMH cells with -dV/dt termination, then it should be fine with LSD batteries. If it's a dumb charger that supplies a constant current for a set period of time (that's what it sounds like based on the specs), then I'd recommend a better charger if you don't want to boil the batteries.

rdl:
I think you need a better charger, one that charges each cell individually. There will be an LED indicator for each slot. A 4 cell charger that does either AA or AAA in any combination is not expensive.



I also bought a Panasonic version last year. It was about $24 with 4x AAA Eneloop batteries.

NiHaoMike:
Take a look at this if you want the ultimate NiMH AA charger:
http://www.ultrasmartcharger.com/

edy:
Thanks for the explanation! I’d like to get another charger from Amazon but not sure what would be better than my dumb existing Energizer one. As mentioned previously it seems to just have a single output of 2.8VDC at 360mAx2 (per AA pair) and a single green light when charging which eventually turns off when it has finished. It will do 2 pairs (4 batteries) but there is only one green light so I don’t know how it is supposed to figure things out per battery, or even between pairs of batteries. I don’t think it’s based on a timer, it must sense something.

Anyways, any suggestions for anything? I really don’t need any more batteries at this time but most chargers come with more batteries (unless it’s a good deal to buy both). I also don’t want to spend a fortune, and I don’t know which chargers are actually any better or suitable for these LSD batteries.

I found this one, from Panasonic but geared towards eneloop batteries. It seems reasonable and not too expensive… will it work ok on other brands like Duracell or is there something special with eneloop that makes this charger detect them and have issues with other brands? Your thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated:

https://www.amazon.ca/Panasonic-BQ-CC17SBA-Advanced-Individual-Indicator/dp/B00JHKSLM8

There is also this Duracell one with a few extra batteries for only a few bucks more but I don’t know if it is as good a charger:

https://www.amazon.ca/Duracell-Battery-Charger-Speed-4000/dp/B00DTE6QSY

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