GrumpyGregry
Here for rides.
I've just googled the Maha MH-C9000. It ain't cheap.
good rechargeable batteries for lights (aa and aaa size)
- Thread starter chqshaitan
- Start date
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snailracer
Über Member
Efficient high discharge is why I still run a tatty set of old NiCd batteries.
Melonfish
Evil Genius in training.
- Location
- Warrington, UK
I've used 7dayshop for AA's and AAA's and vapextech for my airsoft and i can recomend both!
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
Got the Technoline BC-1000 (the BL-700's quicker brother). A little cheaper than the C9000, not as good according to certain comparisons I could find (though some of the reasons seemed a bit spurious). Great bit of kit though.
As for batteries, I got a Camlink Omega charger with four of their 2700 own-brand batteries nearly four years ago, battery performance has been fine (bought two more sets since); Duracell Supreme 2650s are pretty good too but the charge level seems to fall off quicker.
As for batteries, I got a Camlink Omega charger with four of their 2700 own-brand batteries nearly four years ago, battery performance has been fine (bought two more sets since); Duracell Supreme 2650s are pretty good too but the charge level seems to fall off quicker.
albion
Guest
Unlikely as the more capacity they have the more unstable they become.
The newest 3rd generation standard Eneloops have improved stability way beyond others, even beating the low temperature operating of the now current 2nd generation Eneloops.
Watch out for counterfeits. The newest real ones now work down to -20C. I think the 1st gen work to 0C.
Wobblers
Euthermic
- Location
- Minkowski Space
The XX batteries seem to hold 70% charge over a year - not as good as standard Eneloops, but far better than conventional NiMH cells. But they are expensive and have a far shorter cycle life - I'd only recommend them if you really need the extra run time. I'm quite happy with my Eneloops. Even the first generation Eneloops are good at low temperatures - I've used mine without problems at -10 C. At -20 C I'd be far more inclined to stay indoors next to the fire!
Wobblers
Euthermic
- Location
- Minkowski Space
Be careful with the BC-1000. It's a rebadged Lacrosse BC-900 and it can overheat in some circumstances. Mine cooked a set of Hybrios and got so hot that the plastic melted (amazingly the Hybrios still work)! I'm not the only one this has happened to - there are quite a few reports of Lacrosse meltdowns on the web, even of the more recent BC-1000 model. I would suggest that you charge only two batteries at a time, or charge four at a maximum of 700 mA - hopefully this should prevent it overheating.
albion
Guest
Maybe they never reached -10C before running or was a cautious pre-specification. Obviously a discharging battery will stay warm. Seems they all store down to -20C so maybe it is output that declined in the original versions.
The new 1800 cycles 2000mah Eneloops are now '90% after 1 year and 70% after 5 years'.
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
The BC-1000 has overheat protection (well, at least the one I've got has, bought in September...)- I do on occasion charge four batteries, but it's usually just a top-up, not from empty, so less chance to cook them, and I wouldn't leave it unattended for long anyway. You're right though, caution is wise!
I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
I received my BL700 and 10x eneloop AAs + 10x eneloop AAAs earlier this week 
I now have 4 of my older AAAs on the refresh program as 1st test showed them at various capacities from 550mAh to750mAh when they should be 850mAh. Seems like a good bit of technokit to me
I now have 4 of my older AAAs on the refresh program as 1st test showed them at various capacities from 550mAh to750mAh when they should be 850mAh. Seems like a good bit of technokit to me
uclown2002
Guru
- Location
- Harrogate
I received my BL700 and 10x eneloop AAs + 10x eneloop AAAs earlier this week
I now have 4 of my older AAAs on the refresh program as 1st test showed them at various capacities from 550mAh to750mAh when they should be 850mAh. Seems like a good bit of technokit to me
Yup, I've just this too. One of my older batteries tested at 1391 when it should be 2850 ffs
Trying a refresh now; I assume it will display the capacity at the end of the refresh cycle?
I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
The refresh doesn't appear to have made any noticeable improvement to the capacity of the 4 AAA's I have tried so I assume I have been cycling them in a healthy manner since using them for my bike lights? They did do a tour of duty in kids toys prior to that so although they are all the same type they have had a hard start in life and received varied abuse, hence the range of capacities.
Wobblers
Euthermic
- Location
- Minkowski Space
If you use batteries in pairs (such as the 2 AAA's used in most rear lights), it's best if you can match the capacities of both cells. If both batteries are similar in capacity, they'll both reach end of charge at the same time. If on the other hand, they're different, one will go flat first and may be reverse charged by the other battery. This can damage it, so its capacity falls and it becomes even worse next time. This is a very common cause of failure of one cell in a battery pack - often you'll find that one cell no longer takes a charge or is weak, and that drags down the whole battery pack.
To match batteries, make sure their capacity is within 5%, so for instance it would be fine to partner a 600 mAh cell with a 570 mAh one. The ability to do that is one of the most useful features of a smart charger such as the BL-700 or Maha C9000.
