Rechargeable: Difference between revisions
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==Cell Sizes== | ==Cell Sizes== | ||
Li-ion and other rechargeables are often referred to by their size code. The size code is easy to decipher: xxyy0 denotes a battery of xx millimeters in diamter by yy millimeters in length. The 0 at the end denotes it is a round cell. Generally when people on the forums talk about using some number cell, they are talking about li-ion cells, but really this is just a size, not a type of battery. Common sizes are: | |||
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==Cell voltages== | ==Cell voltages== | ||
A lot of confusion exists about battery voltage. Ordinary alkalines are rated to 1.5v, but typically are down to 1.2v when 50% used, and rapidly fall thereafter. This is why devices using alkalines often become less responsive over time, or dimmer. Rechargeable NiCad or NiMH batteries are rated to 1.2v, but will hold that until right at the end. You tend therefore to get a more consistent performance from rechargeable batteries. '''This improved consistency of voltage, is a major reason to prefer rechargeables for torch applications'''. | [[File:Battery-sizes.jpg|thumb|Commonly used flashlight batteries. From left: AAA, AA, 18650, and 2 CR123A's]]A lot of confusion exists about battery voltage. Ordinary alkalines are rated to 1.5v, but typically are down to 1.2v when 50% used, and rapidly fall thereafter. This is why devices using alkalines often become less responsive over time, or dimmer. Rechargeable NiCad or NiMH batteries are rated to 1.2v, but will hold that until right at the end. You tend therefore to get a more consistent performance from rechargeable batteries. '''This improved consistency of voltage, is a major reason to prefer rechargeables for torch applications'''. | ||
==Torch circuitry== | ==Torch circuitry== | ||
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Larger cells are also available as NiMH cells. A true D-sized NiMH should have a capacity of about 10,000 mAh. Watch out for Energizer, Rayovac, and other brand versions that are 2200-2500 mAh: these are mostly hollow and have no more capacity than AA cells. If lower capacity is not a problem, hollow adapters can be purchased (provided with some chargers like the BC-9009 and Costco Eneloop Pack) that allow you to put a AA in a D-sized shell. | Larger cells are also available as NiMH cells. A true D-sized NiMH should have a capacity of about 10,000 mAh. Watch out for Energizer, Rayovac, and other brand versions that are 2200-2500 mAh: these are mostly hollow and have no more capacity than AA cells. If lower capacity is not a problem, hollow adapters can be purchased (provided with some chargers like the BC-9009 and Costco Eneloop Pack) that allow you to put a AA in a D-sized shell. | ||
Some batteries, including Eneloops, Duraloops, and Rayovacs, use a [[battery date | Some batteries, including Eneloops, Duraloops, and Rayovacs, use a [[battery date code]]s that can be used to determine the date of manufacture. | ||
===Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) - 1.6V/cell=== | ===Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) - 1.6V/cell=== | ||