Nicad Batteries

[N0WVA]

Ive been noticing at my trips to wally world that their nicad selection is down to AA and AAA batteries only. A few years ago, I bought all diffferent sized nicads, including 9volts and a nice charger at wally world.Ive re-charged and used them hundreds of times. Wonder why they dont have them anymore? The duracells and energizers are a rip-off. Any reason why they are pushing the high dollar throw-away crap , besides the fact that they make more $$ ?

[K8YS]

the thing with batteries is that most people won't spend the big bucks for high current cells and camera and the like really require high current batteries.

Those "in the know" do not buy from Wally World or the big red K anymore.

[N0WVA]

Yes, and I have a camera that eats batteries, even when powered off. The nicads seem to work it ok, although they may not last as long and go dead without any warning, it still saves me $ http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kc7jty]

Everything is going to Hydrides (NIMH). You should see them at the dept stores. They have a great capacity capability but the newer ones (the ones with the higher capacities) don't hold their charge as well through time. (Such as charging them then waiting a month before using them). They also can't deliver the current (amps) like the nicads can.

[K8ERV]

I understand that both the NiCads and Hydrides loose about 20% capacity per month shelf life. The Hydrides are about the same price on Ebay, and have MUCH more capacity. The only downside that I know of is their lower voltage. I use ONLY 2100 Hydrides in all my gear, seem to work ok. Cost is $2 or less delivered.

TOM K8ERV

[kc7jty]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (K8ERV @ Jan. 27 2004,02:49)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I understand that both the NiCads and Hydrides loose about 20% capacity per month shelf life. The Hydrides are about the same price on Ebay, and have MUCH more capacity. The only downside that I know of is their lower voltage. I use ONLY 2100 Hydrides in all my gear, seem to work ok. Cost is $2 or less delivered.

TOM K8ERV[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I have no experience with lower voltage of NIMH vs NICD. Your 20% loss per month may have been true with the old lower capacity batts of years ago but it seems to me every time they up the capacity capability they also raise the % loss per month factor. (gain some loose somewhere else).
#The latest thing is 2000mh AAs that can be charged in 15 mins. The slower the charge (down to Ah/10) the better for the life of the battery. I like to charge mine with a constant intensity charger for 12 hours. 2000/2100mh @ .280 A for 12 hours. Works real well for me.
P.S. I think your lower voltage on the NIMHs is caused by the batteries not being able to deliver the amps like the NICDs can.