Things to do with non-eneloop batteries

[rhys]

I found my older NiMh batteries are excellent in solar-powered lighting. This usually arrives with NiCad batteries installed. The NiCads usually go bad within 6-12 months. I had two solar lights in my back yard marking the corners of the patio. One lamp died within weeks and my wife wanted to throw it out and buy new. I said I'd take a look at it and when I did I found it worked fine with NiMh rechargables - charging and producing light. Then I noticed the other dead today and replaced the batteries. It now works again.

So... This is a great use for old NiMh batteries. I do fully intend to resupply but with Eneloop. I still have a shed load of NiMh to use though.

[ben_r_]

I had those 2500Mah Energizers. I gave them all away to people who think they are the best batteries out there. Now Im just sitting here laughing every time they complain about the dumb thing being dead when you sit them down for a few days.

[braduardo]

I had those 2500Mah Energizers. I gave them all away to people who think they are the best batteries out there. Now Im just sitting here laughing every time they complain about the dumb thing being dead when you sit them down for a few days.


I leave mine charged for weeks at a time with no issues. The only time I find that they go dead is if they sit in the charger.

[rklepper]

I just threw mine away. I could not figure anyone I disliked enough to give them to.

[AirBrontosaurus]

God, those Energizer 2500's are one big pile of fail. They can't seem to hold a charge for more than 5 minutes without dying.

Not even my new Maha C9000 could save them. 2500 mAh capacity? Try 2000... on the best one. And that was only after two refresh cycles and a break-in cycle (about 2 full days of charging and discharging in all).

Yep... I hate them.

[rhys]

I just threw mine away. I could not figure anyone I disliked enough to give them to.

About 3 years ago I donated all my remaining NiCads to a friend in Holland who didn't have any money. She could then use a NiCad charger somebody else had given her to take photos without buying batteries.

I tossed my old NiCad chargers onto a garden bonfire along with an old laptop and a ton of old photo processing chemicals before I came to the US.

[Bushplane Ken]

God, those Energizer 2500's are one big pile of fail. They can't seem to hold a charge for more than 5 minutes without dying.

Not even my new Maha C9000 could save them. 2500 mAh capacity? Try 2000... on the best one. And that was only after two refresh cycles and a break-in cycle (about 2 full days of charging and discharging in all).

Yep... I hate them.

I'm with you on this one. My Maha C9000 will put a charge in my Energizer 2500's but they have no "shelf life"; 24 hours later and they are dead. I guess I should throw them away like rklepper did.

My POWEREX 2700's work great but low discharge rechargeables like Eneloops and Powerex Imedions certainly have a place.

[ben_r_]

God, those Energizer 2500's are one big pile of fail. They can't seem to hold a charge for more than 5 minutes without dying.

Not even my new Maha C9000 could save them. 2500 mAh capacity? Try 2000... on the best one. And that was only after two refresh cycles and a break-in cycle (about 2 full days of charging and discharging in all).

Yep... I hate them.

I'm with you on this one. My Maha C9000 will put a charge in my Energizer 2500's but they have no "shelf life"; 24 hours later and they are dead. I guess I should throw them away like rklepper did.

My POWEREX 2700's work great but low discharge rechargeables like Eneloops and Powerex Imedions certainly have a place.
Doesnt the C9000 rock! Best charger EVER MADE! I have mine doing break ins right now on all the new eneloops I just bought. Its over there in the corner buzzing away.

[In2Photos]

Where is everyone buying their eneloops?

[Riff Raff]

http://www.thomas-distributing.com

And non-Eneloops (or I guess I should say non-slow discharge NiMH rechargeables, now that several companies have equivalents) are still perfect for me in my normal applications. I always have a set of batteries in the charger. Before I leave for the theatre, I swap them with the batteries that were in the camera and flash the previous week. I'm using them at the theatre within about an hour of the time I leave the house, so the discharge rate just doesn't really matter. I did recently buy a set of Eneloops for going hiking and such though too.

[cdifoto]

I use Duracell NiMH AAs with no real problems.

[_aravena]

Great, and I just got energizer's. Although they proved useful last night and I got mine on Christmas and last night was the first time I used them. Flash at +3 and quickly recharged. I might get some eneloops though for shelf life reasons. I do have a back up of lithiums.

[zeva]

I got enloops from costco! Lifetime warrenty anyone? :D

[ben_r_]

Amazon.com has the 8 pack of AA Eneloops for $14.96. I just bought two packs (16 batteries) for $30 shipped and no tax. LINK (http://www.amazon.com/SANYO-Eneloop-Ready-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B000LNI5VC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199309636&sr=8-1)

[Familiaphoto]

Great price, I think I'll have to get some of those.

[Familiaphoto]

Amazon.com has the 8 pack of AA Eneloops for $14.96. I just bought two packs (16 batteries) for $30 shipped and no tax. LINK (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/314610.jpg)

Ok Ben, that link takes me to B&H item. :D

[ben_r_]

Ok Ben, that link takes me to B&H item. :D

HA HA HA!!! Sorry, been linking to too many things today. I fixed the previous one, or this is it too. LINK (http://www.amazon.com/SANYO-Eneloop-Ready-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B000LNI5VC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1199309636&sr=8-1)

[gjman]

Doesnt the C9000 rock! Best charger EVER MADE! .

Meeh it seems to have a better interface than my LaCross BC-900 but it costs nearly twice as much and does nothing special !!!

The LaCrosse has resurrected so many of my old NiMH batteries and I lovingly charge them at 200 mAh rather than electrocuting them with a 1000 mAh blast.

Donno what so special about enloope but I can get pretty good performance after refreshing pretty much any brand battery in the BC-900.

[Moppie]

I use 2500 Energizers, and have never had a problem with dying early.

They will hold a charge for well over 2 months, which is the longest I have gone with out useing them, which is longer than the BP511s last before going noticably flat from lack of use.


I wonder if those having problems have either got a bad set of batteries, or are charging them with a fast charger, which has always been a good way to kill any battery.

[Bushplane Ken]

I use 2500 Energizers, and have never had a problem with dying early.

They will hold a charge for well over 2 months, which is the longest I have gone with out useing them, which is longer than the BP511s last before going noticably flat from lack of use.

I wonder if those having problems have either got a bad set of batteries, or are charging them with a fast charger, which has always been a good way to kill any battery.

Moppie, please enlighten us as to the charger you use with your 2500 mAh Energizers. I have stated in this Forum before that likely the Energizer problem (that some of us have had) relates more to the charger that the batteries; however when I asked Eveready (the Energizer people) about chargers their answer was less than useful.

I used the charger that came with the Energizer batteries; silly me, what did I know. Likely from their point of view it makes sense to include a charger that cooks the batteries so they become useless; that way they can sell more batteries!

[Moppie]

Moppie, please enlighten us as to the charger you use with your 2500 mAh Energizers. I have stated in this Forum before that likely the Energizer problem (that some of us have had) relates more to the charger that the batteries; however when I asked Eveready (the Energizer people) about chargers their answer was less than useful.

I used the charger that came with the Energizer batteries; silly me, what did I know. Likely from their point of view it makes sense to include a charger that cooks the batteries so they become useless; that way they can sell more batteries!


I've only ever seen the Energizers sold here with their silly little fast charger, they are simply pandering to our "want it now" consumer culture, and of course selling more batteries in the process.


I use a Dick Smith Electronics (nz/aus chain store) branded charger.
Its quite big, it will charge 9v and D cells as well. It has a switch to charge both NiCd MiMH and is definitely a slow charger, taking about 8 hours to fully charge 4 AA's.
Its also quite old, I've had since I got my A40, which was probably 6 or 7 years ago now.

On the back it has the following outputs listed:

4 x (1.4v d.c 400mA +/- 15%)
4 x (1.4v d.c 210mA +/- 15%)
4 x (1.4v d.c 66mA +/- 15%)
2 x (9.8v d.c 30mA +/- 15%)



I'm guessing it uses the 66mA to charge the AA and AAA cells, 210mA for C cells, and 400mA for D cells, or it steps the current based on cell capacity?
But I have no idea, I've only ever used it for NiMH AA cells.


NiMH cells do have a limited life though, I have two sets of Sonys (1900 and 2100mA) that are about 3 or 4 years old. They last only a week after being charged, but have seen very heavy use.

[gjman]

..............Likely from their point of view it makes sense to include a charger that cooks the batteries so they become useless; that way they can sell more batteries!

Its not their fault (well partly). The consumer wants "re-chargeable" batteries and they need to be "fully charged" faster than they are discharged. Batteries get jolted with a 1000 or even 1800 mA current rather than a slower 200 mA one that takes 3 hours but retains most of its potency.

Note, you CAN charge your batteries on a Maha or LaCrosse charge too...its just that it wont let you do it by default, you need to select the 1800 mA charge mode and it will be charged in 15 min rather than 180 mins.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/6103Q5DGJQL._SS400_.jpg

[braduardo]

Moppie, please enlighten us as to the charger you use with your 2500 mAh Energizers. I have stated in this Forum before that likely the Energizer problem (that some of us have had) relates more to the charger that the batteries; however when I asked Eveready (the Energizer people) about chargers their answer was less than useful.

I used the charger that came with the Energizer batteries; silly me, what did I know. Likely from their point of view it makes sense to include a charger that cooks the batteries so they become useless; that way they can sell more batteries!


I use the same ones, but use their 8 hour charger (because it was cheaper). Mine will last quite a long time without draining on their own. I generally cycle through my batteries pretty quickly anyways. The price on those Eneloop batteries seems pretty good, but since I have somewhere around 20 or so of the Energizers that have held up really well, I'll probably wait a while. I'm sure something even better will come along by the time I'm ready. I just wish the 430EX and 580EXII would run on BP-511 batteries. That would be awesome.

I gave my mom 4 of the Energizer batteries about 2 years ago, and she burns through them like crazy. She always has 2 on the charger and 2 in her camera. For the last couple months they have started to not hold a charge very well, but I think that's pretty good. It certainly ended up being a lot cheaper than regular batteries.

Maybe the big problem is that too many people use the 15-30 minute chargers rather than the 8 hour one. That's my guess. I don't really have a problem waiting for my batteries, since I always keep a few extras charged and ready.

[Glasstream15]

I too have a bunch of Energizers that have and are serving me well. I have 2 old RS chargers that also have a discharge function and take about 4 hours to charge 2500MAH AAs and about 10 hours to charge 4500 MAH Ds. I have the little collapsible Energizer AA/AAA charger that I carry in my camera box and takes about 8 hours to charge 4 AAs. I also have an Energizer chargere that will take 8 AA/AAA or 4 C/D and charges each battery individually about 3 hours for AAs. And I can leave the batteries in the battery box or the camera box for a month and get very good performance from them.

If you are NOT getting the same results, you are NOT charging them correctly and, as with so many other things, it's purely operator error.

[Moppie]

I don't really have a problem waiting for my batteries, since I always keep a few extras charged and ready.


If you are NOT getting the same results, you are NOT charging them correctly and, as with so many other things, it's purely operator error.



Its like everything, a proper understanding of the tools, and well practiced work process will always give better results.

[In2Photos]

I use the same ones, but use their 8 hour charger (because it was cheaper). Mine will last quite a long time without draining on their own. I generally cycle through my batteries pretty quickly anyways. The price on those Eneloop batteries seems pretty good, but since I have somewhere around 20 or so of the Energizers that have held up really well, I'll probably wait a while. I'm sure something even better will come along by the time I'm ready. I just wish the 430EX and 580EXII would run on BP-511 batteries. That would be awesome.

I gave my mom 4 of the Energizer batteries about 2 years ago, and she burns through them like crazy. She always has 2 on the charger and 2 in her camera. For the last couple months they have started to not hold a charge very well, but I think that's pretty good. It certainly ended up being a lot cheaper than regular batteries.

Maybe the big problem is that too many people use the 15-30 minute chargers rather than the 8 hour one. That's my guess. I don't really have a problem waiting for my batteries, since I always keep a few extras charged and ready.
This is the exact reason why.

I have both the 15 minute quick charger and the standard 8 hour charger. The batteries last much longer, whether being used or just sitting in my bag, when they are charged with the standard charger. I now only use the 15 minute charger if I am in a bind. Otherwise the dead batteries go on the standard charger as soon as they go dead and then wait in my bag until I need them.

I only have 12 batteries right now so I might get some eneloops, but the energizers do work fine if charged slowly.

[Jon]

That's been my experience as well; I don't believe I even own a 15 minute charger; my fastest one's about a 1 hour model. All my (assorted brand, including Energizer) rechargeables seem to have good shelf life and stand-alone performance in the A620 or my flashes. The only thing none of them will do is give me more than a couple of shots as slaves using Canon's wireless E-TTL. For that, I use alkalines.

[Bushplane Ken]

I appreciate the interesting discussion that is taking place here. I have the small gray Energizer 'slide' charger that is supposedly the 8 hour charger (it is definitely not a 15 minute charger). For the first 12 or 15 months that was the only charger I had and I now have 16 useless 2500 mAh Energizer rechargeables.

About a year ago I purchased my first MAHA C-9000 and some Powerex 2700 mAh batteries. They have worked very well; so much so that I now have 2 MAHA C-9000 chargers plus a couple of other MAHA chargers. I have a number of Powerex 2700 mAh batteries as well Eneloops and Powerex Imedions.

I have not been able to "rescue" the old Energizers. They will take a charge but just will not hold power for much more than 24 hours; I think they are done! I have been able to resuce some old Panasonics that a friend had that had developed the same problem (hold a charge for about 1 day).

As I noted previously, I tried to discuss this matter with the Energizer people but they really were not able to offer much help.

I am not prepared to accept the "operator error" tag on this one; I followed the directions and learned a lesson. I am very happy with my MAHA chargers and Powerex batteries (and Eneloops). I gave 3 MAHA chargers and Powerex (regular and Imedions) batteries as Christmas gifts.

Needless to say, I won't be buying rechargeable Energizers any time soon (or recommending them). If you are happy with your Energizers; that's great for you.

[In2Photos]

I appreciate the interesting discussion that is taking place here. I have the small gray Energizer 'slide' charger that is supposedly the 8 hour charger (it is definitely not a 15 minute charger). For the first 12 or 15 months that was the only charger I had and I now have 16 useless 2500 mAh Energizer rechargeables.

About a year ago I purchased my first MAHA C-9000 and some Powerex 2700 mAh batteries. They have worked very well; so much so that I now have 2 MAHA C-9000 chargers plus a couple of other MAHA chargers. I have a number of Powerex 2700 mAh batteries as well Eneloops and Powerex Imedions.

I have not been able to "rescue" the old Energizers. They will take a charge but just will not hold power for much more than 24 hours; I think they are done! I have been able to resuce some old Panasonics that a friend had that had developed the same problem (hold a charge for about 1 day).

As I noted previously, I tried to discuss this matter with the Energizer people but they really were not able to offer much help.

I am not prepared to accept the "operator error" tag on this one; I followed the directions and learned a lesson. I am very happy with my MAHA chargers and Powerex batteries (and Eneloops). I gave 3 MAHA chargers and Powerex (regular and Imedions) batteries as Christmas gifts.

Needless to say, I won't be buying rechargeable Energizers any time soon (or recommending them). If you are happy with your Energizers; that's great for you.
Nor did we tell you to. We were simply offering advice to anyone else that has the energizers and may be experienceing problems with them. It certainly is worth it to try and "fix" them so that they can still be used rather than just tossing them. In your case your batteries may already be beyond repair and there is nothing you can do. I certainly do not blame you for not buying anymore after having problems with them. But if soemone had a problem with 40D it doesn't mean they are all bad and that no one else should buy them; right?

[Bushplane Ken]

Actually I think you are missing the point. I am on record on this Forum as saying that I suspect the biggest problem with the Energizers is the crappy chargers they sell with them. I suspect that if I had used a quality charger right from the start they may have worked out just fine. I didn't have the knowledge to know better at the time. My issue is not just the product itself, it is with the seeming lack of interest I encounted when I tried to discuss my issue with the Energizer people; there really did not offer any useful information. My situation is now resolved; I don't use Energizers. I am happy with the replacement products I have purchased and therefore recommend (and give) them to others. If you are pleased with your Energizers, I am happy for you.

Let's all live in peace and learn from each others experiences!

[Moppie]

. My issue is not just the product itself, it is with the seeming lack of interest I encounted when I tried to discuss my issue with the Energizer people; there really did not offer any useful information. My situation is now resolved; I don't use Energizers.


I wouldn't use them either after service like that.

I would probably be writing them a nasty email, then buying (as you did) somone elses batteries.
It does sound like you either got a bad charger, or a really bad lot of batteries, either way they should have been able to help, at least replace some of the batteries which would simply be common sense customer service.

[rhys]

I wouldn't use them either after service like that.

I would probably be writing them a nasty email, then buying (as you did) somone elses batteries.
It does sound like you either got a bad charger, or a really bad lot of batteries, either way they should have been able to help, at least replace some of the batteries which would simply be common sense customer service.

It's a waste of time writing nasty emails.

Let's look at it from the point of view of the recipient...

Suddenly they receive a nasty email. That immediately loses any sympathy with you and your problems.

Their response - they either bin and ignore or send a generic response and put you in the blocked senders list.

If instead you write a dispassionate email chronicalling the problems and your attempted solutions then you might elicit a better response.

Personally, when I get a nasty email I just delete and block sender.

[Moppie]

It's a waste of time writing nasty emails.

Let's look at it from the point of view of the recipient...

Suddenly they receive a nasty email. That immediately loses any sympathy with you and your problems.

Their response - they either bin and ignore or send a generic response and put you in the blocked senders list.

If instead you write a dispassionate email chronicalling the problems and your attempted solutions then you might elicit a better response.

Personally, when I get a nasty email I just delete and block sender.



I've worked in Customer services for well over a decade, and even managed small team looking after several thousand customers.
I suppose I should clarify my idea of a nasty email.
Its not abusive, but instead gets accross feelings of dis-satisfaction using very plain, easy to read, polite, but to the point language.

I called it nasty because its the kind of email that in a working customer services department gets passed up the command chain, it gets prioritised, it gets actioned, and people get in trouble over it.

Of course in a dis-functional customer services department it goes no where and gets buried or binned.
But then there is not a lot you can do anyway short of finding away around customer services into other people in the company.