Subject:
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Re: Pure Energy & the RCX
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Wed, 17 Nov 1999 08:35:59 GMT
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Viewed:
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694 times
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Regarding Rechargeable Alkaline Batteries:
DON'T USE THEM DON'T USE THEM DON'T USE THEM DON'T USE THEM
Wh- ..Why? you ask, bewildered.
Well, I suppose maybe my reaction is a bit strong, but I absolutely hate these
batteries. They're a nightmare to manage in any great quantity. In order to
keep them functioning properly, they must be recharged very regularly and
_without_ fully discharging them. A full discharge is death to these cells.
On top of that, they charge/discharge at a different rate for each cell, so
groups of cells go "out of match", i.e. the charge/discharge characteristics
for each cell wanders in its own direction and at its own rate from production
specs over their lifespan. And quickly in some cases. This being the case, it
is very difficult to keep groups of cells in good working order. I've actually
had cells <hiss> at me. For no apparent reason. I was following all the
directions to the letter, and still these cells decided to vent their
internals. Whatever chemicals they use, I don't want 'em spread all over my
gear, that's for certain.
Why on earth should you heed my raving? Well, I've been an R/C racer for years,
so I have a pretty good clue how to manage batteries of all kinds. We all use
'AA' size cells of one sort or another for our radio transmitters - gear that
can be worth up to $1000, depending on what you're using. Not something you
want blown apart by a bad battery. I'm not the only one with this experience
with rechargeable alkalines - I'm involved in a rather large R/C club, and
several of the other racers have tried them with the same results.
---
Of course, if you've been using these batteries for any length of time (over 3
months) with a modicum of success, please tell me the secret! I've still got
several chargers sitting around from when I first found these batteries and
bought a whole bunch....
I can make NiCd's sing, but these things just hate me. So I hate 'em back. :)
Just my 32 cents
K.M.
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: Pure Energy & the RCX
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| I've been using them in a GPS for a couple years. They don't get a lot of use, but I've never had any problem. When using the GPS I like being able to always start out the day with a fresh set of batteries. I probably never did a full discharge of (...) (25 years ago, 17-Nov-99, to lugnet.robotics)
| | | Re: Pure Energy & the RCX
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| I fully concur. They seem to work well initially, but managing a set of them is fraught with peril. It wouldn't be so bad if there was a "bad battery" tester. But there isn't. So some freak battery that isn't cutting it gets in your pack, and you (...) (25 years ago, 17-Nov-99, to lugnet.robotics)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Pure Energy & the RCX
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| Instead of posting deep inside the original RXC Output thread, I thought I start a new one Pure Energy is a brand of rechargeable batteries. Pure Energy Battery Corp, Amherst Nova Scotia, Canada (1-800-868-8756) They are rechargeable alkaline (...) (25 years ago, 16-Nov-99, to lugnet.robotics)
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