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Jesse's Hunting > GPS > Batteries, Chargers and Solar Power
Batteries, Chargers and Solar Power
Batteries
Alkaline 'AA' batteries ....
One of the limitations of radios or GPS receivers that use 'AA' batteries,
is that you can drain the batteries in 24 hours or less, depending on the
model you have. If you find yourself going through batteries like crap through
a goose, there are other options available. First, make sure you only turn
the GPS or other equipment on when you need to. The more you have the unit
on the more you drain the batteries. If you're still running out of fresh
batteries too often, you can buy some Ni-Cad or NiMH
Hi-capacity 'AA' batteries and a slow (5 hour), or fast (1 hour),
charger. Duracell
has a hi-capacity alkaline 'AA' battery , (part number MN1500), that is
rated at 2850 mAh. A standard 'AA' alkaline battery is rated at 650 mAh.
Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries
.... Radio Shack has the 'AA' batteries
for $6.99 for 2 each. Their slow charger is $16.99, the fast charger is $27.99.
These batteries are rated at 1.25 vdc @ 850 mAh. GP
Batteries has a 'AA' battery rated at 1200 mAh
Battery care tips
.... Ni-Cad batteries have a life span of usually 500 cycles,
1 to 3 years for most people. Charged and discharged is one cycle. To extend
your batteries life, and reduce the 'memory effect', every 2 or 3 months charge
them up fully and then put them in your radio or GPS unit, turn it on, and
let the batteries go completely dead. Then, recharge the batteries, and set
aside till you need them in a cool dry place. New batteries can be stored
for up to 2 years without significant loss to their capacity or cycle life.
Batteries don't like the cold, so if you're one of the hard core types who
hunts below freezing, keep the GPS or radio in a warm spot, like under your
coat. If you lay it out in the cold, the batteries really suffer and the radio
may not work at all. If the battery or GPS battery compartment contacts get
dirty, you can clean them with a pencil eraser to ensure good contact.
A word of caution
.... about Ni-Cad batteries. Regular 'AA' alkaline batteries are 1.5
vdc each. Ni-Cads are 1.25 vdc. If your are using 8 or more in an electronic
device, be aware that 8 X 1.5 vdc equals 12.00 vdc. If you use Ni-Cads, 8
X 1.25 vdc equals 10.0 vdc. Some devices need the exact voltage to work right.
If you use Ni-Cads, and the device acts crazy, go back to regular alkaline
'AA' batteries. I have seen this problem when using 10 batteries in a scanner.
Alkaline rechargeable batteries
.... If you need a rechargeable battery
with the full 1.5 vdc rating, try the 'Rayovac Renewal'
rechargeable alkaline batteries. The 'AA' is rated at 1000 mAh and
costs $6.50 for 4 batteries, (Rayovac
part number 715-4), at Radio Shack and Wal Mart. These batteries have no memory
effect. The only drawback to using these batteries is that you must recharge
them before they are drained, to get at least 100 uses. The charger is $10.00
for these batteries, (Rayovac
part number PS-1), also at Radio Shack and Wal Mart. The charger will charge
4 batteries at a time overnight, and comes with 2 'AA' batteries. Rayovac
also has a charger that will charge 8 'AA', 8 'AAA', 4 'C', or 4 'D' batteries
for $19.99.
Nickel-Metal-Hydride, (Ni-MH) rechargeable
.... batteries
are the latest and greatest option. These are high drain batteries- which
means they will maintain their voltage at a higher current draw than either
alkaline or Ni-Cad batteries. Radio Shack
has them for $9.99 for 2 each, (part number 23-525). These batteries are rated
at 1.2 vdc @ 1250 mAh. They will last quite a bit longer than the Ni-Cad batteries,
have no memory effect, and they use the same chargers. NiMH batteries will
lose about 3% of their power per day when they are allowed to just sit. They
need to be charged regularly to keep them 'topped off' and ready for use.
There is no penalty for 'topping off' NiMH batteries (as there is with Ni-Cad
batteries). $40.00 bucks for a set of 4 batteries and a charger should last
you 2 years approximately. If you add up the throw away alkaline batteries,
you can see what your savings will be. If you're rich, or your Dad is Mr.
Energizer, this is no problem. Shop around for cheaper prices. I know Panasonic
, NEXcell,
Sanyo and Quest
are making these batteries and I have links below on where to buy them.
Quest Batteries
has the Quest® Q2 Premium Gold Charger kit includes rapid (2 -3 hour) charger
and four (4) Quest® 1600 mAh gold batteries, 120 VAC and 12 VDC charger and
2 battery cases. Maha
makes long life NiMH batteries and chargers. Maha's 1800 mAh AA NiMH batteries
due out spring 2001.
Lithium "AA"
.... batteries are rated at 2600
mAh, and are made by Eveready
Energizer, (part number L91). These are the longest life batteries you
can get! The only drawback is these are not rechargeable batteries. Shelf
life of 10 years, and are the best batteries for sub-freezing temperatures.
Radio Shack has them for $6.99 for 2 each, (Radio
Shack part number 23-664).
Alkaline "9 volt"
.... batteries
are rated at 300 mAh at 9 vdc.
NiCad "9 volt"
.... batteries
are rated at about 120 mAh and are only 7.2 vdc.
Lithium "9 volt"
.... Designation: NEDA 1604LC,
System: Lithium/Manganese Dioxide, Li/MnO2. Nominal Voltage: 9.0 Volts. Rated
Capacity: 1,200 mAh at 900 Ohms to 5.4 Volts. Maximum Discharge: 120 mA Continuous.
Temperature Range: -40 C to 60 C (-40 F to 140 F). These batteries are made
by Radio Shack
, (part number L91). The consumer-replaceable lithium lasts up to 4 times
longer than alkaline 9V batteries, 10 times longer than carbon-zinc. This
primary battery has the highest energy-density, flattest discharge voltage
curve, longest shelf life, widest operating temperature range, and lightest
weight of any comparable 9-volt battery. The only drawback is these are not
rechargeable batteries. Shelf life of 10 years, and are the best batteries
for sub-freezing temperatures. Radio Shack has them for $6.99 for 1 each.
VSS
Electronics has these 9 volt batteries for $5.83 each.
Chargers
 Saitek
'Eco-Charger'.... No need to throw
away weak batteries with the ECO-CHARGER. Actually recharges regular brand
name alkaline, carbon zinc and NiCad batteries. Accommodates any combination
of up to four D, C, AA or AAA size cells at one time. Unlike other chargers,
Eco utilizes a microchip to analyze batteries. Large LCD screen displays analysis
of each battery, indicates level of charge still available in battery and
time needed to recharge. Stops automatically when battery is recharged - never
overcharges. Rejects dead batteries (batteries that will not hold a charge)
right away. ECO CHARGER also helps prevent the dreaded "memory effect" when
constantly recharging NiCad batteries. NiCad batteries are completely discharged
before beginning the recharge cycle. Earth friendly - helps reduce landfills
of toxic waste. Box Dimensions: 40 x 22 x 14.5 cm (15.7 x 8.7 x 5.7 inches)
Warranty: Saitek Products carry a one year limited warranty against defect.
Price is $59.95
 Saitek
'Smartcharger'....
The fastest model on the market, the Smartcharger is for use with
Ni-Cad and NiMH batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, Prismatic and 9V). The Smartcharger
is specifically designed to deliver ultra-fast charging, conditioning and
checking. With a large LCD panel that keeps users fully informed of charging
status and battery conditions, the Smartcharger's sophisticated microprocessor
with fuzzy logic recognizes battery types and monitors the charging process.
Bad batteries are automatically rejected. Easy to use. Just insert batteries
and close the lid! Warranty: Saitek Products carry a one year limited warranty
against defect.
Price is $79.95 Saitek
Industries Ltd. 2295 Jefferson St. Torrance, CA 90501 Sales: 800 452-4377
info@saitekusa.com
Solar
Power
 Kiss
Solar System 'Jupiter'.... The
KISS Solar System 'Jupiter' is a solar powered battery charger that recharges
AA, AAA, C, and D size batteries. The battery charger unit can be purchased
as a sustainable system with its own solar panel, or as an accessory for use
with our Neptune or Mercury II Solar Systems.
Recharge Ni-Cad batteries, or "non-rechargeable" alkaline batteries
with the microprocessor-controlled charger. Use your batteries over and over,
many times, and save money and the environment.
The battery charger unit is an Eco-Charger, made by Saitek,
International. Its small and sleek design fits in well with most decors, (sorry
no camo), and provides battery storage as well. The unit carries a one year
warranty, and a 30 day money back guarantee. You can recharge up to four sets
of four batteries per day using the Eco-charger with its included AC adapter
(or with the Neptune or Mercury II Solar Systems),
or two sets of four batteries per day with the Jupiter Solar System.
The Jupiter solar panel utilizes amazing new "flexible
amorphous silicon" solar panels. Not only extremely rugged and
durable (you can bend them nearly in half, and can bang them around to your
heart's content), it's also very lightweight and compact. The single panel
for the battery charger measures only 8 by 14 inches (20 by 36 cm) and weighs
only 14 ounces (397.6 gms)!
The Jupiter Solar System retails for $189.00 or you can
purchase just the Eco-Charger for only $69 (which can be used with the Neptune
model). As an accessory to the Mercury II model (for laptop computers and
other portable electronic devices), the Eco-Charger can also be purchased
for $90.00 (includes Mercury II adapter).
Features:
Provides a solar charging station for AA, AAA, C & D size
batteries. Recharges regular Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries, or alkaline batteries
(the type that is normally not rechargeable). Capable of recharging up to
four batteries at a time. Recharge up to two sets of four batteries per day
with the Jupiter panel, or four sets per day with AC power. Requires very
little direct sunlight to recharge batteries, even under cloudy skies. Extends
the life of your batteries 10 fold or more! Utilizes the amazing "flexible
amorphous silicon" solar panels. They are lightweight, compact, and extremely
durable. Provides a convenient storage pocket where the cord is stored, plus
enough room to hold other items, including batteries. Ten foot (3.05 meters)
cord, which allows the Eco-Charger to sit in the shade while the solar panel
is in the sunlight.
Specifications:
WITH CHARGER & SOLAR PANEL Height: 8 inches (20.3 cm), Width:
14 inches (36 cm), Weight: 2.25 pounds (1.0 kg), Color: Gray, Cord Length:
10 feet (3.05 meters) Solar Panels: 1 (flexible amorphous silicon solar panel),
Voltage: 6.75 Amperage: .45A , Warranty: 1 year against defects in materials
and workmanship, Guarantee: 30 day, unconditional, money back guarantee.
Keep It
Simple Systems 32 S. Ewing, Suite 330 Helena, MT USA 59601, ph# 1-800-327-6882
-(U.S. & Canada); ++406-457-0460 -(International); 406-457-0460 -(Fax)
+44 (0)1300 341 134 -(Europe, Africa & the Middle East).
Solar
Power, Battery, Chargers and other Power Source Links
Alexander
Battery ....They make batteries for radios, medical equipment, military
and chargers.
APC ... These guys make great
backup UPS systems to power your computer or other electrical devices when
you lose your main power.
Astron Corp.
..... Makers of AC to DC power supplies, inverters, battery chargers, and
DC to DC converters. Good, reliable company.
Battery Store ....
They sell Sanyo nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
Cadex .... advanced battery
chargers, battery analyzers and maintenance systems for batteries.
CKC
Power .... They sell the "NEXcell" brand of NiMH batteries.
Duracell .... They make
batteries, the "Copper Top" ones.
Eveready Energizer ....
They make batteries
GP Batteries .... They have
batteries with long life ratings.
Igo.com
.... They have batteries, chargers, power adapters and lots more.
Interstate Batteries
.... They make great car/truck batteries. I use their "Optima Extreme
Performance" battery in my 4WD truck. They're completely sealed, so they
are totally maintenance free. In fact, even if the case is broken this product
will not leak. This is the ideal battery for folks with tough standards, especially
those who demand vibration resistance.
JBRO Batteries
Inc. .... Retailer of replacement batteries for all brands of handheld
radios, cell phones, camcorders, and cordless phones.
Kodak
.... They make camera batteries and chargers.
Maha .... Makers
of long life NiMH batteries and chargers. 1800 mAh AA NiMH batteries due out
spring 2001.
Makita .... Makers
of cordless tools and batteries. They just released a NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
battery rated at 2.2 Ah.
Multiplier .... Retailer
of replacement batteries for all brands of handheld radios.
Newmar .... Battery
chargers, power supplies, DC-DC Converters, electrical panels, DC power systems
.
Panasonic
Batteries .... Makers of alkaline, Lithium, Lead Acid, Ni-Cad and NiMH
batteries.
PK Electronics ....They
make the "Blackout Buster" UPS System. I've used this UPS and it
works great.
NEXcell .... They
make hi capacity NiMH batteries.
Norman
Camera .... They sell the "Quest" NiMH batteries. You can expect
these to last 3-4 times as long as alkaline batteries and twice as long as
Ni-Cad batteries. Unlike conventional Ni-Cad batteries, Quest batteries have
no 'memory' effect and can be recharged to 100% of initial capacity.
Outfitter Satellite .... These guys sell and rent satellite phones. They
also carry other satellite communication gear, solar panels and batteries,
vehicle tracking equipment and GPS.
Quest Batteries
.... Makers of long life NiMH batteries and chargers. Quest® Q2 Premium Gold
Charger kit includes rapid (2 -3 hour) charger and four (4) Quest® 1600 mAh
gold batteries, 120 VAC and 12 VDC charger and 2 battery cases.
Radio Shack .... They sell batteries
and other power source equipment.
Rayovac ....
They make batteries.
Saitek Industries Ltd.
.... They make the "Smart Charger" and "Eco Charger".
Recharges regular brand name alkaline, carbon zinc and NiCad batteries.
Sanyo Batteries
.... They make rechargeable batteries.
Silicon
Solar .... Solar panels, battery chargers and a bunch more solar stuff.
StatPower .... your
source for mobile and alternative energy power solutions specializing in modified
and true sine wave power inverters, industrial strength inverter-chargers,
and true connect-and-forget smart battery chargers.
Sunn Battery Co. .... They have Makita batteries at good prices. 1313 West
Adams Street, Jacksonville FL. 32204. Tel: 904-354-4508.
Thomas
Distributing .... All kinds of chargers and batteries like the
Maha MH-C204F-4AADC "SMART" CHARGER Combo Kit, Kit includes four 1600 mAH
POWEREX AA batteries, " AA " and "AAA" NiMH ( Nickel Metal Hydride ) / NiCAD
Rapid Battery I-Charger plus battery conditioner, 120 VAC charger and 12 VDC
cig. lighter charger. $35.90.
Ultralife
Batteries .... Long life lithium batteries.
Varta ... They
make high quality battery chargers.
W & W Associates .... Retailers
of batteries for handheld radios, laptops, and cellular phones. They also
sell battery eliminators, chargers, and analyzers.
Yuasa .... America's
largest manufacturer of industrial motive power batteries and chargers, stationary
batteries, and electric vehicle batteries.
If you know of any othergood power links please email us at
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