Rechargable batteries and electronics

[Mark42]

I have a digital camera that has been acting up lately. It doesn't want to start when freshly charged batteries are installed. The camera is about 5 years old and i just figured the camera was going bad. But that was not the case.

I was given new rechargable batteries as a Christmas gift, and when those batteries are used, the camera works just fine. Even though the new batteries and the old batteries (old being about 2 to 3 years) show the same voltage with the test meter, the new batteries make the camera work, the old don't. The old batteries won't hold a charge for more than a day or two. Apparently electronics are more sensative to rechargable battery state/conditon than a flashlight or such. I read about this being the case online somewhere, and just thought I would pass along the info.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Rechargable batteries and electronics

Sounds like you have Nicad Memory problems..... try to clean the contacts with a pencil eraser and figure out a way to fully disharge the batteries ..... then go through a charge and discharge routine.

The nicads do get old and quit working ......

 

[Mark42]

Re: Rechargable batteries and electronics

Sounds like you have Nicad Memory problems..... try to clean the contacts with a pencil eraser and figure out a way to fully disharge the batteries ..... then go through a charge and discharge routine.

The nicads do get old and quit working ......

Thats worth a try. These are AA batteries. I have a flashlight that takes AA, that should fully discharge them. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Rechargable batteries and electronics

There's a new battery out by RayOvac in AA and AAA sizes called "Hybrid". It's a NmH battery that holds it's charge, unlike the regular ones that self discharge in a month or so.

I use em everywhere, cameras, flashlights, wireless mics.

BTW, I bet the suspect batteries don't light the flashlight more than a few seconds.

hope it helps
John