For these tests, we ran our fan at maximum speed, recording how long it kept rotating. Drawing 0.6 and 1.4 Amps, respectively, these devices allowed us to measure how long each battery can run during low-drain and high-drain use. To see how long the batteries in our test group would last, we used them to run two devices: a small battery-powered fan and a powerful flashlight. We tested AA batteries as these are the most commonly used size for modern electronics such as TV remotes, as well as some smart doorbells and outdoor security cameras. So, we tested them by doing just that, using two high-end rechargeable battery chargers (a La Crosse BC700-CBP and a SkyRC MC3000) to measure the amount of charge that each of the batteries could hold, testing four of each and averaging the result. The most important things about rechargeable batteries are how much charge they can hold and how quickly they can deliver it. Until 2012, I was the VP of Editorial Development at, where I created the testing protocols that are still used for products such as TVs, dishwashers, coffee makers, and refrigerators. In that time I have tested everything from automatic coffee makers to wearable computers. I’m Richard Baguley, and I have been testing and breaking technology for over 20 years. There are less expensive rechargeable AA batteries out there, but they come in packs of 12 at a minimum-this drives the price up and most people don’t need that many batteries, anyway.Īll batteries were completely charged before testing began. Each individual cell holds about 1800 mAh of charge so your devices won’t run for as long as they would with the Energizers or other higher capacity batteries. Interestingly, Energizer lists the capacity of these batteries at 2000 mAh, but we found them to hold more in our real-world tests.įor a less expensive alternative, we recommend AmazonBasic Rechargeable Batteries ( available at Amazon). They provide the best balance of capacity and price, holding about 2200 mAh of charge and supporting up to 1000 charge cycles. Lots of it.Īfter hours of testing, the Energizer Recharge UniversalĮnded up being our top pick. On the old days, the NiCd was recommended as having superior performance at low temperatures.Written by Richard Baguley and Séamus Bellamyĭisposable batteries are cheaper upfront, but investing a good set of rechargeable AA batteries that'll provide years of service in toys, flashlights or TV remote controls will save you money in the long run. Reworking the power supply is ok if necessary. What kind of cells would best work for these loads at low temperatures? I'd hate to discard the neat enclosure I built for it, so I'd like to stick to 2xAA form factor if possible. The biggest power draw on the transmitter is the XBee radio, which consumes 70mA when activated, and short bursts of ~250mA when transmitting, so an instant power of about 800mW (not accounting for any conversion losses, add 200some mW for those) is required. Voltage from the cells is first bumped up to 3.1V, with a boost converter. The 2x AA alkaline cells powering the transmitter don't seem to be up to the task at those temperatures. The system has been working quite niclely, but with the recent -20degC weather the transmitter has been bogging up. Both the receiver and transmitter utilize ATMEGA8L's for "brains". Wireless link is build with a pair of 900MHz XBee pros. The system consists of a receiver (on the winch), which actuates the mechanical arm that controls the winch, and a remote controller to start / stop the winch remotely. Hi, I've been working on a remote controlled logging winch.
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