Rechargable Batteries (Ni-Cd and Ni-MH)

[KnightWarrior]

I'm going Rechargables only now

So everything I have are Rechargables Ni-Cd's and Ni-HM's

Saves money on batteries in the long run for me, But

Only thing is my Game Boy doesn't take the 4.8 volts so kindly, Doesn't even work so right, I though it was broke, My Game Gear, GB Pocket & GB Color works with Rechargables.

[NightWolve]

Ever figure out the trick with Ni-HM ?? I've tried many brands and chargers, it all sucks... Big time suck...

Only type that ever works out decent is Lithium-Ion. Problem there is they don't make 'em in AAA or AA form, but I've hacked a few devices and reused the 3.7 VDC Li-Ions from my old cell phones. I keep the phone around to recharge when needed, worked out great for a wireless mouse and a LED flashlight.

[Desh]

Ever figure out the trick with Ni-HM ?? I've tried many brands and chargers, it all sucks... Big time suck...

Only type that ever works out decent is Lithium-Ion. Problem there is they don't make 'em in AAA or AA form, but I've hacked a few devices and reused the 3.7 VDC Li-Ions from my old cell phones. I keep the phone around to recharge when needed, worked out great for a wireless mouse and a LED flashlight.

This will eventually happen to all of my "old school" handhelds.  After the success I had in modding a few Nomads with internally mounted Li - ion batteries I don't think I could go back.

[ClodBuster]

Have you tried Eneloop NiMH batteries yet? I use them wherever I can (wireless controllers, R/C car transmitters, etc.). Nominally they supply the same voltage as regular NiMH batteries, but since their self discharge rate is improved, they hold their charge much better over time when not in use.

Edit: Do you remember that old grey brick-sized portable rechargeable battery pack for the GameBoy? I've once opened up mine to harvest its batteries, and in fact there were just 4 regular 1.2V NiCds inside. So the GameBoy was able to be powered 4.8V.

[xelement5x]

Have you tried Eneloop NiMH batteries yet? I use them wherever I can (wireless controllers, R/C car transmitters, etc.). Nominally they supply the same voltage as regular NiMH batteries, but since their self discharge rate is improved, they hold their charge much better over time when not in use.

Edit: Do you remember that old grey brick-sized portable rechargeable battery pack for the GameBoy? I've once opened up mine to harvest its batteries, and in fact there were just 4 regular 1.2V NiCds inside. So the GameBoy was able to be powered 4.8V.

I second Eneloops.  I haven't tried them in a GB but they work amazing in all my other devices for the same reasons mentioned above.

[csgx1]

I also use Eneloops and other generic type of Ni-MH batteries in all my handhelds including the original GB, Express, Nomad and they work great for me.  I haven't experienced any problems. 

Also, some of the cheap battery chargers don't work well and don't seem to fully charge batteries a lot of times.   I used to use a 15 min quick charger that didn't seem to fully charge the batteries to their capacity and the batteries wouldn't last as long.   

[Desh]

I also use Eneloops and other generic type of Ni-MH batteries in all my handhelds including the original GB, Express, Nomad and they work great for me.  I haven't experienced any problems. 

Also, some of the cheap battery chargers don't work well and don't seem to fully charge batteries a lot of times.   I used to use a 15 min quick charger that didn't seem to fully charge the batteries to their capacity and the batteries wouldn't last as long.   

This is where you can't skimp when doing any rechargeable battery mod.  I found a higher end RC charger with built in over current protection.  It was like $40.00 but I'm not about to run the risk of overheating the li ion batteries I used.  Too much heat = boom with those things.

[ClodBuster]

+1 on proper chargers.


Varta USB charger, the one for my NiMH AA- and AAA-batteries. 2 Amps charge current for up to 2 AAs simultaneously, 1 Amps when equipped with 3 to 4 AA batteries. Has delta peak detection and charges every cell independently. Has a USB port too for Smartphones, but supplies only 0.5 Amps there.


Carson Expert Charger 3 ver.II for R/C stuff. Charges pretty much everything you throw at it, be it NiMH, NiCd, LiPo, LiFe - but sadly no LiIon. Delta peak detection, single cell balancer for LiPo/LiFe and up to 4 Amps charging current.