Rechargable AA batteries in Charger Question

SuperSupra · #1 07-29-2002, 12:37 AM

I read somewhere that NIMH and NiCad AA batteries cannot be used in the charger/controller for the Bit Char-G's because it ruins the Bit Char-G. Is this true? Does anyone use rechargable batteries in their charger?

I don't wanna have to keep replacing AA batteries because its too costly and annoying. Thanks.

tinyrc · #2 07-29-2002, 12:39 AM

The TOMY instructions recommend that you use Alkalines rather than NiMH/NiCad, due to the voltage difference. I'm not sure how much of a concern it is really, but I use alkalines anyway just in case - and they last for months.

E)(pul$ioN · #3 07-29-2002, 01:07 AM

For the charger I used rechargable Energizer NIMH batteries that are 1200 mAh...

But I only tried it once...

kbtoyz902 · #4 07-29-2002, 02:22 AM

i use rayovac recharable alkaline. If you use a non rayovac charger, your going to need to set the settings onto ni-cd rather than ni-mh unless you want the battery to leak. The batteries last me about 4 or 5 days, with CONSTANT use, well in the school year it did, there was nothing to do in the last few weeks of school, so we raced

I also use some RC radio AA batteries, that are metal hydrate, and 1600mAh. yes 1600, the best kidn ive seen. I bought em at Fransican hobbies in frisco near stonestown mall. They were usually like 3 or 4 bucks a piece, but then they had a deal when i picked em up. BTW, this was like 3 or 4 years ago when i used to race mini 4WD with some of the people on these boards, lol. You could probably find em somewhere, theyre green and say 1600mAh on em.

If youre not into using your car(s) 24/7 you should use some good alkalines like those energizer titaniums. But if you wanna invest in it, get the rechargable alkaline.

btlmr · #5 07-29-2002, 05:45 AM

Oops, I didn't know this.

I have been using 1.2v 300Mah Nicads, cos thats what I had with me when my car arrived. They lasted ok and have had no probs.

schoon · #6 07-29-2002, 10:34 AM

I fairly sure the reason they don't want you to use rechargable batteries, is that they have uneven voltage, particularly in the tail end of their charge, when voltage drops dramatically.

Though I can't see it doing any harm, other than giving your Bit less juice in the 45 seconds it charges.

The only real way to "damage" your Bit is to significantly overcharge or to not drain the battery before storage.

ssstraub · #7 07-29-2002, 11:57 AM

Quote:

If youre not into using your car(s) 24/7 you should use some good alkalines like those energizer titaniums.

It has been recommended to NOT use those "super strength" alkalines. I forget the exact wording, but basically, they're not good for it.

kbtoyz902 · #8 07-29-2002, 09:18 PM

sorry, never knew that.

btlmr · #9 07-30-2002, 05:11 AM

Switched to alkalines and they give a better charge than the NiCAD, but the advantage with NiCADs is that they mantain they voltage and drop off suddenly when flat, so you know when to change them. I am not sure how the alkalines will compare yet.

Namuna · #10 08-08-2002, 04:22 PM

Well, I just ordered a BUNCH of 1800mah AA batteries (for my MiniZ remote).

I'm gonna do a personal test of Alkaline vs. NiMH rechargables.

Personally, it just doesn't make sense the the NiMH wouldn't be the BETTER choice. Alkalines, when FRESH, are at 1.5volts, but drop gradually (or quickly, depending on usage). NiMH, on the other hand, start at 1.2volts and STAYS at 1.2volts until almost dead.

It just seems, to me anyway, that you'd WANT batteries that stayed at a consisten rate of feed to charge your batteries.

Bah, I'll find out soon enough...And even if it blows up my Bit battery I intend to upgrade the bat to NiMH anyway.