Rechargable Batteries

[gordy_b]

I seem to remember from years gone by that rechargable batteries were pretty poor by comparison to ordinary ones.

Have they improved any and if so, what is the best equipment to use?

[fo3nix]

Yes, they've improved a lot in recent years. The type depends on what it's being used for.

For cameras, and that sort of device, something like this:

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.p hp?cPath=777_3&products_id=101343

See the mAh rating? Go for the batteries with the highest number you can (they'll last longer), and make sure that the charger you use is properly compatible with them.

[teash]

Isn`t there a battery charger available that can re-charge ordinary batteries ??

[sarah_louise]

There is a battery charger that can renew Alkaline Batteries.
I have got one. The battery has to be freshly discharged not one laid around flat for weeks. Some it rejects anyway but yes it does work. Here is their blurb.
The EverCharge Multi-Function Multi-Chemistry Universal Battery Charger represents the latest innovation in battery charging technology. Not only does the EverCharge perform quick charging capabilities to Ni-Cad, Ni-MH, and RAM batteries, but it also can safely recharge previously non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries
Google it on Evercharge Battery Charger.

[wideboy]

Have a look at these new ones (I think even ASDA are selling them). They even come ready for use, unlike other rechargeable ones which often need an overnight charge to get going.

http://www.batterylogic.co.uk/hybrio.htm

[Nexus121]

Rechargeable batteries have come a long way in recent years. Not only have they increased their capacity (usually measured in milli watt hours mwh) they last longer, they can be recharged many more times as well and the newer NiMH contain no heavy metals so they are even more of an environmentally friendly way to go.

It should be said that rechargeable batteries are not a good idea for smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors or your emergency torches because they do not keep their charge when not in use for more than a few months unlike alkaline batteries which can keep their charge for years.

As sarah_louise mentioned above the EverCharge Mulit Function MultiChemistry battery charger is just an excellent charger because it can recharge both kinds of batteries. I have one too and I think it is just fantastic.

The best price I found for one is here:

http://www.cuttingedgeconsumerproducts.co.uk/i ndex.php