floydb_1982
join:2004-08-25
Kent, WA
1 edit |  Why do Alkaline batteries die so quickly in digital devices?
Why do my alkaline batteries run down so quickly when used in a digital camera or other electronic high drain device? |
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Airwolf
Premium
join:2001-10-30
Windsor, ON
clubs: | What's the capacity on them? (mAh)
What brand? |
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floydb_1982
join:2004-08-25
Kent, WA | Eveready Gold (1.5 volts) Alkaline
Panasonic (1.5 volts) Alkaline Plus
Ultralast (1.5 volts) Alkaline
Samsung (1.5 volts) Alkaline |
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SparkChaser
BURY BECK
Premium
join:2000-06-06
Downingtown, PA
 ·Verizon FIOS
 ·Comcast
1 edit | said by floydb_1982  :Eveready Gold (1.5 volts) Alkaline Panasonic (1.5 volts) Alkaline Plus Ultralast (1.5 volts) Alkaline Samsung (1.5 volts) Alkaline I just looked at the Eveready. The manufacturer doesn't even recommend it for the application. They suggest the Energizer series. They only give curves for the Energizer so I don't know why.
Have you tried going to NiMH rechargeables? Although their initial voltage is lower they are typically better in high current applications.
EDIT: Answer your question 
The Alkaline has a fairly continuous drop in voltage as it's being used particularly at high current. The NiMH has a flat discharge curve, the voltage is constant until it is exhausted. Additionally, the alkaline has an internal resistance that's about 10X the HiMH. This means that in high current applications you loose voltage right from the start.
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"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." - Aldous Huxley
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batsona
Maryland
join:2004-04-17
Ellicott City, MD
·Verizon FIOS
 ·Vonage
| reply to floydb_1982
Just yesterday my digital still-camera ran out of juice, and it has NiMH batteries. This battery says "1.2v", even tho the camera is rated for 3v. (there are two batteries)
I was scared to put in two regular AA batteries because 1.5 X 2 is 3 which is higher than the 2.4v that the NiMH batteries put out.
Now when I read above, I see that the 3v is probably closer to reality, since NiMH output a slightly lower voltage.
PS.. I have to have a talk with the person who unplugged the charging base w/o me knowing. I had the camera on the base for a week, thinking it was totally charged; now I'm on a weekend vacation w/o power for the camera. I hadn't been able to buy new batteries for it quite yet. I know, it's only a pack of batteries.. |
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SparkChaser
BURY BECK
Premium
join:2000-06-06
Downingtown, PA | In my Canon A720 I use NiMH but in a pinch I use alkaline. I think it says somewhere in the manual the different results you may get. |
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mocycler
Premium
join:2001-01-22
Naperville, IL
·AT&T U-Verse
 ·AT&T Midwest
1 edit | reply to floydb_1982
There is nothing unique about alkaline batteries that makes them drain "faster" than other batteries, although as described in other posts some batteries are inherently better suited to certain applications.
All batteries have a finite (mAh) capacity, and each device has a set energy requirement. The service life of the battery is inversely proportional to the current demand of the device.
This should not be confused with energy density, which is how much energy can fit in a package. There have been huge strides in improving the energy density of batteries; so much so that even hybrid cars are mainstream.
The flash on a camera is a BIG current-sucker. It takes a lot to charge that capacitor. You will notice that as the battery runs down, it takes longer and longer for the flash to recover.
LCD screens pull a lot of energy too. Modern electronics are very "hungry" and have come a long way since the basic transistor radio!
mocycler |
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no_one
@QWEST.NET
 from:
Annmarie
| reply to floydb_1982
If it can take rechargeable get some decent rechargeable. The Sanyo brand is usually good.
With a two year old I would be broke now without them.  |
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aurgathor
join:2002-12-01
Lynnwood, WA
·Verizon west (ex G..
| reply to floydb_1982
said by floydb_1982 :Why do my alkaline batteries run down so quickly when used in a digital camera or other electronic high drain device? Because said devices are drawing too much current. Try NiMH instead.
Normally, 1.2V vs. 1.5V shouldn't be a problem, though there are some device with voltage sensing that rule out rechargables. |
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SmokChsr
Who let the magic smoke out?
Premium
join:2006-03-17
Saint Augustine, FL
| reply to floydb_1982
The main problem with NiMH, is that they tend to have a high self discharge rate. That is to say if you ignore them for a month, when you go to use them they will be dead. So if you want to use them get two sets and rotate once a week.
There are also disposable lithium batteries that promise a much longer life in flash units. I just bought some of these but haven't tried them yet. |
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aurgathor
join:2002-12-01
Lynnwood, WA
·Verizon west (ex G..
| There are actually some low discharge rate NiMH (i.e. Enelope); or if the current requirement isn't too high, NiCd is another alternative. As a matter of fact, all my flashlights has NiCds in them for this very reason. |
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no_one
@QWEST.NET
| reply to floydb_1982
This link has some better quality chargers and their batteries are supposed to be of decent quality. I have ordered a charger in the recent past from them on a sale and did get it fairly quickly. So I know they do exist. YMMV
Have not yet tried their batteries yet but others say they are fine.
»www.thomas-distributing.com/index.htm |
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