Batteries for the etrac?

[Goes4ever]

I know it comes with a rechargeable pack and an empty battery pack that you can put batteries in. My question is can you use rechargeable AA batteries in that pack? I just want that as my backup, in case my main battery dies when I am out. I already have all the AA rechargeables I use in my xterra. Is there an etrac manual online somewhere?

 

[montanagold]

Yep I use the energiser Rechargeable, from what I understand you cant use lithium rechargeable just Ni Cad

 

[Goes4ever]

thank you, I found the manual on kellyco, and you are correct!

 

[silvereagle]

yes you can get sanyo rechargeable's with charger they are pretty good from what i am told.

 

[pop_tab]

You can also use NiMH batteries , they are much better than Nicad's . Nicads have a problem with memory , which means if you don't use them all the way up before you recharge them there life will become shorter and shorter .

 

[pro778]

I only use the battery pack that came with it. I've had it a year and a half and I still can hunt for 8 hours without a problem.

 

[Goes4ever]

the ones I use in my x-70 are NiMH

 

[Mike Gresham]

I use the Sanyo Eneloop rechargable batteries and could not be happier. Amazon has a kit which includes AA and AAA with a wall-mount charger in a nice carry case. These batteries hold their charge better than the rabbit or coppertop. I have replaced all my batteries in my TV remotes and flashlights with these Eneloops. I have two Minelab rechargable battery packs plus the one battery pack with the Eneloops. They stay hot.

 

[moseng]

My rechargeable that came with the E-Trac hasn't been used. I just like the convenience of using AA's. I use 2 sets of Powerex 2700 mAh AA's that I bought about 2 years ago. They last plenty long (10+hrs easily) and I have charged them at least 50 times each. So far so good but I will probably do a refresh before summer just to be safe. If I didn't hunt often I might go for the low self discharge types like I use for my SLR Camera. I use Imedion 2100mAh for it.

 

[David]

Yes Mike, on another battery thread lots of other people highly recomended Sanyo Eneloop rechargable batteries also. That is what I am going to get if I can find them.

OR you can buy cheap in bulk Alkaline batteries> like Maxell from Walmart(like 48 pack of AA 's for about $10) or Kirkland brand from Costco.

 

[Jaybird]

I bought 8 Ray O Vac 2500 mah NiMH with an 8-cell automatic shutoff charger on Ebay for $19.95 (shipping included) just befor Christmas. I've only charged them 2 times and they seem to last. If it ever warms up so I can go longer than 4 hours I'll find out how long.

 

[grumpyolman]

The good thing about the Sanyo Eneloop is they are rated to maintain 80% of their capacity after sitting on the shelf for one year. Other Nimh's won't do that unless they are some of that newer technology. Not only Sanyo makes them. Others do to but the general opinion with some of the HAM and RC folks is the Sanyo is a better product, right now.
A GOOD charger is a must. Find a 'smart' charger in your price range and use it. You'll need to read a little about what makes them smart but before you bought a new garage door opener you researched that a bit also didn't you? Essentially, the smart chargers analyze the battery pack, and then charge them at the most efficient rate, not necessarily the fastest, to help maintain the integrity of the battery as long as possible. Then they trickle charge. If you have the Nimh, not NiCads, you don't have to worry about the memory effect and over charging. Jim