Battery question ....

[synthnut]

Hi guys ....

You guys that run your CZ's that need 8 AA batteries ....What difference do you see in them when running rechargeable batteries that total only 9.6 volts (1.2 volts per battery) and non rechargeable batteries (1.5 volts per battery ) ? ....... I like the idea of running rechargeable batteries but hard to find 1.5 volts per battery........Thanks ....Jim

 

[vlad]

Email: djohnson@frsttx.com
I mean, he designed the CZ.

 

[lytle78]

A quick call to customer service might be more useful. Dave is pretty busy being Chief Designer at First Texas. I have no doubt that he could answer your question, but probably Felix in customer service or one of the techs could be a better and quicker way.

 

[Dave J.]

I don't think any CZ's run on 8xAA, I think they're all either 2x9V or 12xAA. The lower voltage you get with rechargeables compared to alkaline is OK, the voltage used by the circuit is regulated.

 

[pasttom]

Just be aware rechargeables have a different discharge pattern. They peak long and poop fast, so to speak. Carry a full set of extras or be prepared to walk back with a sleeping baby. If you recharge EVERY TIME you are probably okay, but knowing how many hunts one can stretch is iffy, best to carry protection. IMHO

 

[Dave J.]

Nearly all rechargeable battery chemistries have a flat discharge curve, unlike alkalines. They work fine until they suddenly drop dead, just about like a car running out of gas. Nothing gradual about it.

The 9 volt rectangular rechargeables never got very popular because they don't give nearly as many service hours on a charge as a good quality alkaline. However battery manufacturers have put enormous amounts of research and investment into rechargeable AA's and the good ones deliver service hours comparable to alkalines. And of course unlike the alkalines, they're rechargeable.

Manufacturers of AA-powered electronic devices usually design around alkalines (since that's what most people will use, and good quality alkalines are a fairly standardized item). We usually don't say much about rechargeables because there are several different chemistries and not a lot of standardization even with a specific chemistry. Nearly all will "work" but we're not in a position to say much more than that. ........That having been said, good quality NiMH AA's have become a commodity item and any electronics manufacturer that designs for AA's makes sure the equipment will work with both NiMH and alkaline, although battery condition indication is almost always based on alkaline.

 

[synthnut]

Thanks for the great info on this topic.....It's much appreciated....and a special thanks to Dave for your support!!