E-Trac batteries ...can a 5v wall charger hurt them??

[jughed440]

I've noticed that the E-Trac batteries would not charge...one of them showed only a bar after charging for a whole day, the other had nothing. I've considered tossing both and ordering RNB batteries. Finally realized that the wall charger i was using is for wireless headphones. I moved a few weeks ago and have misplaced the Minelab unit.

Wanting to know if a wall charger rated for 5v/500 mA would damage the original style E-Trac batteries in any way. If so I may just order the RNBs instead of a wall charger and be done with it. Thanks for the help.

 

[IDXMonster]

I really wouldn’t think so. What happens after 2-3 days? Battery isn’t getting warm is it?

 

[sd51]

Agree, that didn't hurt your battery pack. I have both the Minelab NiMH battery pack and the RnB Lithium-ion battery pack. The Minelab battery charger puts out 15 volts at 100 mA. The E-TRAC manual indicates the charging time is 18 hours, so this is essentially considered a trickle charge. The Minelab battery pack is rated at 1800 mA hours.

The RnB Lithium-ion battery pack charges in less than 2 hours. The RnB charger puts out 12.6 volts at 2 Amps, which explains the quick charge time. Also, the RnB battery pack is rated at 3100 mA hours, so you can detect for a much longer time on a charge.

If you already have two Minelab NiMH battery packs, you obviously only need to buy the Minelab charger for around $14.00, and you are back in business.

If you switch to the RnB, it will run you over $120.