NiMH vs alkaline batteries

[Agseeker]

I've only had my etrac a couple of weeks and am still on my first set of alkaline batteries (just couldn't stand to wait for the NiMH's to charge). Will try the NiMH batteries after the alkalines die. Was just wondering if anyone has noticed a difference in the etrac performance when using alkaline vs NiMH batteries, other than length of time on a charge? Is one type of battery better than the other in regards to such things as signal volume, signal repeatability, ability to find deeper items, less EMI, etc.?

Also, does the etrac lose a significant amount of performance before the battery icon starts to flash indicating low battery power? If so, at what point do you recommend changing batteries (how many bars remaining on icon)?

Thanks for your help, Ag

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

The factory NiMH battery pack works really well - give it a real good charge the first time out - then you can charge it at any point you want in the future.
NiMH batteries can be "topped off" any time you want - you don't have to worry about loosing ther charging capacity like you do with NiCad type batteries.

This is what I did with the machines replaceable battery pack - and I'm really glad I did -

I went to Walmart's and bought two of the the Duracell chargers ( Lowe's Home Center's sells them too ) - each comes with four AA batteries - approx. $16.00 each - you'll never buy batteries again - if you use your machine a lot - these rechargeable battery packs will pay for themself's in no time !

I keep this battery pack in my carry bag as a backup - I also like to rotate the battery packs now and then so one isn't doing all the work. A good thing to know about NiMH batteries is that they do not hold their charge for a long time when not in use like other types of batteries - from what I've seen - if one of my E-Trac battery packs sits around for a month or two - it will loose up to half it's charge. This really isn't a problem - as long as you know to give your spare battery pack good charge - before you really need it in the field !

Good luck with your new machine ! --- Mark

 

[moonshine]

Also, does the etrac lose a significant amount of performance before the battery icon starts to flash indicating low battery power? If so, at what point do you recommend changing batteries (how many bars remaining on icon)?

no. the manual states the etrac is either working at full power or not. there is no "middle ground" on weak batteries. if the batteries are too weak the machine will shut down...and it gives kind of a funny-sad "wah-wah" tone too before it shuts off.

 

[johnnymac]

I use Eneloop Ni-MH rechargeable made by Sanyo. These come pre-charged and hold there charge for several years stored unused. Costco .com has them in 8 packs for about $3.00 each. I have some for over 6 years and they charge up without any problems.