rechargeable batteries and low volts at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

All Things Audio
Everything Audio, from acquisition to postproduction.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old June 5th, 2003, 10:29 PM   #1
Tourist
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 3
rechargeable batteries and low volts

I would like people's opinions on using rechargeable batteries in wireless mic applications. The standards I've been used to are to not use them because they can have a marginally lower voltage which can hinder clean sound in a wireless tx'r and rx'r.

Has anyone had any long term experience using newer Ni-MH rechargeable batteries?

I was reminded of this issue because I've recently bought an Azden 500UDR and on page 7 of the user manual in full caps it says to not use rechargeable batteries.

http://www.azden.com/pdf/500udr-manual.pdf

This manual was also printed in 2001 before Ni-MH batteries were popular so I'm wondering if someone has insight as to whether this is a quality issue or an actual incompatability issue.

Thanks!

wes
Wes Thomsen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 6th, 2003, 12:32 PM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Honolulu, HI
Posts: 2,054
I used NiMh batteries on a few jobs and found they work OK. The producer had them -- they were Radio Shack batteries.

He then bought a set of 200 mAH batteries (Accupower) that supposedly provide a full 9 volts. But the problem was the batteries wouldn't physically fit into the battery compartment of the Lectrosonic transmitters or receivers.

Thomas Distributing also sells Tysonic batteries, and they look like they might fit, but I hadn't received a response to my inquiry about size.

Also, I'm still looking for a charger that will handle eight batteries simultaneously.

Would be nice to use rechargeables and put an end to the growing stack of half-used 9v alkalines.

Dean Sensui
Base Two Productions
Dean Sensui is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 6th, 2003, 03:41 PM   #3
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 6,609
I've used them in the past , still do in a small LCD monitor. As for audio equipment, I stick with the good old "Duracell". As for 1/2 used batteries, I give them to my grandson for his toys. He can never have enough batteries!
I definately buy AA and 9V in bulk.
Don
Don Bloom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 7th, 2003, 10:07 AM   #4
Tourist
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 3
thanks!

Thanks for the info guys!

wes
Wes Thomsen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 28th, 2003, 02:04 AM   #5
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: North Pole, Alaska
Posts: 197
voltage differences

don't hold me to any of these numbers, but...it's my recollection that rechargeables are 1.2V and Alkalines are 1.4V. I've read advice from more than one person to change out batteries well before they are out because clean audio requires a battery in a high state of charge. If those comments were in regard to Alkalines, then perhaps there is greater potential for audio being adversely affected when using rechargeables that are somewhat old.
__________________
on the Internet, when you get where you're going you still don't know where you are
Bud Kuenzli is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 28th, 2003, 09:40 AM   #6
Warden
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 8,287
Rechargeable NiMH batteries (AA) are 1.2v and alkaline AA's are 1.5v. I've been using NiMH batteries, both AA and 9v, for over a year with no difficulties or degradation of my audio quality. The 9v are Varta brand batteries and fit my Lectrosonic gear.
__________________
Jeff Donald
Carpe Diem




Search DVinfo.net for quick answers | Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors
Jeff Donald is offline   Reply With Quote
Old June 28th, 2003, 10:57 PM   #7
Wrangler
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 4,049
Jeff,

What type of battery life do you get with the Vartas compared to Alkaline?
__________________
Mike Rehmus
Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!
Mike Rehmus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 1st, 2003, 03:01 PM   #8
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Sunderland, England (y Merida, Mexico)
Posts: 269
they have AA NiMH batteries over here that are around 1700 or some 2000mAh. So last a good while....would these not work better than standard AA cells that have a lot lower mAh???
The NiMH cells do produce a little bit of heat...but any possible damage cos of this, or you not noticed a thing with NiMH cells?
Christopher Hughes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 1st, 2003, 03:40 PM   #9
Wrangler
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 4,049
The problem is that NiMH cells have only about 1.2 volts per cell, quite a bit lower than the alkalines. So the longer power life may be offset by the lower starting voltage.
__________________
Mike Rehmus
Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!
Mike Rehmus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 1st, 2003, 08:58 PM   #10
Warden
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 8,287
The life between NiMH and alkaline are actually about the same. I always change batteries during breaks etc. I don't do weddings, but the occasional speaker, lecture etc. They easily last a couple of hours.
__________________
Jeff Donald
Carpe Diem




Search DVinfo.net for quick answers | Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors
Jeff Donald is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 25th, 2005, 06:56 PM   #11
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 2,222
I'd like to update this thread. At this point in time, large battery manufacturers such as Energizer and Sanyo are selling NiMH batteries
with the following capacities, although "minor" brands seem to sell
some with a higher capacity.

AAA 800/850 mAh (900 minor brand)
AA 2500 mAh
9v 170 mAh (200-250 minor brand)
C 3000 mAh (4500 minor brand)
Gints Klimanis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old April 25th, 2005, 10:45 PM   #12
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: ontario
Posts: 445
Since this has been resurrected I thought I might add that if the manufacture recommends NOT using rechargables you must be careful and I suggest following their recommendations.
There are other differences in batteries that might not be apparent.
Alkalines have a limited CURRENT capacity that some recharables do not.
If the manufactures design uses this limited current flow as a cheat in their design you could damage electronics with the higher current capacity of rechargables.
This isn't to say it will happen only that it could.
Jack Smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 17th, 2005, 05:53 PM   #13
New Boot
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 8
NiMH & Wireless (radio) microphones

I have done some extensive testing of NiMH batteries with Sennheiser, AKG & Sony wireless mic's. The results can be viewed on my website at http://www.soundandmusicco.com/nimh.htm
Vinny Osborne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old October 19th, 2005, 01:19 AM   #14
Major Player
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Posts: 337
Vinny,

This is great. THanks for doing it. From your findings it seems that for AA's the rechargables look the best option - but not so good for 9V. Could also be a considerable difference between brands and transmitters versus receivers.

Great stuff - thanks.
__________________
Graeme
Graeme Fullick is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > All Things Audio

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:19 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network