Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
jakdedert wrote:
To be honest, I don't use them for anything. My comments referred to
alkalines used in wireless mics and other sound equipment. I save the
used batteries in the manner suggested above. 9v's are expensive.
While I wouldn't use them again professionally, we change them at almost
every opportunity, since the expense is trivial compared to a dead mic
during a show or presentation.

Surely the client effectively pays for them?

When I say they're expensive, I'm speaking as a consumer. A card of two
name-brand 9v's might be as much as $8 in a convenience store. That's a
lot to pay for a backup battery in an alarm clock (the usual destination
for my used cells), or a toddlers toy. Servicable cells are a perk of
the job. I never buy them, either way (unless jobs with 9v's haven't
come my way lately). Professionally, the client pays. Personally, I
get free batteries.

Either way the cost (to me) is trivial.

But if you're using decent quality batteries and equipment, the life
should be pretty consistent. With mine, it's 9 hours so I change at 8. If
I were using them for an all day presentation where they could only be
changed at say the lunch break, good rechargeables *might* be worth it.
Assuming your mics have an SMPS that can work on the lower voltage.

The breaks don't always come at 8 hours. So, as you say, at lunch I'd
change them, depending on the projected balance of the presentation.
I'd also watch the reciever battery indicators like a hawk if they
started to get low. I've been known to sneak up and change them on the fly.

But as I said earlier, 'pro' batteries bought by the box already come with
a clip on protector. Or do in the UK. And are cheaper per unit than buying
retail - unless you're willing to use no name stuff. At the moment I'm
using Energiser.

I've never bught (my clients haven't, actually) anything but Procells.
I don't--and I don't allow anyone to--put the protectors back on the
cells, or put them back in a used box. In the box--or protector
on--means 'new battery' to me. Too much trouble to keep track during
the heat of battle. If the stagehands or anyone else want the used
cells, they need to get them out of my sight.

I don't have time to check (or recharge) used batteries. I do check the
mic's indicator whenever I change out the cells, though. I've never
gotten a bad Procell; but there's a first time for everything.

jak