On Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:08:20 -0000, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

In article .net,
John E. wrote:
... and I never ever use rechargables in radio packs.
ROn(UK)

Why? [if you wouldn't mind a newbie question...]

My answer would be is you can virtually guarantee the performance of a
decent make alkaline. And I sometimes use a great deal - my personal
record for number of radio mics is 38 at once. It really is rare to get a
faulty battery.

Trouble with rechargeables is they don't maintain the same performance
throughout their life - which makes knowing when they must be changed
rather hit or miss. Plus the fact that most give little warning of running
out - unlike an alkaline - due to the different voltage discharge curves.
So what might be a benefit on a high power demand device like a drill etc
is a liability on a low current one.

Of course if you know they will only be used for a short time - like say a
church service - rechargeables can and do make sense. But this isn't
usually the case for film, TV and conference etc use.

Then use the new type of NiMH, the pre-charged ones which don't lose power sat on the shelf. Take them out the packet and they are as good as alkalines. Only keep them for a fraction of their life if you want a nice long charge, and put them in a trickle charger when not in use.

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