On Jan 5, 9:55*pm, John MacLeod wrote:
On Jan 5, 6:00*pm, "SS" wrote:

Recently had a few probs with AA batteries for digi cam, the batteries are
probably 3 years old but have no idea on how often they have been recharged.
Recently after charging they dont last long (have ordered a couple of new
sets) Anyhow I have just recharged them all and on a multimeter thingy they
are showing 14V + or should that be 1.4 V, *not too clever with these things
and how to set them.

Would this be a realistic voltage for freshly charged?
Other than when my digicam tells me `change the battery pack` after a few
pics is there any practical way to decide if the batteries are past their
best.
I am assuming the slight possibility of a camera fault, thats about 7 years
old.

thanks

You haven't even told us whether they're NiCads or NiMHs. *In any
case, perhaps you're coming at this from the wrong end. * Anything
over 1.2volts might be reasonable, but that's an off-load voltage
you're measuring and what you should be interested in is an on-load
voltage.

Neither NiCads nor NiMH are all that suitable for cameras

Unsuitable, how, if the camera is desinged to work on the lower
voltage?

-- if you've
a camera that takes AA batteries, put in good-quality alkaline
batteries.

Why? It's good to keep a set for emergency use.


Your digicam is due for replacement, if it's done seven years.

Why? Did the Op say the camera was broken?

*Make
sure your new one has a Lithium-ion battery built in and that it can
be charged in the camera. *Far more suitable for camera use than NiMH
or NiCad.

Please don't confuse personal opinion with facts.

MBQ