Hi guys, Lets talk a little bit about Batteries.
Now more then ever people are asking lots of questions with regards to cost, recycling times and reliability on the life of the batteries and their chargers. And with everyone going green, the PRO AA rechargeables are a great green solution to save the thousands of AA’s from going into landfills every day. Plus they recycle flashes quicker (less wait time between flash shots) and they also work in many more applications that require AA’s. Perfect for Nintendo Wii remotes!!
These are some of the most common asked questions:
I charged my batteries three weeks ago and they did not last long when I tried to use them. What happened?
Rechargeable batteries lose approximately 20% of their charge in just 72 hours in warm conditions. Hot weather will accelerate this discharge. They will be almost completely discharged in 30-40 days. Simply give it a fresh charge before use.
How many times can I charge my NiMH rechargeables?
This varies depending on use and care, but you can expect up to 1000 charge cycles on average form properly maintained batteries.
How long will my rechargeable batteries last?
This varies as well. It is important to remember that the chemical reactions in your batteries are constant, even when you are not using them. The battery capacity will slowly decrease over time; you will lose approximately 10 - 15% after the first 350 charges and so on. You should expect to replace your batteries every few years.
My batteries get very hot during charging. Is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. Batteries can reach 120° F during charging. Your batteries will cool quickly after the charging cycle is complete. Do not install hot batteries into your device. Let them cool to room temperature before use.
How should I store my batteries once they are fully charged?
It is best to store your batteries in a plastic battery case. This will protect them from shock, short circuit hazards, and other damage. Leaving your batteries in your charger can accelerate the discharge. Carrying your rechargeables in your pocket or loose in your camera bag increases the likelihood of shock or short circuit damage.
How do I choose the best charger for my batteries?
Obviously, a quality charger is the most important factor in getting the longest possible life from your rechargeables. You may want a smart charger that can measure the charge in your battery and adjust accordingly. You may also consider a charger with a fan to reduce heat. A fan also increases battery life and reduces charge time. The best chargers will also have multi-channel charging systems (usually two or four) to treat each battery individually. While these chargers are more expensive, they will extend the life of your batteries and save you money in the long run.
But the most concerning question we have lately,(and with good reason!)is:
Are NiMH rechargeables better for the environment than the alternatives?
Yes. When you consider that standard alkalines are discarded after one use, and that NiCads contain potentially harmful cadmium, NiMHs are a good choice.
That is why we invite you to collect all (including alkaline, lithium, NiCad or NiMH) of your used batteries and bring them in to Fort Worth Camera, where we will gladly recycle them properly for you at no charge.
To help do our part, Fort Worth Camera and PROMASTER have teamed up to offer a fantastic recycle progam. Simply purchase a PROMASTER brand Lithium rechargable battery and Fort Worth Camera will warranty it for life* $15 handeling and disposal fee apply.
I want to know more about Chargers and which one is right for me.
*Only applies to PROMASTER brand Batteries.
