Finally broke down and bought a set: TENERGY 10,000 mAh

[Superduper]

Sorry to hear about your flashlight Norm. Despite its failure I'm sure from a technical standpoint (despite being diappointed) you would agree with me in that it sounds like a poor decision and cost cutting at it's finest when they made that flashlight. Didnt want to invest in a simple limiting circuit.

Very poor decision IMO because it makes sense that someone would use rechargeables in a flashlight.

Assuming someone might not is kind of ignorant on the company that made it. For the same reason a manufacturer decides to not put diodes in circuit to prevent reverse polarity damage. Yes you can save money and not...but should you....yes.

Well, the flashlight was sold under the Duracell name and came pre-packaged with 4-duracell batteries. So are you starting to see it a bit more clearly now? It was designed specifically for their batteries I am guessing. Because the flashlight works perfectly and because all of the circuitry is hidden beneath some pressed in blocks of aluminum, there's no way to disassemble to see and know beforehand what type of circuitry it has. It's not that it doesn't have circuitry, it does. Otherwise it wouldn't have dimming, and flashing functions. Except that because the high draw nature of these new bulbs meant that the alkalines were unable to supply enough current due to it's own internal resistance to blow those LED's so they were unnecessary. Operated using their own cells, it's not a problem except for always buying disposable cells and costs have gone up quite a bit in recent times. Yes, I'm pissed that it blew, but this weekend, I'll go out and buy another. I'm not paying $600-$900 for a flashlight that includes circuitry to allow the flashlight to operate on all sorts of cells but $20 plus financing alkalines will be OK.

Anyhow, I've hijacked Chris' thread about NiMH and boomboxes. So going back to current ability and boomboxes... all boomboxes have amplifier circuits that are powered by an unregulated power supply. This allows the boombox to operate under a wide range of voltages. The 19.5 volts that you get from AC on a 15v boombox? That's with no load. As soon as you crank it, the voltage drops. So under heavy use, suffice to say that the voltage supply will be constantly fluctuating with load and bass hits. But with NiMH, even with the slightly lower voltage which boomboxes generally have no problem with, the higher current delivery ability of these cells means that the supply will be very steady and stable. I recall a story about one of the Florida sunshine mixes, that one fella with an Aiwa 880 was killing the other boomboxes. It's secret? Not AC, but Rechargeable batteries. Their low internal resistance allows them to deliver the goods when alkaline cells wimp out during high current demands.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

I recall a story about one of the Florida sunshine mixes, that one fella with an Aiwa 880 was killing the other boomboxes. It's secret? Not AC, but Rechargeable batteries. Their low internal resistance allows them to deliver the goods when alkaline cells wimp out during high current demands.

That is very interesting....Now, I could be off my rocker, but I thought that the Wheely actually sounded better than I remembered. Keep in mind, the last time I had the Wheely on batteries was well over a year and a half ago, on Duracell's. I always felt that the Wheely delivered decent bass, after all, they are 10", but since it's a 2 speaker system, when it really should be a 3 speaker system, that it lacked in over all volume.

So, is it possible that these rechargeable batteries are delivering more juice which is equaling more volume? Is that what you are saying?

If that's the case, is there ANY OTHER REASON NOT TO GET A SET????

 

[Transistorized]

While using my box today I notice that the cells under load were 1.19V and I started thinking they might need a charge. When I removed the load they were all sitting at 1.23 so back in they went and still going

I recall a story about one of the Florida sunshine mixes, that one fella with an Aiwa 880 was killing the other boomboxes. It's secret? Not AC, but Rechargeable batteries. Their low internal resistance allows them to deliver the goods when alkaline cells wimp out during high current demands.

That is very interesting....Now, I could be off my rocker, but I thought that the Wheely actually sounded better than I remembered. Keep in mind, the last time I had the Wheely on batteries was well over a year and a half ago, on Duracell's. I always felt that the Wheely delivered decent bass, after all, they are 10", but since it's a 2 speaker system, when it really should be a 3 speaker system, that it lacked in over all volume.

So, is it possible that these rechargeable batteries are delivering more juice which is equaling more volume? Is that what you are saying?

If that's the case, is there ANY OTHER REASON NOT TO GET A SET????

Thats correct Chris. While these batteries are rated at a lower voltage than an Alkaline, their internal resistance is lower so they can provide a higher amperage draw than an Alkaline. This makes them great in high demand devices If they had the same voltage as an Alkaline with the same lower resistance as they have now you'd really be pushing some power

 

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

Wait....

There are FLASH LIGHT FORUMS?

and why am I not shocked you belong to them

Big business over at Candlepowerforums.com
Mainly US members who tend to collect: Flashlights, Guns & Knives. Many specialise in collecting lights for their firearms.

For the people who demand the best of the best. Some hardcore members for sure!

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

While using my box today I notice that the cells under load were 1.19V and I started thinking they might need a charge. When I removed the load they were all sitting at 1.23 so back in they went and still going

I recall a story about one of the Florida sunshine mixes, that one fella with an Aiwa 880 was killing the other boomboxes. It's secret? Not AC, but Rechargeable batteries. Their low internal resistance allows them to deliver the goods when alkaline cells wimp out during high current demands.

That is very interesting....Now, I could be off my rocker, but I thought that the Wheely actually sounded better than I remembered. Keep in mind, the last time I had the Wheely on batteries was well over a year and a half ago, on Duracell's. I always felt that the Wheely delivered decent bass, after all, they are 10", but since it's a 2 speaker system, when it really should be a 3 speaker system, that it lacked in over all volume.

So, is it possible that these rechargeable batteries are delivering more juice which is equaling more volume? Is that what you are saying?

If that's the case, is there ANY OTHER REASON NOT TO GET A SET????

Thats correct Chris. While these batteries are rated at a lower voltage than an Alkaline, their internal resistance is lower so they can provide a higher amperage draw than an Alkaline. This makes them great in high demand devices If they had the same voltage as an Alkaline with the same lower resistance as they have now you'd really be pushing some power




Well, I think if anyone has followed this thread, then our sales pitch for these things should have convinced them!

Wait....

There are FLASH LIGHT FORUMS?

and why am I not shocked you belong to them

Big business over at Candlepowerforums.com
Mainly US members who tend to collect: Flashlights, Guns & Knives. Many specialise in collecting lights for their firearms.

For the people who demand the best of the best. Some hardcore members for sure!

OK, makes sense I guess

 

[trippy1313]

So I'm pretty much sold, since it sounds like performance wise, these may make the radios perform better...

But still... any clue on which will last longer, a set of alkalines or a fully charged set of these tenergy's?

 

[Superduper]

It is at least equal (if you get the 10,000 mAH versions since they come in different capacities) to alkalines but I believe you can get more life out of a set of Tenergy's, and better and more consistent performance since alkaline performance degrades and internal resistance increases as they are discharged. But read the caveat: Don't drain rechargeables too far or else you could damage or shorten the life. There is no reason to drain them all the way down to nothing anyhow since they are rechargeable and costs next to nothing to recharge except time, and even then only if you don't have a second spare set on standby. Bottom line -- as soon as you notice them start to get weak, take them out and charge them right away -- don't try to eek out any more. Do this and you should be fine and get long life from them. The good thing about NIMH is that they give steady performance all the way up until they are discharged so unlike alkalines which get steadily weaker as they discharge, any sign of degraded performance in NiMH is the cue to charge, even if still working.

 

[Reli]

Just don'tt get the Tenergy's labeled as "Centura Low Self-Dscharge".....they will not deliver as good of a bass hit

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

It is at least equal (if you get the 10,000 mAH versions since they come in different capacities) to alkalines but I believe you can get more life out of a set of Tenergy's, and better and more consistent performance since alkaline performance degrades and internal resistance increases as they are discharged. But read the caveat: Don't drain rechargeables too far or else you could damage or shorten the life. There is no reason to drain them all the way down to nothing anyhow since they are rechargeable and costs next to nothing to recharge except time, and even then only if you don't have a second spare set on standby. Bottom line -- as soon as you notice them start to get weak, take them out and charge them right away -- don't try to eek out any more. Do this and you should be fine and get long life from them. The good thing about NIMH is that they give steady performance all the way up until they are discharged so unlike alkalines which get steadily weaker as they discharge, any sign of degraded performance in NiMH is the cue to charge, even if still working.

This is great information here.

I don't know if I missed past conversations on this subject, but this is all anyone ever needs to know to make the switch. Oh, and money.

I'll be pounding the TRC-975 (another poor pig) at the end of the month. I will let you know how it goes!

 

[trippy1313]

Thanks Norm. That helps a lot. With just the added performance that pretty much makes it worth it as they're rechargeable.

But being they'll be around the same for use time that is what I was hoping for most. I'd feel annoyed if they lasted only half as long on a charge as Alkalines.

Great post.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Thanks Norm. That helps a lot. With just the added performance that pretty much makes it worth it as they're rechargeable.

But being they'll be around the same for use time that is what I was hoping for most. I'd feel annoyed if they lasted only half as long on a charge as Alkalines.

Great post.

Or one use and FARKED UP!

Now that I know the trick....I think I'll be good for a while.

 

[trippy1313]

Well I'll be the next to own a set! I noticed my email that eBay was having a 20% off sale today JUST BEFORE the time deadline. Ordered 16 batteries AND a squaretrade 3 year warranty for $89 total!!!

I'm not sure how a squaretrade warranty works for a set of batteries though. Would they pay me the full price of the set of only one or two go bad? That'd be sweet!


I picked up a used powerex 8 cell smartcharger off ebay about a month ago preparing for the time I would bite the bullet and get some. Hopefully I used them correctly and get my money's worth!

 

[Transistorized]

So glad to see many of you guys taking the plunge. It's so nice to go out in public and jam without the associated cost of a dead alkaline. I've enjoyed my boxes outside so much that it has lead to an unfortunate event.

My neighbor came over and was shouting obscenities and using fowl language about my music. Looked like he was about to fight over it. So yeah....these batteries are good enough to piss off the neighbors.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

UPDATE!!!

Transistorized, you were right, after a few uses the batteries have settled down into a pattern and they are all now showing the same level of use.

I used them in the Lasonic TRC-975 the whole weekend in Sicily with DOCS and Samovar, we pounded it in front of the Bed and Breakfast, at the Boombox and the City exhibition and of course when we exited and I let it all hang out!

Upon returning home, I pulled the batteries, tested them with a multi meter and they all showed 1.32v. All exactly the same.

I put them on the charger and they topped right up in about 3 hours for each set of 4/4/2.

So that's it....I'm now on my way!

This has been a very educational thread, thank you to everyone involved

 

[trippy1313]

Boom! They've arrived!

Assuming there are no dead cells, I have 16 total. Perfect cause most mine take 10, but I have a few that take 6. Now time to charge!!!

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Boom! They've arrived!

Assuming there are no dead cells, I have 16 total. Perfect cause most mine take 10, but I have a few that take 6. Now time to charge!!!

20180609_204622.jpg

If you've been following this thread, then you'll have seen that mine needed a few cycles to settle in, now they are very even and consistent.

Congrats on the addition to your collection!

 

[trippy1313]

Boom! They've arrived!

Assuming there are no dead cells, I have 16 total. Perfect cause most mine take 10, but I have a few that take 6. Now time to charge!!!

20180609_204622.jpg

If you've been following this thread, then you'll have seen that mine needed a few cycles to settle in, now they are very even and consistent.

Congrats on the addition to your collection!

Yeah I'd seen that. I guess I'll just have to start using them hard from the get go! Thanks!

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Yeah I'd seen that. I guess I'll just have to start using them hard from the get go! Thanks!

Exactly. Today I loaded the fully charged set in the M70 and pounded the ****** out of it for 40 minutes. It's so nice to not have to think about it or care that I am using expensive batteries. I missed that! My M70 is the Japanese Victor, so, 100v, no way to plug it in here in 220v Europe!

 

[trippy1313]

Well I loaded them in one of my 931's play a cassette mid volume for a out an hour taking it to work to blast hopefully all day!

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Well I loaded them in one of my 931's play a cassette mid volume for a out an hour taking it to work to blast hopefully all day!

Interested in hearing your experience