rechargeable batteries

[DiveMaven]

I know that Bonaire's power is a little different than the US and all the dive and photo shops have charging stations to plug rechargeables into so they don't fry. However, I've read that the problem is due mostly to the fact that rechargeables need to be plugged in for a long time, and natives don't recommend leaving anything plugged in charging for more than an hour or two maximum.

That said, Duracell has just come out with rechargeable batteries that fully recharge in 15 minutes. Anyone have a clue whether or not these will be okay to plug in and recharge in my room safely?

 

[robint]

I know that Bonaire's power is a little different than the US and all the dive and photo shops have charging stations to plug rechargeables into so they don't fry. However, I've read that the problem is due mostly to the fact that rechargeables need to be plugged in for a long time, and natives don't recommend leaving anything plugged in charging for more than an hour or two maximum.

That said, Duracell has just come out with rechargeable batteries that fully recharge in 15 minutes. Anyone have a clue whether or not these will be okay to plug in and recharge in my room safely?

We have the 15 minute recharger and used it in Bonaire with no problems. Ron's camera uses 4 batteries and each of his strobes uses 4 batteries so he was charging about twice per day - no problem.

 

[mike_s]

I know that Bonaire's power is a little different than the US and all the dive and photo shops have charging stations to plug rechargeables into so they don't fry. However, I've read that the problem is due mostly to the fact that rechargeables need to be plugged in for a long time, and natives don't recommend leaving anything plugged in charging for more than an hour or two maximum.

That said, Duracell has just come out with rechargeable batteries that fully recharge in 15 minutes. Anyone have a clue whether or not these will be okay to plug in and recharge in my room safely?

Flip your charger over and look at the power specs on it. (or the charger power supplY)

chances are for the input power it'll say something like "110v to 220v 50-60hz".

Bonaire's power is something like 120 or 127v 50 hz. So if your power adapater for your charger has a large range, then you shouldn't have any problems and won't need a frequency convertor.

BTW... it's common now for most electronic devices made today to run this way so they don't have to re-engineer their power supplies to work and be sold in other places.

 

[DiveMaven]

Thanks Robin, for your experiences, that really helps. Also thanks Mike for pointing out the information on the back of the charger....I checked my laptop, you'd think I'd check the recharger too! And of course it indicates it would be fine.

However, I think I'm going to buy the 15 minute rechargeables since my current one can take up to 4 hours sometimes.

 

[herman]

What they said...plus I have used several chargers on Bonaire with no problems. I would suggest you consider a slower rate charger. The batteries may be "rated" for that fast a charge but no matter what the lable says, slower is better. Heat is not your batteries friend....grab one after a 15 minute charge. While I do keep a 15 minute charger for ahhh$%#@@! times I forgot to charge them, my main chargers are at least 2 hrs.