rechargeable batteries

[vlada]

Sea&Sea book suggests using Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries for the strobe.

I already have the charger and the batteries, but they are NiMH - can i use those or does it have to be Ni-CAD?

THanks

 

[Dee]

It's highly recommended by most everyone NOT to use NiMH batteries in strobes because of the gas build-up. You don't have that problem with NiCDs.

On my recent trip, I used NiMH in the digital camera and NiCD in the battery. Both lasted for 2 dives, over 2 hours, and I only changed batteries because I wasn't sure they would last for #3!

I decided not to take the chance and bought thr NiCD's. My charger will take them both.

 

[Christian]

Don't think the strobes will have any problem with the gas build-up (heat) that can occur with NiMH batteries during charge. Just make sure your charger can handle them (look for a charger with built in micro processor). I use only NiMH batteries for my YS-60's and have never had a problem. Also I think (not 100% sure) NiMH batteries generally can deliver more power, which will give you a slightly shorter recycle time for your flashes – nice if you want to photograph fish.

For the camera - don't use rechargeable batteries - you want to keep the cameras battery lid shut as much as possible. A set of good quality alcaline batteries will let you shoot at least 10 rolls of 36 EXP film. A good way to check is to time the film rewind. On a MMIIEX it should take somewhere in between 23-29 seconds to rewind a 36 EXP film. If it takes more than 30 seconds – change batteries in the camera.


good luck

/christian

 

[Spectre]

What about the rechargable Alkaline batteries? I've changed a
lot of my battery chewing electronics over to alkaline rechargables
[Pager, PDA, Flashlights, Dive Lights]. The only thing I ended up
going to NiMH with was my radios [you know, the glorified walkie
talkies ], because those things eat batteries so fast I have to
recharge before every use.

I like the Alkaline for my dive lights, because they hold their
charge when not being used... so I don't have to worry about
charging before every dive trip...

So what about the alkaline option for cameras?

-Jeff

 

[vicky]

batteries in their strobes. The answer I got is that tgey strongly recommend NOT to use NiMH batteries since in case of water leaking "they can become dangerously unstable if water is encountered". They told me to use NiCd batteries instead and that's what I do.

 

[Dee]

Originally posted by Christian
Don't think the strobes will have any problem with the gas build-up (heat) that can occur with NiMH batteries during charge. Just make sure your charger can handle them (look for a charger with built in micro processor). I use only NiMH batteries for my YS-60's and have never had a problem. Also I think (not 100% sure) NiMH batteries generally can deliver more power, which will give you a slightly shorter recycle time for your flashes – nice if you want to photograph fish.

For the camera - don't use rechargeable batteries - you want to keep the cameras battery lid shut as much as possible. A set of good quality alcaline batteries will let you shoot at least 10 rolls of 36 EXP film. A good way to check is to time the film rewind. On a MMIIEX it should take somewhere in between 23-29 seconds to rewind a 36 EXP film. If it takes more than 30 seconds – change batteries in the camera.good luck

/christian

It has nothing to do with the charging process. I don't understand exactly how but NiMH batteries can produce a gas either through regular discharge or if water/moisture comes in contact. These gas build-ups have caused small explosions. I prefer not to chance it.

On a recent trip I used NiMH in the camera and NiCD in the strobe. Since I change batteries in both during lunch break after 2 dives anyway, what the big deal? I have 3 sets of batteries of each that are rotated so at any time there is a fresh set available without waiting for a charge. My flash re-cycle time is fast throughout the dives, I know for sure I have fresh batteries, and as long as your charger will handle both it's no hassle to use both.

 

[Christian]

"It has nothing to do with the charging process. I don't understand exactly how but NiMH batteries can produce a gas either through regular discharge or if water/moisture comes in contact. These gas build-ups have caused small explosions. I prefer not to chance it.

On a recent trip I used NiMH in the camera and NiCD in the strobe. Since I change batteries in both during lunch break after 2 dives anyway, what the big deal? I have 3 sets of batteries of each that are rotated so at any time there is a fresh set available without waiting
for a charge. My flash re-cycle time is fast throughout the dives, I know for sure I have fresh batteries, and as long as your charger will handle both it's no hassle to use both."



Have never heard about that they can explode - interesting - if you have any more information about this matter I would be very thankful.

But if you use NiMH:s in your camera, why not in the strobe? Do they only explode in strobes?

If you're happy with your recycle time – great. I just want it to be as fast as it possibly can, especially when shooting sharks. NiMH:s cuts it by a second compared to NiCADS.

Using regular (good quality) alcalines in the camera was just a suggestion to make it as easy as possible. For shorter trips (up to one week) one will normally never have to change batteries in the camera, one pair of batteries will be enough. On 14 day liveaboards I change once in the middle of the trip. The cost for 4 alcaline batteries is not very much, so I think it is worth it. But mostly I use alcalines because a photographer told me that the battery compartment on the MMIIEX is not very good sealed, and opening it and closing every day will increase the risk of leakage.

I also use two strobes, which will keep my charger busy with my four sets of NiMH:s ) Two sets on charge, two sets in the strobes.


/christian

 

[dvleemin]

If you're using a digital camera, I would highly reccommend using nimh batteries.

1) Its the most cost effective solution
2) Using non-rechargable batteries is an environmental nightmare considering how many batteries digital cameras can go through.

DArryl