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Old 4 Jul 2009
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Question Rechargeable batteries. Tech query.
I have about 8 AA batteies and 8 AAA batteries: allre chargeables and about 3 different brands. Not all the same mAh rating. however, they are all charged by the same charger.

It seems quite a few batteries (i have not been systematic enough to identify which) are not holding their charge, even though the charger says full!

Likely reasons?

Now I did get all the batteries "around" the same time. Say with in 3 months of one another, and this was about 2-3 years ago.

So, is it likely that all the batteries have reached the end of their service life, or is it the charger that is on the blink?
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Old 4 Jul 2009
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It's probably the batteries ,you should charge the same capacity [mAH] batteries together and not mix them up .
Nicads [if that's what they are ] are very forgiving batteries but they don't last forever .
Even if only one battery is buggered it will stop the others from reaching their full charge on some chargers .
Put a multimeter across the terminals of the charger to see if it is working .
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Old 4 Jul 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
So, is it likely that all the batteries have reached the end of their service life, or is it the charger that is on the blink?
The batteries are probably Ni-Mh - nickel-metal hydride - if bought in Europe.
I have a couple of dozen AA's that are around 3 years old now and still going strong.
I use a Vanson V-2680 smart charger. Does 8 at a time AA/AAA compatible.

John
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Old 5 Jul 2009
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3 years seems about right in my experience, I've had some really cheap ones which didn't last and some good ones which I've had for four years or so. I too was told never mix your batteries either in the equipment or on the charger as it can mean they appear to be charged when they're not.

Maybe use them all up and then recharge each different type at a time to see which ones are the cause?
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Old 5 Jul 2009
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Mine are NiMH batteries. Most are Maplins' own. I do not mx in the equipment, but do in the charger. The charger has a charging LED ofi each bettery so each comes on when that battery is ready. Don't know if that negates the false charged signs.

Either way, will try to match all same brand/mAh in future.

Sounds like I need to buy a new batch of rechargeables, then....
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Old 5 Jul 2009
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Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
Sounds like I need to buy a new batch of rechargeables, then....
I always get 2700mAH. A bit more expensive but a charge lasts longer.
Keep your eyes on Ebay (UK & DE) and buy when cheap offers come up.

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