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Rechargeable Batteries for Your TES Unit
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Rechargeable batteries are an excellent alternative to expensive, disposable alkaline batteries but they have their own issues.
Check the Length of the Battery
Rechargeable 9-volt batteries vary more in size than regular alkaline 9-volt batteries. It is a good idea to take your unit with you when shopping for them. Batteries that are too short can be lengthened with black electrical tape applied to the bottom of the battery but batteries that are too long should not be purchased. Forcing a battery that is too long into the battery compartment will damage your unit.
Voltages may Vary
Rechargeable 9-volt batteries do not have the same voltage as alkaline 9-volt batteries. If you read the small print, the indicated voltage could range from 8.4 to 7.2 volts. Try to get at least 8 volts or higher.
NiCd or NiMH?
There are two types of rechargeable batteries that are widely available, Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH). The NiCd batteries last longer (about 1000 recharge cycles) but they are harder to find. The NiCd contains toxic metals that need special disposal methods. The NiMH batteries have a life span of about 400 recharges. A quality recharger is essential to maintaining the life of your rechargeable batteries. Speak with a knowledgeable salesperson when purchasing a recharger. Do not over charge your NiMH batteries. It will shorten their life span. Over heating will also shorten the life span of all rechargeable batteries.
It is also a good idea to get two rechargeable batteries. The charge on the battery will usually last for one or two nights, if the unit setting is less than 4. If you have two batteries, you will always have one ready for the TES unit.
Simple Guidelines for Maintaining Rechargeable Batteries
• Do not leave a nickel-based battery in a charger for more than a day after full charge is reached.
• Apply a monthly full discharge cycle. Running the battery down completely in the TES unit may do this.
• Do not discharge the battery before each recharge. This would put undue stress on the battery.
• Avoid elevated temperature. A charger should only raise the battery temperature for a short time at full charge, and then the battery should cool off.
• Use quality chargers to charge batteries.
Helpful website:
Isidor Buchmann’s Batteries in a Portable World
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