Cells in Batteries

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 24 Sep 2019, 17:13

I'm looking to get a few of the 'block' type 9-volt batteries - any recommendations? Such as these.

Anyone any experience with this type? Any recommended sources?

Post by **adam2** » 24 Sep 2019, 23:54

I would be very doubtful about the batteries linked to, or indeed any similar product.
They are rechargeable lithium, and I simply do not trust lithium cells or batteries from cheap or unknown sources. Not too keen on well known makes in view of the amount of fakes.

I would look for nickel metal hydride batteries in the small 9 volt format. preferably from well known suppliers.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/batterie ... batteries/

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 25 Sep 2019, 11:12

adam2 wrote:I would be very doubtful about the batteries linked to, or indeed any similar product.
They are rechargeable lithium, and I simply do not trust lithium cells or batteries from cheap or unknown sources. Not too keen on well known makes in view of the amount of fakes.

I would look for nickel metal hydride batteries in the small 9 volt format. preferably from well known suppliers.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/batterie ... batteries/

Great advice as usual adam2, thanks - it's really appreciated.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 02 Oct 2019, 18:05

Another question then.

Do you know of any small battery charger (AAA, AA, C, D & 9v block) that has a solar panel built in plus some indication of the charge?

Every one I've seen has no in-built monitoring and I'd like to purchase a decent one as a present for someone who's not into using multimeters. Cost is much of an issue.

Post by **adam2** » 02 Oct 2019, 20:18

I have not seen a solar powered charger for small cells that incorporates useful indication.
Direct solar powered chargers tend to be of low quality and might NEVER charge a high capacity cell in UK winter conditions.

The best option is to purchase a good quality charger with a 12 volt nominal input, these are widely sold for in car use. Power this from a 12 volt deep cycle battery that is charged from a PV module.

This can be a rather expensive option, but if the PV module and the 12 volt battery are big enough then such a system has many other uses.

Given a reasonably stable supply from the 12 volt deep cycle battery, then home made or improvised slow charging is a possibility for multiple identical small cells.

A cheaper option might be a reasonable quality mains powered battery charger for use whilst times are normal.
Keep a couple of cheap solar powered chargers for emergencies, and accept the rather haphazard and slow charging therefrom during any such emergencies.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 03 Oct 2019, 12:54

adam2 wrote:I have not seen a solar powered charger for small cells that incorporates useful indication.
Direct solar powered chargers tend to be of low quality and might NEVER charge a high capacity cell in UK winter conditions.

The best option is to purchase a good quality charger with a 12 volt nominal input, these are widely sold for in car use. Power this from a 12 volt deep cycle battery that is charged from a PV module.

This can be a rather expensive option, but if the PV module and the 12 volt battery are big enough then such a system has many other uses.

Given a reasonably stable supply from the 12 volt deep cycle battery, then home made or improvised slow charging is a possibility for multiple identical small cells.

A cheaper option might be a reasonable quality mains powered battery charger for use whilst times are normal.
Keep a couple of cheap solar powered chargers for emergencies, and accept the rather haphazard and slow charging therefrom during any such emergencies.

The deep cycle battery/solar panel isn't an answer in this particular case, but it's good advice, thanks.

Like you, I was skeptical of there being a useful and efficient all-in-one answer; I've never come across one in all my years of using rechargeables. There's a small market for one!