NiMH rechargeable batteries

[Proteus_fl]

Just started getting into underwater photography and learned real quick how fast strobes eat through batteries.

When I looked at using NiMH rechargeable batteries some manufactures do not recommend using them in a sealed housing because hydrogen gas can be released.
Should I be concerned? Is anyone using rechargeable batteries for their strobes? Any brand work better than others? Ever had a problem with gas build up?

I have a Sea-Life DC1000 with the SL961 strobe.


Thanks...

[bvanant]

Most of us here have been using NiMH batteries in our strobes for a very long time. Most manufacturer's suggest they are OK. I would recommend one of the low internal discharge batteries like the eneloops, they have minimal outgassing and minimal heat since the internal resistance is quite low.
Enjoy
Bill

[mike_s]

I've got a SEALIFE stobe. I use NiMH batteries in it w/o a problem. been doing it for years. no issues.

[Warmwater Wank]

I use NiMHs in my Sea & Sea strobe, no probs. (Inon seems to be one of the few manufacturers that wants eneloops type batteries used.) Pay attention to the mAh rating. Milli amps clue you in on how long the batteries can keep things functioning, higher is better. I've been using some PowerEx 2700mAh NiMHs for some time now, they hold up well (200-300 flashes on a charge?), charge fast, haven't been a problem. // ww

Here's a test shootout report (though I suspect a bit of bias towards the PowerExs). Let's hope the link works, I'm known for screwing these up:

Digital Imaging Accessories Review: The Great Battery Shootout

[alcina]

Yup, I use them, too.

My favourites right now are the Imedions. They are PowerEx 2100 mAhs and they kick the butt of all my other batteries - even those rated at 2700 etc - for recycle time and length of time I can use them in something. My priority is being able to shoot long and hard with my batteries and these are fab

They hold a charge for ages, too, which is nice, but not something that really matter to me.

[herman]

I have been using them for years in an Inon also. One thing anyone who uses NiMH batteries needs is a good battery analyzer. They do get weak with time and sometimes they will be bad out of the box. The only way to know for sure is to analyze them from time to time. Like capacity (as analyzed- not just the label) should be used together, otherwise the lowest capacity one will control the length of time you get.

[divengolf]

Originally Posted by herman

One thing anyone who uses NiMH batteries needs is a good battery analyzer. They do get weak with time and sometimes they will be bad out of the box. The only way to know for sure is to analyze them from time to time. Like capacity (as analyzed- not just the label) should be used together, otherwise the lowest capacity one will control the length of time you get.

What analyzer do you use or recommend??

[Larry C]

I'll second the eneloops. I had consistent problems with my NimH batteries (maybe because I use a fast charger. Some would last and work really well, others would go bad after a couple of uses. I haven't had any problems at all with the eneloops. They charge quickly, hold their charge for a long time and I have yet to have one fail.

[herman]

Originally Posted by divengolf

What analyzer do you use or recommend??

I am using the La Cross BC-900. It does a good job and is fairly inexpensive. I have ordered batteries and chargers from these guys several times, always good and fast service. They also have inexpensive battery cases for holding the batteries. Thomas Distributing

[bvanant]

The LaCrosse BC-900 is a charger, not really an analyzer. You can run discharge and refresh cycles with it and you can run a discharge and recharge cycle and it will tell you a number that is supposedly related to capacity, but in real world testing the number you get is only vaguely related to true capacity. Measuring true capacity from batteries is a real art and to get real quantitative results needs some quite special gear.
Bill