MX7 Batteries

[Diggin' It]

What kind of batteries ya'll use? I used to buy nothing but Duracell rechargeable, then in the last year I couldn't find any. I just bought some Rayovac with a charger, but they don't seem to hold a charge. I charged them, put them in, they showed full charge as I hunted for about an hour, then the next day only see two dots on the power gauge. I recharged them hoping they needed a break in, but they did the same thing. Now I have used them for 3 days, with only two dots showing, they don't seem to be going any lower, but I don't trust them. I just did a search and found a bunch of Duracells, I might of been looking for the same charger I used to have, that died, and couldn't find it. I hate to go spend more on a different brand...I didn't notice until now, the rechargeable's are 1.2 volt, whereas the regular are 1.5 volt, would that make a difference?

 

 I don't want a battery pack, at least not a NiCad...

 

[Steve Herschbach]

I have several types of NiMH rechargeables including Duracell. No real preference, half came with detectors I owned or own. VLF detectors are not like some PI detectors. A VLF runs at just below the battery warning level at all times. The power is regulated down to that. When the batteries get down to warning level you get the warning, and then when you get under the operating voltage the unit quits. The bottom line being it does not matter with nearly any VLF whether you use 1.5V alkaline or 1.2V NiMH. As long as you are anywhere over the warning level for as long as possible you are fine.

NiCads sucked and still suck. I can’t believe White’s still sells NiCad packs but they do.

[pinpointa]

I use panasonic  Eneloop Pro in my Whites v3i, My Whites Surf P.I Dual Field. They are outstanding even for cameras. Ni- Mh 2450 mAh. They are available world wide. I have been using them for many years  and the Whites v3i is heavy on batteries.  There  is a cheaper Eneloop which is 1900mAh both batteries are 1.2 v .

[Tony]

MX7........very nice detector. I feed mine standard AA alkaline as I can buy a 30 pack of quality cells for less than $10. I always take them for proper recycling/disposal when they are dead. I get 30 to 40 hours of run time on one set.......so that costs me about $2.50. I’m okay with that 👍

Toany

[GB_Amateur]

7 hours ago, Tony said:

I feed mine standard AA alkaline as I can buy a 30 pack of quality cells for less than $10.

Where do you get those, and what is the brand?

 

[Diggin' It]

I just took the batteries that came in the detector out. It was a brand I had never heard of, Nuon, they are just alkaline, not rechargeable. They held all four dots for along time, then just recently went to two. I haven't been able to use it a lot since I got it, until lately. The Rayovac's I have are 1350 mAh...I have used them about 3 hours, and they are staying the same.

[Tony]

The batteries are Varta......Made in Germany.

I should mention that I’m in Australia. 30 cells for about $6 US.

Good old Bunnings is where you can get them.

The batteries are always fresh stock too 👍

Tony

 

[Tony]

7 hours ago, phrunt said:

Do you get the Aldi batteries Tony?

Bunnings.......sometimes on special for $5........crazy cheap.

Tony

[GB_Amateur]

14 hours ago, Tony said:

The batteries are Varta....

Thanks.  Best price I could find in US (with shipping) is ~$20 for that 40 pack.  Possibly dollar stores (or even Aldi, since you said they are German made) might have them cheap without shipping.

Anyone use Costco brand 'Kirkland'?  I think those are $17 for a 48 pack, still not as good as the Aussie price.  I don't use as many AA's as previously, but still so many household items require them, and some detectors.  I have a 16 eneloop pro 23.50 mAh set.  As long as a device can handle the lower voltage (and as long as you overcome their initial cost and the cost for a charger), that is a good way to go.  I got those for my TDI/SPP but also later bought a HP2900 (mAh) 12V lithium pack -- not cheap, either.

One thing I've found, which is contrary to at least one usually reliable online site's claim -- not all alkalines are equal.

 

[Tony]

Agree about Alkaline quality. The Varta brand are very good.....always very good voltage and fresh plus I’ve never had any leak on me or die prematurely. I’ve had problems with Duracell and Energizers on a regular basis......these are nearly always made in China or Indonesia. I’m amazed at the Varta price.....it’s possible they are so low in order to get you into the store and get you to buy something else...........Is that why I have 48 hammers ?