The first test series. I used a Garmin Legend gps. Garmin claims it will get up to 18 hours use from a set of Alkaline batteries. Batteries tested are Energizer 2500mAh which I bought a big box store for $15.99 US + tax for two boxes of four
The Legend uses two AA batteries at a time. The first round batteries where brought to a full charge two weeks before the test. The storage temperatures ran from the low 60's to 79 degrees. The trip computer was used on the unit to measure the operating time. The unit was placed on the dinning room table. Under roof and surrounded by tall trees the unit received from four to seven satellites.
At 13 hours and 40 minutes I shut the unit off because I was not going to be around. Later I turned it back on and it went dead at approximately 14:22 hours. It was receiving seven satellites at the time.
I then test a second set of the same batteries. They had been charged two days before. They lasted 15 hours and 54 minutes.
I then loaded freshly recharged set one. They lasted 18 hours when the low battery message came on the screen. I suspect I could have gotten a few more minutes out of the set.
I will continue to use these batteries in the normal course of events. If they hold up I will buy additional batteries
Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:27 am Post subject:
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Yesterday was a battery eater! Granddaughter #3 and I went geocaching. The search was more complex then the normal one because we did one that required entering lat/Longs as we progressed into the tour. This kind of activity eats battery power.
The Garmin Legend gps was loaded with freshly charged with Lenmar NoMem Pro, 2300Omah Nickle Metal-Hydride batteries. These batteries failed after three hours of full time use. I purchased these batteries last fall. My impression is that Lenmar Batteries are not a good deal. I purchased two packages of four batteries. The failure rate is approximately 50 percent.
My Garmin GpsMap76C is still loaded with the old Rayovac 1800 Nickle Metal-Hydride batteries that I bought a couple of years ago. Admittedly the new battery saving technology in the 76C was a factor, but it's performance with the less powerful battery yesterday was over eight hours and the meter shows 50 percent remaining battery life.
My conclusion is that the Lemar brand batteries have not been a good investment. I have purchased Eight packages of four during the last couple of years and the failure rate is high. Compared to the Energizer and Rayovac brand batteries, which have not suffered a failure.
When things get serious I fall back on Alkaline batteries. While they cost more they will not suffer a sudden death in the field. Rechargeable batteries require attention. About 80 percent of the population have a hard enough time checking the oil in their car much less maintaining batteries. When I was on duty I had a 3-cell Alkaline battery flashlight along with my rechargeable StreamLight. I knew the rechargeable flashlight was great for 1/2 hour use then I would be in the dark. (old NiCad)
Dec. 11,2005
I copied the above from a couple of past post. Easier to copy then having to think about it. A few years ago I purchase an Energizer quick charger. It will charge 4 NiMAh batteries in one or less. The charger came with 12v car adaptor, a home electrical outlet adapter, and 4 AA NiMah batteries. I believe current cost is around $29.00.
The home adaptor gets 98% of the use, but I have used the auto adaptor while on the road so I know it works. I believe the charger, and home adaptor, along with 4 AA batteries can be had for less. Sam's club seems to be a little cheaper then wally world.
