[Alberg30] Battery types and manufactureres

[Daniel Sternglass]

Marianne King-Wilson wrote:
> 
> This talk of power levels reminded me of an experience I had with batteries...

If I recall correctly, consumer reports and practical sailor both did
battery life tests on alkaline cells. Their conclusion was that *fresh*
*alkaline* batteries of any brand had virtually the same capacities, but
that the Duracell "copper top" had slightly greater total amp-hour
capacity. Most apparently come from a small number of factories. Don't
consider any other battery type except Lithium, avoid the "Heavy Duty"
carbon-zinc types, as they have much lower capacities no matter who the
manufacturer is.

One of the most important characteristics of a battery in a life safety
application is its "self discharge rate." That's why there is a Coast
Guard requriement for relatively more expensive lithium batteries in
many applications, even in AA battery powered rescue lights. I believe
that in that application, Alkaline batteries are required to be replaced
every year -- at any rate, I replace them. If your VHF is for emeregency
use only, Lithium batteries are worth it becasue their "shelf life" is
up to 5 years. EPIRB locater transmitters in boats and ELTs in airplanes
all use lithium batteries.

For life safety applications I'd go with a brand name, mainly becasue
they will be "newer." Most packages are now marked with an expiration
date. You should definitely pack a spare set or 2 of batteries, probably
Lithiums if you will really be relying on them, like in a life raft...

One other comment: Becasue so many of my kids' toys use batteries, I've
switched virtually all the AAA and AA cells, and many C and D cells we
use to rechargable Alkaline. They cost about 2x the throw-away type, and
seem to get at least 10 cycles and last a year or 2. They develop the
same 1.5 volts as regular Alkalines, so they work where "NiCads" with
their 1.2 volts won't. They seem to have the same capacity as
throw-aways. I use the Ds in many flashlights that we rely on for night
work on fireworks displays, and AAs in my Motorola 2-way radios, with no
problems, but this is not life critical, and for fairly short times...

--Dan S.
dans at stmktg.com
Watcher of the Skies, #201, 1966, Ithaca, NY, Cayuga Lake
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