Answers to Battery Details Questions

Alkaline batteries are single-use batteries, but provide a higher start voltage and longer life. They are also significantly heavier than other battery types.

Rechargeable batteries tend to have a lower start voltage and shorter usage cycle; however, they make up the difference by being reusable. They are lighter in weight than alkaline batteries.

Ni-Cd batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery. They are quick to charge and work well in extreme temperatures. They will last up to 500-700 charge/discharge cycles. Ni-Cd batteries can suffer from what is called the "memory effect". If a Ni-Cd battery is recharged before it is fully discharged, the recharge process can create a layer of bubbles in the battery which will eventually prevent the battery from discharging beyond that point. To avoid this problem, we recommend that Ni-Cd batteries be fully discharged before recharging. If they are only partially discharged and then recharged, then after several such recharge cycles, the batteries may not be able to recharge to full capacity.

NiMH batteries do not suffer from this memory effect. They also last approximately 30% longer than Ni-Cd batteries on each charge, and they are environmentally safer than Ni-Cd batteries as they are made from non-toxic materials. The disadvantage is the NiMH batteries are more expensive than Ni-Cd's and only last for approximately 300-400 charge/discharge cycles.

Which battery is best for you will depend on what advantage you value most.... alkaline batteries are the most convenient and last the longest between battery changes; rechargeable batteries are cheaper in the long run due to re-use. The chart below illustrates the ratings of the rechargeable batteries:

These batteries are store-stocked items and can be either purchased through your local RadioShack store, ordered through our Catalog Order Center at 800-843-7422, Option 2, (Catalog, Parts and Accessory Ordering) or ordered on-line at http://www.radioshack.com/ by entering the catalog number in the search field at the top of the screen

A lithium-ion polymer is lighter than a standard lithium-ion battery because it uses a plastic electrolyte instead of an electrolyte solution, as is used by lithium-ion batteries. This plastic electrolyte (called polyacrylonitrile) also allows manufacturers to make batteries in diverse shapes. Lithium-ion batteries are limited in shape by the electrolyte solution. Thirdly, polyacrylonitrile has a high-performance discharge capacity at both lower and higher temperatures, as shown in the table below:

Note: These batteries are no longer sold through RadioShack. The information above reflects the information regarding the batteries as they were sold through RadioShack.