Which batteries to use?

[F.Viljoen]

Dimensions: 139mm (L) x 96mm (W) x 36mm (H)
Weight 156g (Without Batteries)
Output voltage: 4.2V ±1% / 1.48V ±1%, Output current: 375mA × 4 / 750mA × 2
Input voltage: AC 100~240V 50/60HZ or DC 12V Input power: 10W.
The i4 Intelli charger is a universal, automatic smart-charger compatible with almost all types of rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need to own several chargers.
Able to automatically identify Li-ion, Ni-MH and Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries and apply an appropriate charging mode (Constant Charge Current (CC), Constant Charge Voltage (CV) and Trickle Charge).
Each of the i4’s four microcomputer-controlled charging slots is capable of monitoring and charging batteries independently.
Additionally, yellow and blue power/charging status indicator lights could visibly indicate battery status and charging process. It’s as simple as insert, detect, and charge.
Compatible with the following batteries: Li-ion: 26650, 22650, 18650, 17670, 18490, 17500, 17335, 16340(RCR123), 14500, 10440 Ni-MH / Ni-Cd: AA, AAA & C. Capable to charge 1; 2; 3 or 4 batteries independently and separately.
Batteries are NOT included in the price for the i4 Charger, kindly refer to product page for battery prices.
3 Color LED displays charging progress for each battery.
Automatically stops charging when individual batteries are fully charged.
Designed for optimal heat dissipation.
Certified by both RoHS and CE.

I charge all my AA, AAA (1.5v) and the torch's (MH25) batteries 3.7v (18650 - 2600mAh & 3100mAh) with this unit.

[Jan Horn]

The 3.7v batteries shown there are not AA batteries. The rechargeable batteries are normally 1.2 v batteries where as the non rechargeable batteries are are 1.54 . The 4.2v output shown in the spec sheet by Frans is because the batteries are charged in pairs If you buy AA rechargeable batteries, alkaline, NiMH or Iithium are listed as compatible with the Colorado 300 in its users manual You have to sett the battery type so ensure that you stick to one type only when buying.

[Spanner]

I only found these batteries listed on the NiteCore website which have 3,7 V - they don't say whether they are AA - I did not see any 1.2 V batteries which seems strange.

I do know about the battery selection on my Colorado - thanks


NiteCore 18650 2600mAh RECHARGEABLE BATTERY


R155.00


Add Product to your shopping cart at the bottom of this page.

Manufacturer and Model:

NiteCore 18650 Rechargeable


Features:
2600mAh 3.7V 9.6Wh
Li-ion Rechargeable Battery Integrated battery overcharge / discharge protection circuits.
High discharge performance Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
More than 500 charge-discharge cycles

Accessories Already Included in the Price:
N/A

Accessories Not Included in the Price:
18650 2x Bay Charger
I4 intellicharger

[Jan Horn]

Looking at the specs of that battery I would say it was designed to replace the normal two batteries in a two cell flashlight. What you are looking for is AA batteries of 2000mAh or preferably higher capacity. I bought the charger and batteries shown in my screen shot at Pick n Pay. You will find chargers with batteries included in most of the chain stores. If you are close to Builders Warehouse you can try them too.
Look at this as well
http://www.caching.co.za/uniross-perfor ... arger.html

[Stalker]

Thanks Jan

Any recommendations as to brand of battery that gives better life than most.

I used to use the green and yellow GP batteries but they were not brilliant, maybe 2 to 3 hours

Sanyo Eneloop I use them on my Pentax camera which used to chew batteries within about and hour. The eneloops last three days of virtual continuos use and weeks on standby. Bit pricey but worth it.

[F.Viljoen]

The Nitecore 18650 batteries are 3.7v
The dimensions are 70mm in length, and 18.5mm in diameter.
The 2300mAh is rated 8.5Wh and the 2600mAh is rated 9.6Wh

[Jan Horn]

Thanks Frans. So they will not fit the Colorado, apart form the fact that a 3.7v battery will fry the Colorado. Size for a AA is 50mm long and 12mm diameter.
From the Garmin users Manual:

Garmin recommends the use of premium batteries in the Colorado for optimal performance and maximum battery life. Premium Alkaline cells, NiMH rechargeable cells less than 1 year old with a capacity greater than or equal to 2500 mAh, and Lithium cells provide the best performance.

I know that Uniross produce a 2700mAh AA battery

http://www.uniross.co.za/product_P_2700_2AA.html

[F.Viljoen]

The AA's I have are Energizer 2450mAh and the Uniross AAA 700mAh, Eveready AAA 950mAh

[Spanner]

Maybe the Energisers have gotten better, but when I first got my Colorado, I found the PnP brand rechargeable batteries were poor - maybe the quality has improved since then?

Thant is why I changed to the orange and green (at the time) GP brand which were better by far but not perfect.

I will try get the good quality charger and then one of the recommended brands above

Thanks Guys

[Jan Horn]

To key is to look at the capacity. I started off with Energizers in the Maglight but they me a very limited use of the flashlight before recharge. I came across Uniross later when I knew what to look out for and have never looked back. The Eneregizer's were 2200mAh NiMH and the Uniross 2800mAh NiMH, an 25% increase only but it seem have a better usefull live.I never did an comparative test though. I am using the caravan once a month and as most caravan parks are well lighted at night I only need the Maglight occasionally and mostly only recharge it once a year.