Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Marcus Keulertz, who writes:
I use these special rechargeable batteries [Panasonic Eneloop cells] for almost everything especially in household appliances and think what else?
In my energy hungry portable radios and active Loop Antennas. They are reliable power sources, especially in the cold weather period right now. They are quite expensive but worth to have them with you, when travelling.
Thanks for sharing, Marcus! Like you, I almost exclusively use Eneloop cells in my portable shortwave radios (save when I’m doing an evaluation and use fresh alkalines for comparison consistency). I even use Eneloops in my Elecraft KX3 transceiver. They’re brilliant! For daily use, Eneloops are simply invaluable as they hold a charge much longer than standard AA cells.
We’ve purchased three of the Eneloop starter packs in the past–two via Amazon.com (affiliate link) and one via Costco (who no longer sells them). I’ve also purchased these multi-packs of AA cells since they’re the most widely used battery in our household. The great thing about the starter packs is that they include AAA cells and D and C cell adapters.
True: Eneloops aren’t cheap, but I think they’re worth the price. Once I invested in them, I gave my other rechargeable cells away.
Thanks for your comments, Marcus.
Click here to shop Eneloops at Amazon.com (affiliate link). Also shop Walmart and B&H Photo.
hi
Lot’s of good info almost like trying to drink from a fire hose
Note the multi generations For Portable Radios an older lower cost generation is /are quite suitable, IMHO
The newer/est generations trade more capacity at the expense of # of Recharges.
Best to buy those that are made in Japan also Consider Amazon Basics as a reputable supplier of older generations
thanx
73 de Jordan ve7jjd
Thanks for those incredibly detailed links. I too have found Eneloops to be the best rechargeables. So, as near as I can tell, if the same model # comes in 2 different colors (eg: I have BK-3MCCA’s both light and dark blue) they are exactly the same except for the color. I’ve always wondered about this. The one product I have no use for is the D and C adapaters. It’s basically asking an AA battery to do the work of a D or C battery. Plus, I find that in my radios that do require D or C batteries, regular D or C batteries last a very long time, i.e. not worth buying rechargeables.
Thanks again,
I may be wrong but I think that the default color for Eneloop BK3MCC is oyster shell white. On two sets of four that I have purchased a year apart the brand name Eneloop appears on the battery wrap in metallic blue on oyster shell. However, I have seen the standard Eneloop BK-3MCC advertised by reputable dealers with wrap in other decorator colors, but excluding black which is reserved for the Eneloop Pro BK3HCD. These designer color variations are no doubt a contribution of the Panasonic marketing department.
What is the chemistry of them? NiCad and NiMH are 1.25V per cell My radio thinks they are nearly spent after running a few minutes. Alkaline batteries are 1.6 new and are spent at 1.2 v
Eneloop chemistry is NiMH. The nominal voltage is 1.25V. However, my DVM says the standard (white) Eneloop voltage is 1.49V fresh off the charger. True, a non-rechargeable Duracell alkaline will show up to 1.7V if fresh and unused.
Please be aware Eneloop batteries are widely copied and there are many many fakes out there. You should only buy them from a reputable source.
I bought some China knockoffs at knockoff prices, and you get what you pay for, what bears leave behind in the woods.
I use Eneloop Pro AA batteries in small portables. The newest version of the “Pro” comes in a 2500 maH size and retains 85% of the charge for one year. The downsize is that this model is “only” good for 500 recharges. A useful comparison chart is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eneloop
Yikes! Here is a FAR more comprehensive page of Eneloop model & version comparisons, charts, FAQs, tips, warnings, etc.: https://eneloop101.com/batteries/complete-lineup/ . This web site also contains warnings about Ebay fake Eneloops, and other useful details…probably more than most people want to know but if you want to make the most informed choice, check it out!
I fully agree- I switched to Eneloop exclusively several years ago because I got tired of regular rechargeables not being ready when I needed them – these hold their charge so long it is incredible. Plus, I got tired of standard (name-brand) alkaline batteries leaking – a problem they has solved years ago but has now resurfaced int he last 10 yrs or so.
In my part of England, Eneloop rarely appeared (if at all in the shops), but in the last few years, Duracell and Energiser both now sell low self discharge batteries and I use them in my radios, GPS receiver and torches.
I wondered if a patent had expired as they both appeared on the market at roughly the same time.
Mark
The Eneloops are usually (among) the bests in the Wirecutter tests also:
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/