Batteries - Recharable
Batteries - Recharable
We use rechargeable batteries wherever possible. This is not only less expensive, but also a small step towards a better environment.
These rechargeable batteries are typically sold in packs of four.
Many handheld recorders use four batteries, while larger models like the Zoom F8n (Pro) require eight.
We will now show you a trick that allows you to tell which batteries are empty and which still have charge without using a measuring device.
In this picture, two batteries are lying in one direction, and the others are lying in a different direction. This indicates that these batteries have been used and need to be recharged. You can tell by the "+" and "-" marks on the batteries.
When the batteries are fully charged, they are all lying in the same direction. Therefore, you can tell which ones are still charged just by looking at them.
Do you need these plastic boxes? - YES!
If you pack everything in your backpack, there might be metal inside as well, and if your batteries aren't protected by a plastic box, they could get discharged by a short circuit.
These boxes sometimes come with batteries for free, and if not, you can find them for very little money at most online or local stores. Just make sure, you get the right size!
For most handheld recorders the size of the batteries is "AA". Please, double check!
You may have noticed that we wrote a date on these rechargeable batteries.
This indicates the month of purchase. In this case, it is 10/2024. This allows us to determine their age and when it will be time to replace them.
When will it be time to replace them? - It depends!
It depends on how often and how you recharge them. If you're using professional rechargeable batteries, you can expect to recharge them ~2,000 up to 3,000 times. The exact number depends on the model, the current you are charging them with, and other factors.
If you recharge these batteries every day for a year, going from almost empty to fully charged, they will last about seven years on average.
However, if they are completely discharged once or several times, they may not be able to store their former capacity.
Keep an eye on that, and if in doubt, replace them earlier. Better safe than sorry.
Some time ago, it was advised that you discharge your rechargeable batteries completely so that they "remember" their full capacity.
Well! This was true of the rechargeable batteries we used about ten years ago.
Today, however, we don't need to do that, even though the recharging units still provide this functionality.
We have tested this several times with different batteries, and we can't tell if there is any difference. Since it significantly elongates the recharging process, we don't do it.
One thing to remember is that the capacity of rechargeable batteries depends on temperature.
Repeat after me: "The lower the temperature, the lower the capacity!"
If you're outdoors and it's cold, make sure you have an extra set of batteries or cut down on recording time.
And don't forget to put the used batteries in the boxes every time you replace them! You won't be the first nor the last person to find yourself stranded with drained batteries.
We also recommend that you remove the used batteries from your recorders when you return and replace them with freshly charged ones.
If the length of time since your last recording is unknown, the batteries should just be replaced.