rechargeable batteries w/ wireless

[Oobleck1441]

Hello, Hello. Just a quick question...
My budget will open up in exactly one month, and ive started a list of things I would like to have for next year...Searching through a catologue, i saw rechargeable batteries.

My question: Has, or does anyone use rechargeable batteries with their wireless handhelds? Not for musical, or production. Just lecture settings or ceremonies.
Thanks, oobleck1441

[mbenonis]

I haven't used the in handhelds, but our new wireless mics do use them for bodypacks. We have Sanyo 2700mAh AA batteries for them - I should know how they'll perform in the next few weeks.

[BNBSound]

I've had very good results with the Ni-MH rechargeables from Home Depot (the brand escapes me at the moment). I use them in everything from flashlights to radios, meters, hanging mics that can't get phantom power. While I haven't had a chance to use them in wireless packs yet due to scale (purchasing for a fleet of 16 isn't so much a problem as getting the fleet of chargers) I don't see any reason why they wouldn't work out great. I just wish they fit in my AA Mag, the diameter is just a hair too large.

The initial voltage on a rechargeable is a little lower than from an alkaline right out of the package, but the discharge curve is smoother. With twice as many mAh in them, you should still see extended life out of them before they drop below the low voltage threshold. This would be for packs that take AAs though, 9v Ni-MH aren't available that I know of and Ni-Cads would just be a waste of your time.

[jkowtko]

I would be interested in knowing how this works out. We're interested in rechargables too, but in a prior post the general experience wasn't great ... maybe the newer NiMh batteries are doing better?

Fyi, we run 2 Duracell AAs per pack and run them for two shows. Battery check before the second show is usually 1.44-1.45v, between 1.40 and 1.43 I may keep for an ensemble unit, and anything below 1.40 I will definitely replace. I hand out the packs around 60-75 min before curtain, so they run for about 4 hours a show.

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by jkowtko

...I hand out the packs around 60-75 min before curtain...

Why on earth so early? Most AEA contracts only require actors to be at the theatre at half-hour.

[Raktor]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Why on earth so early? Most AEA contracts only require actors to be at the theatre at half-hour.

Half hour? I wish. It's generally about an hour and a half - two hours here.

[Hughesie]

Originally Posted by Raktor

Half hour? I wish. It's generally about an hour and a half - two hours here.

3 hours for me,

my sound checks take ages

but back to the topic,

i have always loved using non rechargeable because i had bad experiences with rechargeable

[jkowtko]

1/2 hr vs. 2+? Sounds like equity vs community theater

In our community theater (with no equity positions) our "official" call is 90 minutes before curtain, to give the actors enough time for hair, makeup, wireless, costume, and maybe rehearse a challenging scene or two on stage before the house opens (at 30 min prior). After a handful of shows our call slackens a bit and people start showing up closer to 75-60 min before curtain.

If equity theaters really don't have to turn on the packs until 30 minutes prior, then you should for sure be able to get two full shows out of a pair of Duracells or equivalent ... which makes the economics of rechargeables a bit more challenging.

[Blah067]

Well, I use nothing but Duracell Procells in my handhelds and packs. I find the rechargeable, while cheaper in the long run they may be, fail over time, give a weaker initial voltage, and drop much faster. They only last half as long as alkaline (again, my observations).

The first time I used rechargers was at church once. Our Priest thought it would be a money-saving idea. He had been on the same batteries all day long (well...afternoon). He popped a "freshly charged" one in his pack (without telling me). It started chopping out horribly about an hour into Easter Sunday mass. Never have I used rechargeables again. I was embarrassed enough to have to change a battery during a service in front of 1200 plus. We deemed it would be too much of a hassle, confusion, and more annoyance than it was worth. We went straight back to buying Duracell Procells in bulk (500 at a time) and we go through about 6-10 per week. 9 volts too.

Again, my opinion. Don't use if you want reliable results.

[lieperjp]

We use rechargeable when the presentation/speaker is less than an hour or two - never for theatre shows.

Hey, we should make a rechargeable thread a "sticky" thread seeing as how many people ask about it.