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| Author |
Capacity of various Duracell AA cells?
|
|
| Alex Coleman 2006-05-07, 8:21 am |
| It's hard work untangling Duracell's pruct range and the relative
performance.
I don't think Duracell are great value but they can be got anywhere
and I want to know the relative merits of their popular alkaline
batteries.
---------
What is the rated capacity in mAh of an alkaline Duracell AA cell in
the following product ranges which I recall from (perhaps faulty?)
memory:
Duracell (ordinary)
Duracell Plus
Duracell M3
---------
The Duracell web site has a technical page but it refers only to:
(1) Ultra Digital
(2) Coppertop
http://www.duracell.com/oem/productdata/default.asp
Is Ultra Digital the same as Ultra or the same as M3?
Is Coppertop the same as Plus or the same as "ordinary"?
---------
yours confused
Alex
| |
| Dave Fawthrop 2006-05-07, 9:21 am |
| On Sun, 07 May 2006 11:35:30 +0100, Alex Coleman <no@no-email.com> wrote:
|It's hard work untangling Duracell's pruct range and the relative
|performance.
|
|I don't think Duracell are great value but they can be got anywhere
|and I want to know the relative merits of their popular alkaline
|batteries.
|
|---------
|
|What is the rated capacity in mAh of an alkaline Duracell AA cell in
|the following product ranges which I recall from (perhaps faulty?)
|memory:
|
| Duracell (ordinary)
| Duracell Plus
| Duracell M3
|
|---------
|
|The Duracell web site has a technical page but it refers only to:
| (1) Ultra Digital
| (2) Coppertop
|http://www.duracell.com/oem/productdata/default.asp
|
|Is Ultra Digital the same as Ultra or the same as M3?
|Is Coppertop the same as Plus or the same as "ordinary"?
|yours confused
Confusion is Duracell's marketing ploy which you have fallen for :-(
Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
available.
NiMh batteries are sold by Ampere Hour Capacity, why not Alkalines.
--
Dave Fawthrop <dave hyphenologist co uk> Google Groups is IME the *worst*
method of accessing usenet. GG subscribers would be well advised get a
newsreader, say Agent, and a newsserver, say news.individual.net. These
will allow them: to see only *new* posts, a killfile, and other goodies.
| |
| VisionSet 2006-05-07, 9:21 am |
|
"Dave Fawthrop" <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote in message
news:q7mr521k48o0dsa48i0g60b4ao550u27lj@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 07 May 2006 11:35:30 +0100, Alex Coleman <no@no-email.com> wrote:
>
> |It's hard work untangling Duracell's pruct range and the relative
> |performance.
> |
> |I don't think Duracell are great value but they can be got anywhere
> |and I want to know the relative merits of their popular alkaline
> |batteries.
> |
> |---------
> |
> |What is the rated capacity in mAh of an alkaline Duracell AA cell in
> |the following product ranges which I recall from (perhaps faulty?)
> |memory:
> |
> | Duracell (ordinary)
> | Duracell Plus
> | Duracell M3
> |
> |---------
> |
> |The Duracell web site has a technical page but it refers only to:
> | (1) Ultra Digital
> | (2) Coppertop
> |http://www.duracell.com/oem/productdata/default.asp
> |
> |Is Ultra Digital the same as Ultra or the same as M3?
> |Is Coppertop the same as Plus or the same as "ordinary"?
>
> |yours confused
>
> Confusion is Duracell's marketing ploy which you have fallen for :-(
>
> Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on
each
> battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
> available.
They can't, there is no one figure.
Capacity of alkaline cells varies depending on the load exerted on them.
The relationship between current drawn and useful voltage delivered is not
linear. However, the specs are available:
http://www.duracell.com/Procell/pdf/1500_US_CT.pdf
--
Mike W
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-07, 10:21 am |
| In article <q7mr521k48o0dsa48i0g60b4ao550u27lj@4ax.com>,
Dave Fawthrop <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on
> each battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the
> cheapest available.
One place I work at spends many thousands a year on alkaline cells for
radio mics, etc.
Duracell *Procell* seems to be consistently the best value when bought in
bulk. Shops will often charge up to four times the price of a Procell for
a gold top but they certainly don't last appreciably longer.
Thing to be vary of is cells sold at car boot sales, etc. They may be
forgeries or well past their sell by date. And often poor value.
--
Small asylum seeker wanted as mud flap, must be flexible and willing to travel
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| Bob Eager 2006-05-07, 11:21 am |
| On Sun, 7 May 2006 12:24:51 UTC, "Dave Plowman (News)"
<dave@davenoise.co.uk> wrote:
> Duracell *Procell* seems to be consistently the best value when bought in
> bulk. Shops will often charge up to four times the price of a Procell for
> a gold top but they certainly don't last appreciably longer.
>
> Thing to be vary of is cells sold at car boot sales, etc. They may be
> forgeries or well past their sell by date. And often poor value.
Anyone any thoughts on Energisers? I bought a load to use when cooped up
in a hospital room, and I used them so heavily I lost track of how long
they lasted.
But CPC have a good offer on them right now...
--
The information contained in this post is copyright the
poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by
Avenue Supplies, http://avenuesupplies.co.uk
| |
| Dave Fawthrop 2006-05-07, 11:21 am |
| On Sun, 07 May 2006 12:03:49 GMT, "VisionSet" <spam@ntlworld.com> wrote:
|
|"Dave Fawthrop" <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote in message
|news:q7mr521k48o0dsa48i0g60b4ao550u27lj@4ax.com...
|> On Sun, 07 May 2006 11:35:30 +0100, Alex Coleman <no@no-email.com> wrote:
|>
|> |It's hard work untangling Duracell's pruct range and the relative
|> |performance.
|> |
|> |I don't think Duracell are great value but they can be got anywhere
|> |and I want to know the relative merits of their popular alkaline
|> |batteries.
|> |
|> |---------
|> |
|> |What is the rated capacity in mAh of an alkaline Duracell AA cell in
|> |the following product ranges which I recall from (perhaps faulty?)
|> |memory:
|> |
|> | Duracell (ordinary)
|> | Duracell Plus
|> | Duracell M3
|> |
|> |---------
|> |
|> |The Duracell web site has a technical page but it refers only to:
|> | (1) Ultra Digital
|> | (2) Coppertop
|> |http://www.duracell.com/oem/productdata/default.asp
|> |
|> |Is Ultra Digital the same as Ultra or the same as M3?
|> |Is Coppertop the same as Plus or the same as "ordinary"?
|>
|> |yours confused
|>
|> Confusion is Duracell's marketing ploy which you have fallen for :-(
|>
|> Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on
|each
|> battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
|> available.
|
|They can't, there is no one figure.
|Capacity of alkaline cells varies depending on the load exerted on them.
|The relationship between current drawn and useful voltage delivered is not
|linear. However, the specs are available:
|
|http://www.duracell.com/Procell/pdf/1500_US_CT.pdf
Just a marketing excuse. It would be a simple matter to give a single
figure based on a single load ?cycle? and a single voltage endpoint. That
would give enough information even for someone like me who understands the
real specs were I to put my mind to it.
--
Dave Fawthrop <dave hyphenologist co uk> Google Groups is IME the *worst*
method of accessing usenet. GG subscribers would be well advised get a
newsreader, say Agent, and a newsserver, say news.individual.net. These
will allow them: to see only *new* posts, a killfile, and other goodies.
| |
| raden 2006-05-07, 12:21 pm |
| In message <4e2347ac9cdave@davenoise.co.uk>, "Dave Plowman (News)"
<dave@davenoise.co.uk> writes
>In article <q7mr521k48o0dsa48i0g60b4ao550u27lj@4ax.com>,
> Dave Fawthrop <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>
>One place I work at spends many thousands a year on alkaline cells for
>radio mics, etc.
>
>Duracell *Procell* seems to be consistently the best value when bought in
>bulk. Shops will often charge up to four times the price of a Procell for
>a gold top but they certainly don't last appreciably longer.
>
>Thing to be vary of is cells sold at car boot sales, etc. They may be
>forgeries or well past their sell by date. And often poor value.
>
So how do GP super Alkaline compare ?
I buy them in boxes of 40 from CPC
more megawatt hours / buck IMHO
--
geoff
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-07, 1:21 pm |
| The message <q7mr521k48o0dsa48i0g60b4ao550u27lj@4ax.com>
from Dave Fawthrop <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> contains these words:
> Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
> battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
> available.
Their argument against doing this is that the effective Ah rate of each
cell differs at different discharge rates and that comparing like with
like wouldn't be possible.
I suspect having two figures, C1 and C10 rates, for example, might be a
way round it but there's pleny who'll say it's too confusing.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-07, 5:21 pm |
| The message <1147028577.76975.3@doris.uk.clara.net>
from Owain <owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk> contains these words:
[color=darkred]
> But doesn't the Ah rate of nicads vary in the same way?
Yes, but the NiMh market has gone the way of revealing it (though not
always with great accuracy). If a couple of primary cell makers would
start printing the figures on their cells it wouldn't be long before the
others followed.
IIRC there is a "gentlemen's agreement[1]" between Ever Ready and
Duracell over marketing the very highest capacity cells in Europe.
[1] qv Consumer ripping-off system.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| VisionSet 2006-05-07, 5:21 pm |
|
"Guy King" <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3130303034323739445E5C8463@zetnet.co.uk...
each[color=darkred]
>
>
> Yes, but...
No, it is virtually constant.
--
Mike W
| |
| Tim Auton 2006-05-07, 5:21 pm |
| Guy King <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>The message <1147028577.76975.3@doris.uk.clara.net>
>from Owain <owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk> contains these words:
>
>
>
>Yes, but the NiMh market has gone the way of revealing it (though not
>always with great accuracy). If a couple of primary cell makers would
>start printing the figures on their cells it wouldn't be long before the
>others followed.
Primary cell makers do disclose capacities. Just not for alkaline or
zinc carbon it seems. Lithium primary cells, which aren't that exotic
these days, often have capacity information available.
Tim
--
Did I really still have that sig?
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-07, 6:21 pm |
| The message <0mks52ho6h939brrqfe9rakou4psa10f85@4ax.com>
from Tim Auton <tim.auton@uton.groupSexWithoutTheY> contains these words:
> Primary cell makers do disclose capacities. Just not for alkaline or
> zinc carbon it seems. Lithium primary cells, which aren't that exotic
> these days, often have capacity information available.
Perhaps it's something Which? could look into - it's about time they did
something useful.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
|
| Guy King wrote:
> The message <0mks52ho6h939brrqfe9rakou4psa10f85@4ax.com>
> from Tim Auton <tim.auton@uton.groupSexWithoutTheY> contains these words:
>
>
> Perhaps it's something Which? could look into - it's about time they did
> something useful.
>
Which? ??
I signed up to their service a couple of years ago. Compared to the free
reviews on things like digital cameras and PC motherboards, which run for
pages, and often quote decent benchmarks and give detailed feedback on
every aspect of use, I found the reviews in Which to be substantially poor.
I'd be more impressed if they had a well structured consumer feedback
database with quantitative and qualitative data.
Not worth the money IMO - it was OK in the 70's when it was the only
main source of such reviews.
Cheers
Tim
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-07, 7:21 pm |
| The message <445e6569$0$25448$5a6aecb4@news.aaisp.net.uk>
from Tim S <ts@dionic.net> contains these words:
[color=darkred]
> Which? ??
Yeah, useless bunch that test the obvious but ignore the interesting
aspects of things.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-07, 8:21 pm |
| In article <445e6569$0$25448$5a6aecb4@news.aaisp.net.uk>,
Tim S <ts@dionic.net> wrote:
> I signed up to their service a couple of years ago. Compared to the free
> reviews on things like digital cameras and PC motherboards, which run
> for pages, and often quote decent benchmarks and give detailed feedback
> on every aspect of use, I found the reviews in Which to be substantially
> poor.
They don't set out to be a specialist mag. They are there to give guidance
to those who don't really care much about reading in depth reviews. And
most camera mags etc use jargon those just looking for say a holiday
camera won't understand.
Surprised no-one commented on their router test a couple of months ago.
--
*If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled? *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| Roy Lewallen 2006-05-07, 9:21 pm |
| Tim Auton wrote:
>
> Primary cell makers do disclose capacities. Just not for alkaline or
> zinc carbon it seems. Lithium primary cells, which aren't that exotic
> these days, often have capacity information available.
I've found good data on most common alkaline cells at the manufacturers'
web sites. They typically show discharge capacity or voltage vs time for
a variety of common discharge regimens.
Roy Lewallen
| |
| John Rumm 2006-05-07, 10:21 pm |
| raden wrote:
> So how do GP super Alkaline compare ?
>
> I buy them in boxes of 40 from CPC
Yup I used to do that as well...
However I found they are very poor in comparison. They will run my Psion
5 for as little as five or six hours cumulative use, whereas a good
alkaline will do possibly as much as sixteen.
Having said that they are plenty good enough for low drain long shelf
life applications like remote controls, clocks etc.
--
Cheers,
John.
/=================================================================\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\=================================================================/
| |
| Dave Fawthrop 2006-05-08, 4:21 am |
| On Sun, 07 May 2006 19:39:13 +0100, Owain <owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk>
wrote:
|Guy King wrote:
|>>Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
|>>battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
|>>available.
|> Their argument against doing this is that the effective Ah rate of each
|> cell differs at different discharge rates and that comparing like with
|> like wouldn't be possible.
|
|But doesn't the Ah rate of nicads vary in the same way?
The same thing happens with *all* batteries whatever the Chemistry.
NiMhs give a single figure, why not Alkalines?
--
Dave Fawthrop <dave hyphenologist co uk> Google Groups is IME the *worst*
method of accessing usenet. GG subscribers would be well advised get a
newsreader, say Agent, and a newsserver, say news.individual.net. These
will allow them: to see only *new* posts, a killfile, and other goodies.
| |
| Roy Lewallen 2006-05-08, 4:21 am |
| Dave Fawthrop wrote:
> On Sun, 07 May 2006 19:39:13 +0100, Owain <owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk>
> wrote:
>
> |Guy King wrote:
> |>>Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
> |>>battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
> |>>available.
> |> Their argument against doing this is that the effective Ah rate of each
> |> cell differs at different discharge rates and that comparing like with
> |> like wouldn't be possible.
> |
> |But doesn't the Ah rate of nicads vary in the same way?
>
> The same thing happens with *all* batteries whatever the Chemistry.
>
> NiMhs give a single figure, why not Alkalines?
NiMh capacity varies only a relatively small amount over a very wide
range of load conditions. By comparison, alkalines vary a whole lot. The
amount you can get out of one depends heavily not only on the discharge
rate, but how long the cell is allowed to rest in between partial
discharges. Also, cells can be optimized for light or heavy discharge
rates, so one which does better at low rates might do worse at high rates.
You can be sure that if manufacturers were pressed to come up with a
single number for alkaline cell capacity, each would set up the test at
the most favorable condition for their particular cell (and then inflate
the result, like they all do for NiMh cells). The resulting numbers
would be totally useless.
Take a look at the data sheets which are readily available at the
manufacturers' web sites, and it won't take long to see what I mean.
Roy Lewallen
| |
| The3rd Earl Of Derby 2006-05-08, 4:21 am |
| Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
>
> One place I work at spends many thousands a year on alkaline cells for
> radio mics, etc.
>
Hmmm! I'd of thought a company that uses batteries on a daily basis would
go in for rechargables?
--
Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite
| |
|
| Guy King wrote:
> The message <1147028577.76975.3@doris.uk.clara.net>
> from Owain <owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk> contains these words:
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yes, but the NiMh market has gone the way of revealing it (though not
> always with great accuracy).
Recharchable cells for public retail have always shown the AH, same as
car batteries.
Otherwise we wouldn't know how long to charge them in the fixed curent
chargers which was all that used to be available until recently.
john2
| |
| Dave Fawthrop 2006-05-08, 4:21 am |
| Reply-To: invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid
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On Mon, 08 May 2006 00:08:21 -0700, Roy Lewallen <w7el@eznec.com> wrote:
|Dave Fawthrop wrote:
|> On Sun, 07 May 2006 19:39:13 +0100, Owain <owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk>
|> wrote:
|>
|> |Guy King wrote:
|> |>>Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
|> |>>battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
|> |>>available.
|> |> Their argument against doing this is that the effective Ah rate of each
|> |> cell differs at different discharge rates and that comparing like with
|> |> like wouldn't be possible.
|> |
|> |But doesn't the Ah rate of nicads vary in the same way?
|>
|> The same thing happens with *all* batteries whatever the Chemistry.
|>
|> NiMhs give a single figure, why not Alkalines?
|
|NiMh capacity varies only a relatively small amount over a very wide
|range of load conditions. By comparison, alkalines vary a whole lot. The
|amount you can get out of one depends heavily not only on the discharge
|rate, but how long the cell is allowed to rest in between partial
|discharges. Also, cells can be optimized for light or heavy discharge
|rates, so one which does better at low rates might do worse at high rates.
|
|You can be sure that if manufacturers were pressed to come up with a
|single number for alkaline cell capacity, each would set up the test at
|the most favorable condition for their particular cell (and then inflate
|the result, like they all do for NiMh cells). The resulting numbers
|would be totally useless.
Not IMI totally useless, just limited. Better than the nothing which the
average buyer, who would not understand the data sheets, has at the moment.
Then an international standards body should set up the test method.
--
Dave Fawthrop <dave hyphenologist co uk> Google Groups is IME the *worst*
method of accessing usenet. GG subscribers would be well advised get a
newsreader, say Agent, and a newsserver, say news.individual.net. These
will allow them: to see only *new* posts, a killfile, and other goodies.
| |
| Tzortzakakis Dimitrios 2006-05-08, 10:21 am |
|
? "Dave Fawthrop" <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> ?????? ??? ??????
news:3trt5259ddnrmgq1h5qaa8vduajdeofnp4@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 08 May 2006 00:08:21 -0700, Roy Lewallen <w7el@eznec.com> wrote:
>
> |Dave Fawthrop wrote:
> |> On Sun, 07 May 2006 19:39:13 +0100, Owain
<owain47125@stirlingcity.coo.uk>
> |> wrote:
> |>
> |> |Guy King wrote:
> |> |>>Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity
on each
> |> |>>battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the
cheapest
> |> |>>available.
> |> |> Their argument against doing this is that the effective Ah rate of
each
> |> |> cell differs at different discharge rates and that comparing like
with
> |> |> like wouldn't be possible.
> |> |
> |> |But doesn't the Ah rate of nicads vary in the same way?
> |>
> |> The same thing happens with *all* batteries whatever the Chemistry.
> |>
> |> NiMhs give a single figure, why not Alkalines?
> |
> |NiMh capacity varies only a relatively small amount over a very wide
> |range of load conditions. By comparison, alkalines vary a whole lot. The
> |amount you can get out of one depends heavily not only on the discharge
> |rate, but how long the cell is allowed to rest in between partial
> |discharges. Also, cells can be optimized for light or heavy discharge
> |rates, so one which does better at low rates might do worse at high
rates.
> |
> |You can be sure that if manufacturers were pressed to come up with a
> |single number for alkaline cell capacity, each would set up the test at
> |the most favorable condition for their particular cell (and then inflate
> |the result, like they all do for NiMh cells). The resulting numbers
> |would be totally useless.
>
> Not IMI totally useless, just limited. Better than the nothing which the
> average buyer, who would not understand the data sheets, has at the
moment.
> Then an international standards body should set up the test method.
> --
> Dave Fawthrop <dave hyphenologist co uk> Google Groups is IME the *worst*
> method of accessing usenet. GG subscribers would be well advised get a
> newsreader, say Agent, and a newsserver, say news.individual.net. These
> will allow them: to see only *new* posts, a killfile, and other goodies.
I personally use aerocells, a brand name of lidl chain,german
supermarket.They come for 3 euros a 8 cells, so I don't really mind if they
last 1 year or 11 months 15 days in a quartz clock.
--
Tzortzakakis Dimitrios
major in electrical engineering,freelance electrician
542nd mechanized infantry batallion
dimtzort AT otenet DOT gr
| |
| William P.N. Smith 2006-05-08, 10:21 am |
| Dave Fawthrop <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>Roy Lewallen <w7el@eznec.com> wrote:
>|You can be sure that if manufacturers were pressed to come up with a
>|single number for alkaline cell capacity
>|The resulting numbers
>|would be totally useless.
>
>Not IMI totally useless, just limited.
But limited to uselessness for most consumers. A single number won't
tell you if a particular battery is better suited for years of life in
a digital clock or more pictures in a digital camera. Batteries
optimized for one scenario would be awful in the other.
| |
| manatbandq@hotmail.com 2006-05-08, 10:21 am |
|
Dave Fawthrop wrote:
> On Sun, 07 May 2006 11:35:30 +0100, Alex Coleman <no@no-email.com> wrote:
>
> |It's hard work untangling Duracell's pruct range and the relative
> |performance.
> |
> |I don't think Duracell are great value but they can be got anywhere
> |and I want to know the relative merits of their popular alkaline
> |batteries.
> |
> |---------
> |
> |What is the rated capacity in mAh of an alkaline Duracell AA cell in
> |the following product ranges which I recall from (perhaps faulty?)
> |memory:
> |
> | Duracell (ordinary)
> | Duracell Plus
> | Duracell M3
> |
> |---------
> |
> |The Duracell web site has a technical page but it refers only to:
> | (1) Ultra Digital
> | (2) Coppertop
> |http://www.duracell.com/oem/productdata/default.asp
> |
> |Is Ultra Digital the same as Ultra or the same as M3?
> |Is Coppertop the same as Plus or the same as "ordinary"?
>
> |yours confused
>
> Confusion is Duracell's marketing ploy which you have fallen for :-(
>
> Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
> battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
> available.
They are different. ISTR the Maplin catalogue used to give the
capacities some years ago (before they switched to selling boys toys,
etc).
MBQ
| |
| Lostgallifreyan 2006-05-08, 11:21 am |
| William P.N. Smith <news2006c@compusmiths.com> wrote in
news:82gu529qi5i4iafev2njtdi6288qhk6nat@4ax.com:
> Dave Fawthrop <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>
>
> But limited to uselessness for most consumers. A single number won't
> tell you if a particular battery is better suited for years of life in
> a digital clock or more pictures in a digital camera. Batteries
> optimized for one scenario would be awful in the other.
>
Since the early seventies, probably earlier, there were two kinds of
battery that a consumer would see for either a dry cell or an alkaline:
Long Life, and High Power. So if you use a single value for capacity per
battery type, and it is printed honstly on the appropriately named battery,
people will know that this figure applies if they use the battery
appropriately.
There are two points that could be confusing:
1. Mixing up the battery types.
2. Demands that are some way between both types.
There's not much you can do about the first, when people fail to understand
the difference, telling them more data won't help, but telling them less is
disrespectful.
The second case is the tougher one, and there the single value won't be
enough, but you can refer people to a makers graph of lifetime for average
current drawn per life, one graph per battery type (Both graphs printed on
cardboard packaging for both types). They can put both plots together and
make their own choice. The point where the plotted lines cross is the set
of conditions for which both batteries are equal to the task. This idea is
simple enough to grasp by intuition, and also highly informative if you
look at the values for capacity and drawn current.
| |
| Lostgallifreyan 2006-05-08, 11:21 am |
| manatbandq@hotmail.com wrote in
news:1147094126.773929.96600@y43g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:
>
> Dave Fawthrop wrote:
>
> They are different. ISTR the Maplin catalogue used to give the
> capacities some years ago (before they switched to selling boys toys,
> etc).
>
> MBQ
>
>
Nice summing up of what's happened to Maplin there. > It's a sad crime
what's been done to that firm.
| |
| Dave Fawthrop 2006-05-08, 12:21 pm |
| On Mon, 08 May 2006 09:00:02 -0400, William P.N. Smith
<news2006c@compusmiths.com> wrote:
|Dave Fawthrop <invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
|>Roy Lewallen <w7el@eznec.com> wrote:
|>|You can be sure that if manufacturers were pressed to come up with a
|>|single number for alkaline cell capacity
|
|>|The resulting numbers
|>|would be totally useless.
|>
|>Not IMI totally useless, just limited.
|
|But limited to uselessness for most consumers.
Who would not understand the Data sheets anyway.
|A single number won't
|tell you if a particular battery is better suited for years of life in
|a digital clock or more pictures in a digital camera. Batteries
|optimized for one scenario would be awful in the other.
Already sussed that one.
Alkalines for long life NiMh for power applications
--
Dave Fawthrop <dave hyphenologist co uk> Google Groups is IME the *worst*
method of accessing usenet. GG subscribers would be well advised get a
newsreader, say Agent, and a newsserver, say news.individual.net. These
will allow them: to see only *new* posts, a killfile, and other goodies.
| |
| rqlhgl@ieee.org 2006-05-08, 2:21 pm |
| I believe that some two years ago Practical Sailor magazine did an AA
alkaline comparison test using hand held VHF transreceiver and Duracell
Copper top came out best with Panasonic better than Eveready.
| |
|
| On Mon, 08 May 2006 09:00:02 -0400, William P.N. Smith
<news2006c@compusmiths.com> wrote:
>A single number won't
>tell you if a particular battery is better suited for years of life in
>a digital clock or more pictures in a digital camera. Batteries
>optimized for one scenario would be awful in the other.
Absolutely. The zinc-air PP3's despite costing an arm and leg and
theoretically offering a higher mAh than alkalines are useless for low
current applications such as smoke alarms.
--
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-08, 4:21 pm |
| The message <mjuu52lq78r7duj549crgsbhip5113mc4v@4ax.com>
from Matt <paint@duluxthesh.aggydog.com> contains these words:
> Absolutely. The zinc-air PP3's despite costing an arm and leg and
> theoretically offering a higher mAh than alkalines are useless for low
> current applications such as smoke alarms.
The local fire brigade in association with the local council gave away
loads of smoke alarms with "10 year" lithium PP3s fitted. About three
years later the batteries are dying.
This wouldn't matter except that there's a pop-rivetted retainer over
the battery so you "can't" replace it.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-08, 4:21 pm |
| In article <GcC7g.65963$wl.38978@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk>,
The3rd Earl Of Derby <allo@h.co.uk> wrote:
[color=darkred]
> Hmmm! I'd of thought a company that uses batteries on a daily basis would
> go in for rechargables?
They don't yet have a long enough life. The Micron UHF types I use just
about get through half a day (5 hours) on one PP3 alkaline. Anything less
would be unacceptable.
Then there's the problem of recharging perhaps some 50 PP3s per day across
the units.
--
*Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| William P.N. Smith 2006-05-08, 5:21 pm |
| raden <raden@kateda.org> wrote:
>As for RS
>They do have a mission statement, though
Yeah, but it's "You've got questions, we've got blank stares". 8*)
| |
| Jim Backus 2006-05-08, 6:21 pm |
| On Sun, 7 May 2006 11:32:18 UTC, Dave Fawthrop
<invalid@hyphenologist.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> On Sun, 07 May 2006 11:35:30 +0100, Alex Coleman <no@no-email.com> wrote:
>
> |It's hard work untangling Duracell's pruct range and the relative
> |performance.
> |
> |I don't think Duracell are great value but they can be got anywhere
> |and I want to know the relative merits of their popular alkaline
> |batteries.
> |
> |---------
> |
> |What is the rated capacity in mAh of an alkaline Duracell AA cell in
> |the following product ranges which I recall from (perhaps faulty?)
> |memory:
> |
> | Duracell (ordinary)
> | Duracell Plus
> | Duracell M3
> |
> |---------
> |
> |The Duracell web site has a technical page but it refers only to:
> | (1) Ultra Digital
> | (2) Coppertop
> |http://www.duracell.com/oem/productdata/default.asp
> |
> |Is Ultra Digital the same as Ultra or the same as M3?
> |Is Coppertop the same as Plus or the same as "ordinary"?
>
> |yours confused
>
> Confusion is Duracell's marketing ploy which you have fallen for :-(
>
> Until Alkaline battery manufacturers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
> battery, I will believe that they are all the same and buy the cheapest
> available.
>
I've noted time between replacing batteries in a couple of appliances.
Duracell were best but not by enough to justify the prices in British
shops. Maplin were very poor. GP cells were close to Duracell at a
fraction of the price. Appliances were Palm 3, and a sony CD/Radio
alarm.
BTW, have other Brits noticed how the supermarkets tend to sell the
most expensive Duracells? When Duracell Plus were the top of the range
those were stocked, now they only stock the Ultra M3 range. What
happened to consumer choice?
--
Jim Backus OS/2 user since 1994
bona fide replies to j <dot> backus <the circle thingy> jita <dot>
demon <dot> co <dot> uk
| |
| Dave Fawthrop 2006-05-08, 6:21 pm |
| On Mon, 8 May 2006 20:39:49 +0000 (UTC), "Jim Backus" <jhb@nospam.co.uk>
wrote:
|BTW, have other Brits noticed how the supermarkets tend to sell the
|most expensive Duracells? When Duracell Plus were the top of the range
|those were stocked, now they only stock the Ultra M3 range. What
|happened to consumer choice?
We go to Lidl, Where they have cheap own brand Alkalines
--
Dave Fawthrop <dave hyphenologist co uk> Google Groups is IME the *worst*
method of accessing usenet. GG subscribers would be well advised get a
newsreader, say Agent, and a newsserver, say news.individual.net. These
will allow them: to see only *new* posts, a killfile, and other goodies.
| |
|
| urers state the Ampere hour capacity on each
>
>
> I've noted time between replacing batteries in a couple of appliances.
> Duracell were best but not by enough to justify the prices in British
> shops. Maplin were very poor. GP cells were close to Duracell at a
> fraction of the price. Appliances were Palm 3, and a sony CD/Radio
> alarm.
>
> BTW, have other Brits noticed how the supermarkets tend to sell the
> most expensive Duracells? When Duracell Plus were the top of the range
> those were stocked, now they only stock the Ultra M3 range. What
> happened to consumer choice?
>
Sainsbury's regularly do a 50% extra free on standarad Duracells. 12
for about £4. That's cheaper than the market stalls.
john2
| |
| manatbandq@hotmail.com 2006-05-09, 5:21 am |
|
raden wrote:
> In message <Xns97BD93E918A1Elostgallifreyangmail@140.99.99.130>,
> Lostgallifreyan <no-one@nowhere.net> writes
>
> Same with Watford Electronics
>
> As for RS - Has anybody actually managed to order something and found it
> in stock ?
>
> e.g. 47uF /63v caps - 3 week back order, they don't know what they've
> sent out and what they haven't
>
> They do have a mission statement, though
>
The impending RoHS deadline is causing componnet shortages (at least
that's the excuse) as companies suddenly realise they don't have the
correct stuff in stock and place panic orders.
MBQ
| |
| Lostgallifreyan 2006-05-09, 5:21 am |
| Large snip...
>
> The impending RoHS deadline is causing componnet shortages (at least
> that's the excuse) as companies suddenly realise they don't have the
> correct stuff in stock and place panic orders.
>
> MBQ
>
>
I'd call that a reason.
I've found RS to be good generally. Certainly good enough to make the slow
demise of Maplin bearable. I don't think Maplin ever did free delivery to
my door, guaranteed next day, either. Or had such a good stock of data I
get at will. But Maplin used to have really good small reference items in
their catalogs, I still keep old ones for that reason.
Some parts at RS cost more, but the difference is usually less than the
cost of trying to find cheaper. I still look though. RS don't mind either,
they've often helped me with company info that lets me bypass them to buy
direct, there aren't many companies that will gladly do this, and still be
able to profit themselves on what they do sell.
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-09, 9:21 am |
| In article <Xns97BE577D2D700lostgallifreyangmail@140.99.99.130>,
Lostgallifreyan <no-one@nowhere.net> wrote:
> Some parts at RS cost more, but the difference is usually less than the
> cost of trying to find cheaper. I still look though. RS don't mind
> either, they've often helped me with company info that lets me bypass
> them to buy direct, there aren't many companies that will gladly do
> this, and still be able to profit themselves on what they do sell.
Most such companies sell direct to anyone with a credit card.
CPS and Rapid are usually cheaper than RS for identical stuff.
--
*I yell because I care
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
|
| Jim Backus wrote:
> BTW, have other Brits noticed how the supermarkets tend to sell the
> most expensive Duracells?
In trade magazines Duracell advertises to retailers: selling expensive
batteries is more turnover and more profit for you.
Thus, Duracell's key selling point is _high_ price. Not for the
consumer, but for the retailer.
Thomas
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-09, 6:21 pm |
| The message <t4ggylMH85XEFwFJ@ntlworld.com>
from raden <raden@kateda.org> contains these words:
> They do have a mission statement, though
How's this for a mission statement....
Mission Statement:
'To make as much money as possible off a small, but really good idea
that other humans can relate to and have a laugh with us at.'
http://www.grateness.com/mission.htm
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
|
| In message <313030303432373944610BE052@zetnet.co.uk>, Guy King
<guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> writes
>The message <t4ggylMH85XEFwFJ@ntlworld.com>
>from raden <raden@kateda.org> contains these words:
>
>
>How's this for a mission statement....
>
>Mission Statement:
>
> 'To make as much money as possible off a small, but really good idea
>that other humans can relate to and have a laugh with us at.'
>
>http://www.grateness.com/mission.htm
>
Honest, at least
--
geoff
| |
| Dale Farmer 2006-05-13, 10:21 am |
| The3rd Earl Of Derby wrote:
> Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
>
> Hmmm! I'd of thought a company that uses batteries on a daily basis would
> go in for rechargables?
>
Not always. For radio microphones, you need higher charge density
than rechargables provide. It really sucks to have your wireless
microphone crap out partway through act two. Another problem is that
the discharge curve is very steep, so the thing goes from working fine
to dead in a very short time, not giving you the opportunity to go do an
emergency battery replacement before it dies.
The memory effect in nicads is a problem, even though it is a far
smaller issue than it was years ago. keeping track of aging
rechargeables is an administrative hassle, consuming valuable time when
time is at a premium. If you are in a touring environment, finding a
place where you can plug in the chargers when everything is packed on a
truck driving to the next site is a tad difficult.
Other people on the tour are constantly taking batteries to power
their personal electronics. With partly used alkalines, this is no
problem, with rechargables, this gets expensive fast, and leaves you
short of charged up batteries at the start of the show.
When you are buying by the flat of 576 batteries, they are a lot
less expensive than buying them at the convenience store. ( Anyone know
why batteries come in a box of 576? I've always wondered. )
--Dale
| |
| Long Ranger 2006-05-13, 3:21 pm |
|
"Dale Farmer" <dale@cybercom.net> wrote in message
news:KRk9g.102$921.18@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> The3rd Earl Of Derby wrote:
> Not always. For radio microphones, you need higher charge density than
> rechargables provide. It really sucks to have your wireless microphone
> crap out partway through act two. Another problem is that the discharge
> curve is very steep, so the thing goes from working fine to dead in a very
> short time, not giving you the opportunity to go do an emergency battery
> replacement before it dies.
> The memory effect in nicads is a problem, even though it is a far
> smaller issue than it was years ago. keeping track of aging rechargeables
> is an administrative hassle, consuming valuable time when time is at a
> premium. If you are in a touring environment, finding a place where you
> can plug in the chargers when everything is packed on a truck driving to
> the next site is a tad difficult.
> Other people on the tour are constantly taking batteries to power their
> personal electronics. With partly used alkalines, this is no problem,
> with rechargables, this gets expensive fast, and leaves you short of
> charged up batteries at the start of the show.
> When you are buying by the flat of 576 batteries, they are a lot less
> expensive than buying them at the convenience store. ( Anyone know why
> batteries come in a box of 576? I've always wondered. )
>
> --Dale
Just a note about AAA cells. (I know this is AA an discussion). If you are
ever in dire need of some AAA cells, and have a 9V laying around, you can
usually pry the thing apart to reveal 6 AAA in series inside. Depending on
brand, you can use them as-is, or you might have to insulate them
individually around the outside.
| |
| PowerStream 2006-05-15, 2:21 pm |
| PowerStream has some discharge curves for the Coppertop and
Radio Shack Enercell Plus. Check out
http://www.powerstream.com/AA-tests.htm
High current and low current designs are different.
Best regards
mark
| |
| PowerStream 2006-05-16, 1:21 pm |
| These look like AAAs, but they are even smaller
The AAA size is 10.5 mm in diameter and 44.5 mm long.
The AAAA is 8.5 mm in diameter and 40.5 mm long
The ones they use in 9 volt batteries is 7.5 mm in diameter and 40.5 mm
long.
So this could probably be called a AAAAA cell.
They are cute.
For more information on cell sizes seel
http://www.powerstream.com/Size.htm
By the way, some of these 9 volt batteries are made using oblong coin
cells instead
of cylindrical cells.
Best regards
mark
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-16, 5:21 pm |
| The message <1147795678.563560.184840@j55g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>
from "PowerStream" <mlund@powerstream.com> contains these words:
> By the way, some of these 9 volt batteries are made using oblong coin
> cells instead
> of cylindrical cells.
They used to all be like that a few decades ago.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-16, 8:21 pm |
| In article <3130303034323739446A391F75@zetnet.co.uk>,
Guy King <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
[color=darkred]
> They used to all be like that a few decades ago.
Yup. In my *really* cheap days I used to break off the tops of Duracell
PP3s to use as battery connectors - they're rather stronger than those
flexy plastic ones Maplin etc sell.
--
*There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| Long Ranger 2006-05-17, 3:21 am |
|
"PowerStream" <mlund@powerstream.com> wrote in message
news:1147795678.563560.184840@j55g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> These look like AAAs, but they are even smaller
>
> The AAA size is 10.5 mm in diameter and 44.5 mm long.
>
> The AAAA is 8.5 mm in diameter and 40.5 mm long
>
> The ones they use in 9 volt batteries is 7.5 mm in diameter and 40.5 mm
> long.
> So this could probably be called a AAAAA cell.
>
> They are cute.
>
> For more information on cell sizes seel
> http://www.powerstream.com/Size.htm
>
> By the way, some of these 9 volt batteries are made using oblong coin
> cells instead
> of cylindrical cells.
>
> Best regards
> mark
>
Yeah, I guess so, but they have worked for me in a pinch.
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-17, 5:21 am |
| The message <4e2822670cdave@davenoise.co.uk>
from "Dave Plowman (News)" <dave@davenoise.co.uk> contains these words:
> Yup. In my *really* cheap days I used to break off the tops of Duracell
> PP3s to use as battery connectors - they're rather stronger than those
> flexy plastic ones Maplin etc sell.
You are not alone!
I also used to pull the carbon rods out of D cells to use as electrodes
with a car battery. I found you could melt common salt quite easily.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Chris Bacon 2006-05-17, 6:21 am |
| Guy King wrote:
> The message from "Dave Plowman (News)" contains these words:
>
>
> You are not alone!
>
> I also used to pull the carbon rods out of D cells to use as electrodes
> with a car battery. I found you could melt common salt quite easily.
You too. Weren't they "SP2s" in those days?
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-17, 8:21 am |
| The message <446ae3ed@newsgate.x-privat.org>
from Chris Bacon <chrispbacon@thai.com> contains these words:
> You too. Weren't they "SP2s" in those days?
Hmm, something like that but I'm not sure it was SP2.
D'yer remember the 3V torch batteries that were like 2 C cells in a
cardboard tube? And the 2xD cycle lamp batteries that had a spring on
top and another on the front? And "flag" batteries?
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Roger Hamlett 2006-05-17, 8:21 am |
|
"Guy King" <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3130303034323739446B05B525@zetnet.co.uk...
> The message <446ae3ed@newsgate.x-privat.org>
> from Chris Bacon <chrispbacon@thai.com> contains these words:
>
>
> Hmm, something like that but I'm not sure it was SP2.
'U2' was the generic 'size'. The 'SP2', was the 'super power' version.
I think most people used those rods for something. I had a really powerful
transformer (gave about 800A at 3v), and with nice thick cables, you could
do a sort of 'spot welding' with these. The carbon was also a vital
ingredient in many chemistry mixes....
> D'yer remember the 3V torch batteries that were like 2 C cells in a
> cardboard tube? And the 2xD cycle lamp batteries that had a spring on
> top and another on the front? And "flag" batteries?
The cycle lamp batteries had a longer cell than the 'D' cell. About 50%
larger. I remember having to drill holes in the spring strips, to use
these in a field telephone, when the 'official' batteries for these became
hard to get.
Best Wishes
| |
| Chris Bacon 2006-05-17, 8:21 am |
| Guy King wrote:
> The message from Chris Bacon contains these words:
>
>
> Hmm, something like that but I'm not sure it was SP2.
>
> D'yer remember the 3V torch batteries that were like 2 C cells in a
> cardboard tube?
Not sure...
> And the 2xD cycle lamp batteries that had a spring on
> top and another on the front?
Yes.
> And "flag" batteries?
What dat ting?
How's it best to fit rechargeable cells into one of those
6V batteries with coil spring contacts on top?
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-17, 9:21 am |
| In article <3130303034323739446B05B525@zetnet.co.uk>,
Guy King <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
> D'yer remember the 3V torch batteries that were like 2 C cells in a
> cardboard tube? And the 2xD cycle lamp batteries that had a spring on
> top and another on the front? And "flag" batteries?
How about the 4.5 volt lantern type with sprung levers on the top known as
'flat' batteries? Often used in cycle front lamps.
Incidentally, these are still available from the likes of Maplin and are a
source if stripped for cells which are used in some test meters and
difficult to source singly.
--
*Taxation WITH representation ain't much fun, either.
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-17, 10:21 am |
| The message <446b04bc$2@newsgate.x-privat.org>
from Chris Bacon <chrispbacon@thai.com> contains these words:
[color=darkred]
> What dat ting?
A socking great single cell. Once used (amongst other things) to power
glowplugs for model engines.
http://nawcc-mb.infopop.cc/groupee/...61/m/4526000561
Picture about a third of the way down.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-17, 10:21 am |
| The message <446b04bc$2@newsgate.x-privat.org>
from Chris Bacon <chrispbacon@thai.com> contains these words:
> How's it best to fit rechargeable cells into one of those
> 6V batteries with coil spring contacts on top?
You can buy rechargeable ones ready made. I've got one that has a Fig-8
mains socket in one corner and a 12V socket in the other. Depending
which way round you put it in the torch you can fit either lead.
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Chris Bacon 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
| Guy King wrote:
> The message from Chris Bacon contains these words:
> A socking great single cell. Once used (amongst other things) to power
> glowplugs for model engines.
>
> http://nawcc-mb.infopop.cc/groupee/...61/m/4526000561
>
> Picture about a third of the way down.
Gosh, that's a big one. No, I don't remember those...
| |
| Chris Bacon 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
| Chris Bacon wrote:
>
> Gosh, that's a big one. No, I don't remember those...
probably.... something about the top terminal rings a
bell, though.
| |
| Spehro Pefhany 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
| On 17 May 2006 15:28:54 +0200, the renowned Chris Bacon
<chrispbacon@thai.com> wrote:
>Guy King wrote:
>
>Gosh, that's a big one. No, I don't remember those...
I had one of those for a model airplane. Everready, IIRC. Binding
posts on the top.
I don't recall the name. Any idea why they were called "flag"
batteries?
Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
| |
| John Rumm 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
| Guy King wrote:
>
>
> Hmm, something like that but I'm not sure it was SP2.
SP2 and HP2.... AA was HP7, and C was HP11
> D'yer remember the 3V torch batteries that were like 2 C cells in a
Sounds like an everready No. 8
--
Cheers,
John.
/=================================================================\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\=================================================================/
| |
| manatbandq@hotmail.com 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
|
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
> In article <3130303034323739446B05B525@zetnet.co.uk>,
> Guy King <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
> How about the 4.5 volt lantern type with sprung levers on the top known as
> 'flat' batteries? Often used in cycle front lamps.
>
> Incidentally, these are still available from the likes of Maplin and are a
They are, or were, used in a lot of headtorches and are often available
from camping shops. Saw Duracell ones in B&Q the other day.
MBQ
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
| In article <3130303034323739446B281D98@zetnet.co.uk>,
Guy King <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
[color=darkred]
[color=darkred]
> A socking great single cell. Once used (amongst other things) to power
> glowplugs for model engines.
> http://nawcc-mb.infopop.cc/groupee/...61/m/4526000561
> Picture about a third of the way down.
Similar to cells once used for doorbells, etc, with a life measured in
tens of years?
--
*Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| William P.N. Smith 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
| Chris Bacon <chrispbacon@thai.com> wrote:
>probably.... something about the top terminal rings a
>bell, though.
Henh, good one! 8*) It looks kinda like a BC cell, but it's hard to
tell...
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-17, 11:21 am |
| In article <19am62dq85jtsmqhbd3tosgpbi2bvoo6vi@4ax.com>,
Spehro Pefhany <speffSNIP@interlogDOTyou.knowwhat> wrote:
> Any idea why they were called "flag"
> batteries?
Ever tried carrying a few? ;-)
--
*There are two kinds of pedestrians... the quick and the dead.
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| Lostgallifreyan 2006-05-17, 12:21 pm |
| Chris Bacon <chrispbacon@thai.com> wrote in
news:446b2554$1@newsgate.x-privat.org:
> Chris Bacon wrote:
>
> probably.... something about the top terminal rings a
> bell, though.
That's about the size of it. The 'flags' were little disks behind glass
windows in rosewood or mahogany boxes, used in large houses with servants,
if a bell was rung in a room, the staff could tell who rang it by looking
at the flag box. The bell would be mounted above, or beside the box, and
the flag battery (Usually a few in series) would be in the box or on a
shelf on the wall nearby.
| |
| Guy King 2006-05-17, 2:21 pm |
| The message <Xns97C69E408C839lostgallifreyangmail@140.99.99.130>
from Lostgallifreyan <no-one@nowhere.net> contains these words:
> That's about the size of it. The 'flags' were little disks behind glass
> windows in rosewood or mahogany boxes, used in large houses with servants,
Not even that large. I had friends in a three bed semi that had one!
--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
| |
| Dave Plowman (News) 2006-05-17, 3:21 pm |
| In article <3130303034323739446B5EA323@zetnet.co.uk>,
Guy King <guy.king@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
[color=darkred]
> Not even that large. I had friends in a three bed semi that had one!
Pah. I've got the remains of a mechanical bell system here. Dunno why -
you could have whistled for the maid...
--
*Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
| |
| Grimly Curmudgeon 2006-05-29, 9:21 pm |
| We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember Chris Bacon <chrispbacon@thai.com>
saying something like:
>How's it best to fit rechargeable cells into one of those
>6V batteries with coil spring contacts on top?
Ever Ready 6V lanterns come with a rechargeable battery holder that
takes 4 D cells. It's quite handy, given the price of lantern batteries.
Now I've got a selection of rechargeable gel-cell lead acid lanterns I
don't need it so much.
--
Dave
| |
| Grimly Curmudgeon 2006-06-01, 2:21 pm |
| We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember Spehro Pefhany
<speffSNIP@interlogDOTyou.knowwhat> saying something like:
>I don't recall the name. Any idea why they were called "flag"
>batteries?
A memory faintly stirs of something I read yonks ago. I think it might
be something to do with an old signalling system of the late
Victorian/Edwardian period - maybe railway related. The cells were used
in banks contained in wooden cases.
I distinctly recall such cells being used in an intercom system in my
primary school - it never worked, to the best of my knowledge.
--
Dave
| |
|
| In article <og6u72dnu7t94k2fec6j456ftm6bccc9jq@4ax.com>, grimly4REMOVE@REMOVEgmail.com wrote:
>We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
>drugs began to take hold. I remember Spehro Pefhany
><speffSNIP@interlogDOTyou.knowwhat> saying something like:
>
>
>A memory faintly stirs of something I read yonks ago. I think it might
>be something to do with an old signalling system of the late
>Victorian/Edwardian period - maybe railway related. The cells were used
>in banks contained in wooden cases.
>
>I distinctly recall such cells being used in an intercom system in my
>primary school - it never worked, to the best of my knowledge.
And Barstow has plenty of switching tracks going on.
Actually Barstow is not at the edge of the desert, but it sure is high,
and many get high, but its not nearly as high as El Paso.
greg
Former Barstow resident
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| Roy Lewallen 2006-06-09, 4:21 pm |
| GregS wrote:
> In article <og6u72dnu7t94k2fec6j456ftm6bccc9jq@4ax.com>, grimly4REMOVE@REMOVEgmail.com wrote:
> . . .
> And Barstow has plenty of switching tracks going on.
> Actually Barstow is not at the edge of the desert, but it sure is high,
> and many get high, but its not nearly as high as El Paso.
Alas, it's too late to correct the original author, whose ashes were
shot from a cannon not too long ago.
Roy Lewallen
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