Red Cloud® wrote:


Be aware that many devices designed for nicads and alkalines will go a little
nutz with NiMh batteries. The battery "gas gauges" will not reflect true
condition, and in many cases the device will squawk with low battery warnings
even when the batteries are fully and freshly charged. The NiMh batteries have a
different curve. They will start out at a lower voltage, but will stay at that
level for a longer time.

I have a Garmin handheld VHF that was desinged for NiCads. I use NiMh batteries
in the accessory carrier intended for alkalines with no issues after I kill the
alarms. It runs for about 8-10 hours even though the radio insists the batteries
are almost dead the whole time.

rusty redcloud

Using NiCads or NiMh(s) rated at 1.2 volts nominal will do that in
applications designed for 1.5 volts nominal.

I have an older pair of CB walkies that actually took this into
consideration. The battery case holds 10 1.2v AA rechargeables, but to
use alkalines they provided (2) "blanks" the size of AA batteries to
bridge the connection to just 8 AA alkalines, @ 1.5v each.

Rob