[Elecraft] Experience with off brand Lithium AAs?

[peter gerba]

I read Fred's piece on his travels and battery observations. I have a few to
add:

I earn my living with "photo stuff". The "stuff" consumes many AA batteries.
I buy batteries in great quantity. Lithium AA batteries are by far the best
for long-term camera use (not flash). I use Alkaline cells for equipment
that will be used "just for the day". The newer camera company manufactured
flash units, run much better with Ni-MH rechargeable; I've found the
Panasonic 2300 mAh to work reliably.

I have a few rules I follow that, I'll pass along: If the equipment will not
be used in the next day or two, remove the batteries. Before installing
batteries, inspect them; measure the voltage. Clean the contacts (I use
Scotch Bright) before installation. This will add to the battery life.
Always use fresh batteries; check the date code. Any that are out of date
are pass on to friends.  I have a few pieces of equipment that I use a lot.
They have Lithium batteries installed in them. I check the battery holders
of these units for any "problem batteries" frequently. If the equipment is
going to sit for a while , pull the holder. If they leak, you loose the
holder, not the equipment.

I have seen very expensive cameras rendered beyond repair by leaking
batteries. The new digital cameras require much more DC power than their
film-based brothers, save heavy motor drive use. The LCD display is
necessary if histograms are used for exposure. When used outdoors, the
displays need to be bright and batteries deplete quickly.

One last thought; I'm carefully wording this.. A close friend was manager
for all the "N"inc. brand professional camera repair shops west of Utah. He
told me that over 90% of cameras submitted for repair, due to battery
damage, had the Cu top brand Alkaline in the camera. I don't know the sales
figures for this brand and haven't seen the "paid for" repair stats, but I
don't think they own the market. So, there might be something to this
report.  I've seen others leak but, be careful when using the Cu brand. And
yes, I do use them.

Pete kn6bi

snip..........

Fred wrote:

>K6DGW/MM was a bit underwhelming, regardless of batteries, story at