AAs vs. AAAs Batteries
 

What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

About HALF the amphour ratings of a "AA" battery. The typical "AA" Ni-Mh
cell is now 2000Mah while the "AAA" battery is (at best) 750Mah. The
equipment powered by the "AA" batteries will run a lot longer.....Eddie
"Tom Welch" wrote in message
om...
What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

Tom Welch wrote:

What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

AAAs are lighter and smaller. If they're rechargeable, it won't
matter much as to cost to run. The AA has about 3-4 times the capacity
of the AAA though.

I don't think I have any AAA radios, maybe the Sangean DT300VW is. The
IC recorders all seem to be AAA though. Probably a speaker needs AA
to get decent run times.

I've gone to NiMH power on all my radios that have wall-warts.

NiMH has considerably less run time than Alkaline and won't stay
charged over months, which limits its use a little here and there.
--
Ron Hardin


On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.

The physical size of the battery will determine the capacity -- that is
ampere hours.
Generally the AA will have a higher ampere hour rating than an AAA within a
given type -- i.e. it will last longer for a given load.
Manufacturers don't seem to be too willing to give amp/hour ratings -- one
reason being it will vary depending on the load.

However you can check url:
http://data.energizer.com/

And they have capacity charts (with a caveat regarding load)
Example a typical AA is rated at 3135 milliamp hours
A typical AAA is rated at 1375 milliamp hours


AAA batteries are ideal for the smaller devices, of course

For your application -- Buy an AC adapter -- saves on batteries when you
have AC power available.

I have a Radio Shack DX-398 and it eats batteries big time -- so I use the
RS AC adaptor when at home. Batteries are fine when traveling.

Hopes this helps.

--
73- Cambio - Keyboard To You
"Tom Welch" wrote in message
om...
What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

Yes, the DT-300VW runs on AAA's, and I use it very often, every day... I'm
running whatever is on my shortwave receiver through FM. And it's true
AAA's do not last as long, but if you have at least 2 sets and one of the
sets on the charger, it really isn't that big of a deal.. However if I take
the radio away from home I have to remember to bring fresh batteries and a
time or two I have ended up buying alkalines while out. Alkalines do last a
lot longer but I have saved hundreds of dollars on batteries using NiMH.


"Ron Hardin" wrote in message
...
Tom Welch wrote:

What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

AAAs are lighter and smaller. If they're rechargeable, it won't
matter much as to cost to run. The AA has about 3-4 times the capacity
of the AAA though.

I don't think I have any AAA radios, maybe the Sangean DT300VW is. The
IC recorders all seem to be AAA though. Probably a speaker needs AA
to get decent run times.

I've gone to NiMH power on all my radios that have wall-warts.

NiMH has considerably less run time than Alkaline and won't stay
charged over months, which limits its use a little here and there.
--
Ron Hardin


On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.

Expect 1/2 to 1/3 less usable live from a set of AAA versus AA.
Only reason they specify AAA is it makes the product smaller
versus if you had to use AA. They (AAA) are OK for use in
TV remote controls, but you'll be changing AAA cells every
other day in a radio product application. My rule is if it uses
AAA then I don't buy it. My neighbor bought a pair of FRS
radios that used AAA cells and took it camping. Of course the
kids had fun seeing how far they could talk around the campground
but he also said the batteries were exhausted after just 2 days.

"Tom Welch" wrote in message
om...
What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

I have a quick question. I have been thinking of getting
some rechargeable batteries and a charger. One thing I want
them for is my DX-375 which uses 2-c cells. My understanding
is that they are 1.2 volts, does this make any difference to
radio operation?

Norm


What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

I have owned a DX-375, and one of the great things about it is that you
really don't need an AC adapter. The battery life is so good on these
radios with 2 Alkaline "C"'s , I wouldn't even bother with rechargeables.
On the other hand, most of the portables with AA's would be another story.


"N Deveau" wrote in message
...
I have a quick question. I have been thinking of getting
some rechargeable batteries and a charger. One thing I want
them for is my DX-375 which uses 2-c cells. My understanding
is that they are 1.2 volts, does this make any difference to
radio operation?

Norm


What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

MW,

Since we are expanding the Topic from "AA -=V=- AAA Batteries"
to other Battery Sizes.

The GE Superadios, the CCRadios and now the Grundig S350 /
Tecsun BCL-2000 all use a set of Four (4) of the larger "D"
Size Batteries. [ 4 x 1.5VDC = 6VDC Power Source ]

Some radio users report that a set of "D" Batteries in these
Radios "Lasts-for-Months" when these radios are used for about
Three (3) Hours Daily.

nbr ~ RHF
= = = No Batteries Required :o)
..
..
= = = "Mike W"
= = = wrote in message .. .
I have owned a DX-375, and one of the great things about it is that you
really don't need an AC adapter. The battery life is so good on these
radios with 2 Alkaline "C"'s , I wouldn't even bother with rechargeables.
On the other hand, most of the portables with AA's would be another story.


"N Deveau" wrote in message
...
I have a quick question. I have been thinking of getting
some rechargeable batteries and a charger. One thing I want
them for is my DX-375 which uses 2-c cells. My understanding
is that they are 1.2 volts, does this make any difference to
radio operation?

Norm


What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

RHF wrote:

MW,

Since we are expanding the Topic from "AA -=V=- AAA Batteries"
to other Battery Sizes.

The GE Superadios, the CCRadios and now the Grundig S350 /
Tecsun BCL-2000 all use a set of Four (4) of the larger "D"
Size Batteries. [ 4 x 1.5VDC = 6VDC Power Source ]

I can't speak about the other radios, but the Superadio III uses 6 D size
batteries.



Some radio users report that a set of "D" Batteries in these
Radios "Lasts-for-Months" when these radios are used for about
Three (3) Hours Daily.

nbr ~ RHF
= = = No Batteries Required :o)
.
.
= = = "Mike W"
= = = wrote in message .. .
I have owned a DX-375, and one of the great things about it is that you
really don't need an AC adapter. The battery life is so good on these
radios with 2 Alkaline "C"'s , I wouldn't even bother with rechargeables.
On the other hand, most of the portables with AA's would be another story.


"N Deveau" wrote in message
...
I have a quick question. I have been thinking of getting
some rechargeable batteries and a charger. One thing I want
them for is my DX-375 which uses 2-c cells. My understanding
is that they are 1.2 volts, does this make any difference to
radio operation?

Norm


What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

I can't speak about the other radios, but the Superadio III uses 6 D size
batteries.


Oh yeah, well my Zenith uses 9 D cells.

Which is all very nice until you have to change them...

Or carry it.

I just plug it in and leave it in the house.

N8KDV,

YOU ARE SO RIGHT ! (I Did a Physical Inspection)
GE Superadio III does have Six(6) "D" Size Batteries.

This just points out the fact that by the time a set of Alkaline
Batteries is used up - One Forgets Just How Many There Are :o)

CLAIM: "Six internal "D" Cells with over 400 Hours Battery Life !"

Plus it is now claimed that the 'newer' Duracell "Ultra" Batteries
and Energizer "e2" Batteries both last 50% longer then the older
alkaline batteries.

So, I guess a Set-of-Batteries could last 600+ Hours: At Three(3)
Hours a Day that is almost Seven(7) Months on one set of Batteries.


FOR THE FUTU Not wanting to be 'non-factual' I did a
follow-up Physical Inspection of most of my "D" Cell Radios:

GE Superadio I = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
GE Superadio II = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
GE Superadio III = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
GE World Monitor # P-990A = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
GE World Monitor # 7-2990A = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
GE World Monitor # 7-2900A = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries

CCRadio = Four(4) "D" Size Batteries
CCRadioPlus = Four(4) "D" Size Batteries

Grundig S350 'Super Radio' = Four(4) "D" Size Batteries
Tecsun BCL-2000 'Red Hot' = Four(4) "D" Size Batteries

Sony ICF-2010 = Three(3) "D" Size Batteries

Panasonic RF-2200 = Four(4) "D" Size Batteries
Panasonic RF-2800 = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
Panasonic RF-2900 = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
Panasonic RF-2600 = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
Panasonic RF-4900 = EIGHT (8) "D" Size Batteries (YES "8")

Hitachi TH-812 = Six(6) "D" Size Batteries
[ The Grand-Daddy of All My Radios ]

FWIW: Back in the early 1960s I managed to receive "WBZ" in
Boston using this Hitachi TH-812 (TRF AM/MW Portable Radio) with
an outboard 'inductively coupled' Tunable Ferrite Rod Antenna
Feed by a 65 Foot Random Wire Antenna.
GoTo= http://www.transistor.org/collection.../hitachi9.html
NOTE: This took me Two Winter Seasons to Log this DX Catch.

OBTW: If you are interested in Old Transister Radios
Check-Out the "WWW.Transistor.Org" website:
GoTo= http://www.transistor.org/collection/collection.html


taf ~ RHF
= = = Thats All Folks !
..
..
= = = N8KDV
= = = wrote in message ...

RHF wrote:

MW,

Since we are expanding the Topic from "AA -=V=- AAA Batteries"
to other Battery Sizes.

The GE Superadios, the CCRadios and now the Grundig S350 /
Tecsun BCL-2000 all use a set of Four (4) of the larger "D"
Size Batteries. [ 4 x 1.5VDC = 6VDC Power Source ]

I can't speak about the other radios, but the Superadio III uses 6 D size
batteries.



Some radio users report that a set of "D" Batteries in these
Radios "Lasts-for-Months" when these radios are used for about
Three (3) Hours Daily.

nbr ~ RHF
= = = No Batteries Required :o)
.
.
= = = "Mike W"
= = = wrote in message .. .
I have owned a DX-375, and one of the great things about it is that you
really don't need an AC adapter. The battery life is so good on these
radios with 2 Alkaline "C"'s , I wouldn't even bother with rechargeables.
On the other hand, most of the portables with AA's would be another story.


"N Deveau" wrote in message
...
I have a quick question. I have been thinking of getting
some rechargeable batteries and a charger. One thing I want
them for is my DX-375 which uses 2-c cells. My understanding
is that they are 1.2 volts, does this make any difference to
radio operation?

Norm


What are the tradeoffs when buying
radio gear that is powered by AAs
vs. AAAs batteries?

Both AAs and AAAs seem to be priced the
same.

I have never bought a radio using AAAs,
but now I am very interest in buying a
Sony pocket radio that uses AAAs, so
I am thinking of making an exception
to my rule of never buying gear that
uses AAAs.

Tom Welch

Oh yeah, well my Zenith uses 9 D cells.

Which is all very nice until you have to ... carry it.

That's called "Navy portable." G I once had a "laptop" computer like that.

Bill, K5BY

"CAndersen (Kimba)" wrote:

(N Deveau) wrote:

My understanding
is that they are 1.2 volts, does this make any difference to
radio operation?

The big difference between rechargeables and alkaline batteries is that as
soon as you start using alkalines, their voltage begins to drop.
Rechargeables stay pretty much at their initial voltage and then die
suddenly.

So even though rechargeables start out at a lower voltage, almost all
electronics are designed to operate over a range of voltages and the
performance with rechargeables is no different than it would be with a set
of alkalines at about the middle of their useful life.

But you'll get little warning about when the rechargeables are used up, so
you'll want to have a second set always ready.

One exception is the Sony-2010 which won't operate properly on three
NiCd 'D' cells (3.6-V) instead of alkalines (4.5-V). This is
particularly a problem on shortwave with the sync' detector on. That
mode uses the most power. The radio was designed to run at a nominal
voltage of 4.5-V which doesn't leave much head room for some of it's
circuits. I made an internal battery pack for my '2010' with four
2200-mah sub-C NiMh's (4.8-V). The '2010' can handle a little over
voltage with no problem.


-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
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BILL [K5BY],

Then Panasonic RF-4900 must be "Navy Portable". (But Will It Float ? )

Panasonic RF-4900 = EIGHT (8) "D" Size Batteries (YES "8")

jftfoi ~ RHF
..
..
= = = (WShoots1)
= = = wrote in message ...
Oh yeah, well my Zenith uses 9 D cells.

Which is all very nice until you have to ... carry it.

That's called "Navy portable." G I once had a "laptop" computer like that.

Bill, K5BY
..

starman wrote:

One exception is the Sony-2010 which won't operate properly on three
NiCd 'D' cells (3.6-V) instead of alkalines (4.5-V).

Well, I did say "almost all". ;)


--
Reply address munged. You can figure it out.

RHF: Then Panasonic RF-4900 must be "Navy Portable". (But Will It Float ? )


I'd say that unit gives new meaning to "boat anchor." G

Bill, K5BY

That depends. If you have multiple batteries in the radio, the total voltage
may be to low to run the radio. Stick reachable in a Sangean 818 and see how
long it lasts.

"CAndersen (Kimba)" wrote in message So
even though rechargeables start out at a lower voltage, almost all
electronics are designed to operate over a range of voltages and the
performance with rechargeables is no different than it would be with a set
of alkalines at about the middle of their useful life.