[quote name='hhhdx4']Im thinking of getting the ones strell posted
here seems like a great price for what its worth, but is there anyhting else I would need to know about rechargeable batteries? chargine precautions, usage, blahblahblah?
or
these[/quote]
In reference to batteries, among other things, you have to be concerned of the following: lower energy density, higher self-discharge rate, and has memory effect. Also for rechargeables, you need to keep an eye on the charging time.
Think of energy density as the ratio between how much energy you can get at a certain weight. In other words, if you want NimH or NiCd to last as long as, say, Lithium Ion, they tend to be heavier.
As for self-discharge, this is how much charge a battery loses by itself without being used. For NimH or NiCd, it loses typically 1% to 5% of its charge per day. LiOn normally retain their charge even after months. So even if you are not using your Wii-mote, your battery would still be discharging.
In terms of memory effect, think of this as an anomaly where you recharge the NiCd or NimH and it is not completely discharged. When you recharge it at this condition, the battery will have a lower output voltage than its rated value, and it will retain this value after consecutive re-charges. This is bad since the Wii-mote's components will require a certain voltage value to properly function.
However, current advancements in battery technology seem to have improved upon some of these problems. If you really must go with rechargeable batteries, then I recommend the following:
http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries-Adapter/dp/B0000DC4EO/sr=1-2/qid=1163353850/ref=sr_1_2/104-4610602-7988738?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
This includes the charger and 4 2500mAH batteries for roughly $28.
Also, I suggest you do not mix battery technologies. In other words, do not mix and match NimH, NiCd, or LiOn. Also, make sure that the charger you are using is optimized for your rechargeable batteries. The chargers normally work by implementing a charging profile for the battery. Different manufacturers might use different charging profile for their batteries. Frankly, I would stick to using the recommended charger that the manufacturer suggests.
