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Here are some of popular questions customers
have asked since we started.
Some of the information may be new to you as you browse over the Q&A. We hope you'll find answers to your questions, as well as learn more about our products and the technology
behind them.
If you can't find answers to your specific questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
We also have an online BATTERY
FORUM, where you can get a lot of your questions
answered.
Also see this link for our Privacy
Policy.
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Q
& A related to our products
 Alkaline & NiMH batteries in general
SANYO
"Industrial Grade" Batteries
Lightning
Pack 4000N Recharger
Ordering &
Shipping
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Q
& A related to Alkaline & NiMH batteries in general
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Q:
Generally speaking, how much would I be saving by using NiMH rechargeable batteries over the Alkalines?
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| A:
You'll save hundreds of dollars very quickly using
NiMH rechargeables over alkaline "single use" cells.
Even if their performance in "high drain" devices
wasn't so amazingly superior, their simple ability to be recharged
quite literally hundreds of times makes them a virtual "no-brainer." |
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Q:
I have a Gameboy, and it says Alkaline battery are required
for it to run. Can I use your
NiMH AA batteries in my Gameboy?
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| A:
Any device requiring AA batteries can accommodate
NiMH rechargeable cells. Most devices work fine with NiMH,
(including Gameboys.) However, because NiMH delivers power
differently than alkalines, there can be performance
differences in some devices. Experience will tell which kind
of battery is best. |
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Q:
Someone tells me that I may not get longer
performance when NiMH rechargeable batteries are placed in
flashlights or clocks. If so, why is that?
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A:
NiMH has a major performance advantage over Alkalines
in devices that need a lot of energy quickly. Digital Cameras
and Electronic Flash heads will see a tremendous performance
increase over alkaline cells. However, devices
that draw current very evenly won't see as big a difference.
Alkalines can outlast NiMH in some "constant drain
devices", but they can't be recharged.
"Shelf-life" is another issue. Alkaline cells
can be stored for up to 5 years with excellent
performance. NiMH lasts approximately 90 days before self-depleting.
So for these reasons, Alkalines are the better choice for devices
needing long shelf life, like clocks and remote controls. For this
reason, DO NOT USE rechargeable batteries in Smoke or Carbon Monoxide
detectors.
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Q:
I am currently using NiCd AA batteries. Would NiMH work better than
NiCd?
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| A:
In most applications, NiMH easily equals or
betters that of NiCd. The major issue being capacity: current
NiMH cells can hold significantly more energy than equivalent NiCds.
Some high torque devices, (like portable drills and saws,) can
make better use of NiCd's lower impedance qualities, but overall,
NiMH is a much better value. |
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SANYO
"Industrial Grade" Batteries
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Q:
How are SANYO "Industrial Grade"
really that good?
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A:
Several features make them superior to the other brands and
types:
1. Manufacturer.
Sanyo is the pioneer and leader of NiMH technology. Nobody
produces a better
performing, more
consistently reliable battery than they.
2. Construction.
"Industrial Grade" cells are manufactured for a
very demanding "heavy duty"
environment. They will
perform better over a longer period than equivalent
"consumer grade" cells.
3. Capacity. These cells are rated at 1700mAh, but have even greater average capacity.
4. Longevity. They provide more
useable recharge cycles than any other; oftentimes up to 750
full
recharge cycles before
becoming "depleted," (having less than 80% of
initial capacity.) Other brands
oftentimes struggle to
output even 100 cycles at the same initial capacity.
5. Reliability.
Sanyo "Industrial Grade" batteries are the most
consistently reliable batteries on the
market. Industrial
customers prefer them over all others, and Sanyo leads the
world in AA NiMH
production with over 300
million units produced worldwide.
6. Consistency. During production,
these cells are cycled through 50 charge/recharge cycles to
ensure
top performance. Every
cell has been quality assured to real life performance
standards.
Conclusion: These cells represent an excellent value for your money.
They will perform better, more consistently, with better
longevity and reliability than the others. They are held up to
all comers as the standard to beat.
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Q:
How many times can I recharge SANYO
"Industrial Grade" NiMH batteries?
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A:
It is often claimed that a NiMH battery can be recharged
"up to 1000 times." We make the same claim, but with
this understanding: a battery that has lost the
majority of its initial capacity can be recharged,
but those cycles are not considered useful.
The industry
defines a "depleted cell" as one that has lost more
than 20% of its initial capacity. SANYO "Industrial Grade"
cells achieve approximately 750 full recharge cycles before
becoming "depleted." Many other brands will only make
100-250. Any recharge cycles after that are technically
possible,
but not useful. |
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Q:
I'm a semi-pro photographer. What would be the major advantage of using your batteries in my flash unit over the Alkaline ones?
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| A:
All professional photographers should run-not-walk
to get the Sanyo NiMH cells. Not only do they provide
tremendous
cost savings, but their performance over Alkalines in electronic
devices is absolutely exceptional. (See the "About Us"
section for more information.) No professional should leave
home without them. |
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Lightning
Pack 4000N Recharger
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Q:
Can the Lightning Pack 4000N be used with other
rechargeable batteries.
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| A:
The LP4000N is the perfect
recharger for any brand or capacity of AA/AAA, NiMH or NiCd rechargeable
battery. Its microprocessor automatically senses
both a battery's
capacity as well as it's chemistry, and automatically selects
the proper charging profile accordingly. |
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Q:
Can the Lightning Pack 4000N be used as a
carrier for my batteries
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A:
Although its a nice idea to
simply leave the charged cells in the unit and carry them with
you for travel, in practice its not a good idea. The cells in
the charger will rapidly discharge due to being in a closed
circuit, and the charger itself runs a higher risk of damage
if carried around with cells inserted.
For these reasons, it is best to use the Tube-Velope
travel battery carrier for protection and to avoid premature
cell discharge. |
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Q:
Can the Lightening Pack charge one or three
cells (odd numbers), or must it be two or four
(even)?
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| A:
The LP4000N charges in pairs,
2 or 4 at a time, and cannot do odd sets. You need to
swap out odd cells when you charge in pairs. It would seem
that a charger with independent banks would be the best
solution, but we've received comments that these chargers do
not charge all cells equally, and overall performance as a set
suffers. |
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Q:
Can it charge two AA and two AAA at the same time?
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A:
The LP4000N's dual independent banks charges
two cells of the same size, capacity, and chemistry. Each bank
operates independently of the other, and so, for example, it
is able to charge two AA NiCd 1200mAh cells and
two AAA NiMH 650mAh cells at the same time.
Do not mix and match different capacities and battery
chemistries. |
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Q: Does the Lightning
Pack 4000N come with a car adapter?
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A:
The Lightning Pack 4000N is an AC based charger,
and is not compatible with the DC voltage of an automobile or
boat. A device called an "inverter" would be needed
for operation at these locations.
However we have noticed, both through personal experience and
in talking to others, that the high capacity of our NiMH cells
truly eliminates the need to transport the charger into the
field. Taking two fully charged sets of cells into the field
normally provides well more than enough power for the
vast majority of all needs. We know of very few people who can
regularly exhaust our cells in one day's use. I, personally,
have never been able to do it; even after taking, previewing,
and downloading hundreds of pictures in a single day.
Taking a charger into the field introduces a lot of
complications that are thankfully avoided if not absolutely
necessary. Other lesser grade cells, or slower chargers, might
need field charging because of low capacity or poorer
performance. Added to this is the increased risk of damage to
the unit, having to deal with that much more packed equipment,
tangled and dirty cables, and additional drain to the car's
battery. A charger that can load up 4 high capacity cells in
under two hours completely eliminates all this hassle and
mess.
Most everyone we've spoken to loves the idea of leaving the
charger at home and just taking the power with them. The Lightning
Pack 4000N allows you to do just that. |
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Q:
I have some 2200mAh cell NiMH rechargeable
batteries. The LP4000N manual says it has a
"1600mA" charge current." Does this
mean it won't work with my 1800mAh cells?
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A:
Don't confuse "mA" with "mAh". The
first is a measurement of the charger's input current, and the
second is describes how much energy a rechargeable battery can
store. They are not the same thing.
The LP4000N charges any NiMH battery perfectly, every time. Its microprocessor
senses the capacity and applies the correct charging profile
automatically. An 1800mAh cell simply requires a few
more minutes to charge than a 1600mAh cell. |
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Q:
The Lightning pack 4000N has a small switch on
the back. What is that, and
which setting do you recommend?
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A:
The switch setting on the back is the onboard Battery
Conditioner. It will help maximize the charge capacity
of your rechargeable batteries, and is a prime feature on the LP4000N.
The top position (1, DISCHARGE, SLOW) is the onboard Battery
Conditioner; which drains the cells of all residual
charge down to 1V before automatically beginning a full
recharge cycle. This process prevents "sulfation"
from building up in the battery, (which is the chemical
substance that causes capacity reduction.) Using this feature
occasionally helps your cells maintain top performance for throughout their entire
lifespan. (Its also helpful for reconditioning some
previously depleted batteries.)
The bottom position, (2, CHARGE, FAST,) is the normal
charge mode, and using it recharges batteries as quickly
as possible. Use this when you want fastest charging
performance.
Our personal recommendation is to leave NiMH batteries in
your device until they are depleted, and then recharge them
with the Battery Conditioner to maximize their charge
capacity. It is not necessary to discharge batteries only
needing to be "topped off". Neither is it necessary to
discharge them if they are not fully depleted. Running down batteries in whatever device they are in is the best
method for draining them naturally. The Battery Conditioner
will help keep them healthy and in top condition at all
times. |
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Q:
The light flickers really fast on the Lightning Pack 4000N LED. What is that mean? Why does it flicker slow sometimes?
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| A:
Fast flickering means the batteries are being completely
discharged of all residual current before being recharged. Slow
flickering indicates the charge cycle is complete and the batteries
are being maintained via "trickle charging." |
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Q:
Can I harm the batteries if I leave it in the LP4000N charger
plugged-in for a long period of time?
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| A:
Rechargeable batteries are designed to be charged
and discharged on a regular basis. Retaining a full capacity
charge indefinitely (months at a time) is not good for a battery's long-term health.
An "always on" state is desirable, but can have
negative long-term consequences. The LP4000N is a very fast
charger and can fully charge a 1600mAh cell in just 100 minutes.
Running down these cells normally and charging them when
needed is the best method for optimum charge capacities. |
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Q:
I thought NiMH didn't have any "memory effect."
Shouldn't I be able to keep my batteries topped off in
"trickle-mode" indefinitely?
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A:
"Memory effect" (most notable in NiCd cells)
is actually more of a battery recharger issue than anything.
Using a "smart charger," (like the LP4000N,) allows
NiCd cells to be "short cycled" just like NiMH because
the charger shuts off when the cycle is finished. (Most older
NiCd rechargers blast batteries with maximum current as long
as they're plugged in.) This factor alone alleviates most of
the problem.
"Trickle charging" within the first 24 hours of a
recharge can actually input about 3-5% more charge capacity. The
problem is when the cells are left in the charger indefinitely
that problems can occur. The high capacity NiMH are designed
to be charged and discharged on a regular basis.
Leaving batteries in an unnatural "always on" state will ultimately curtail peak
performance. Therefore, we strongly advocate regular discharging
of cells
for their best operating performance. |
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Ordering &
Shipping
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Q:
Can I order your products thru phone?
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| A:
Yes! We have a toll free number to handle phone orders.
Call 336-285-0544 to reach our automated order entry system. |
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Q:
I like what I see. If I order it today, how long would it take to get to my place? What kind of shipping options do you offer?
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A:
We normally ship within 24-48 hours of an order arriving,
and many orders go out the same day. We use USPS Priority Mail
for all domestic orders, which has a 2-3 day turnaround. (Insurance
is offered at an option.) Overnight Express service is also
an option.
International orders are processed in the same timeframe,
and are shipped via USPS Global Priority Mail, which lists a
3-5 day delivery timeframe. (International customers should
note there are occasional problems at the border, and delays
are not uncommon.)
Insurance is offered for all customers.
Please
be advised that we do not accept responsibility for lost or
damaged shipments in the mail. Therefore, no lost or
damaged shipment will be replaced without insurance. |
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Q:
If for some reason your product arrives DOA (Dead on Arrival), what should I do first?
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| A:
Test the item thoroughly to make sure it is truly
inoperative. If so, go to this link,
or contact us via email to arrange
for a replacement to be delivered. Return the product in undamaged condition and we will ship a working unit in its
place. |
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Q:
I'm a school purchasing director. Do you offer any volume discounts?
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| A:
Please contact us directly for special volume
pricing. |
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