9v batteries other than alkaline?

[nicolasd]

i've seen lithium ion 9v batteries at my local hardware store. they're listed as "smoke alarm" batteries that will last longer by some multiple dreamed up by the marketing dept.

can these batteries be used in EBMM basses?

does anyone use them?

is there a benefit to using them?

is there a rechargeable solution for powering the active electronics that people like?

not knowing much about them, i don't know if say, lithium-ion batteries are better used for certain applications versus alkaline or NiCad etc.

 

[AnthonyD]

Recently had this discussion with my guitarist re: our wireless systems - decided against it because the lithiums are soooo much more expensive.

Only Duracells in my EBMMs...

 

[tadawson]

Well, if they last, say, 3x longer, and cost, say 2x more, then they are CHEAPER in the long run . . . . . . considering the low current draw in a bass, I would think that the lithium cells would be the absolute perfect pick.

Can't say that I have seen any lithium 9volts billed as smoke alarm batteries though, the ones I see are just labelled as lithium 9 volts, and didn't appear to be that expensive - maybe they "greased up the boning pole" when they decided to market them as smoke detector specialty batteries? Look around . . . . .

My wireless system also specifically endorses them, with the only caveat being that they tend to swell after they die, so they suggest to not leave a dead battery in the TX, because it may become difficult to remove. As far as life is concerned, the wireless is rated to go 6 hours on alkaline, and 13 on the lithium, so it looks like we are talking about an over 2x extension of life. Not to mention that lithium cells don't die on the shelf like other batteries, so if you put it away with a good battery, you know it will be good when you next use it.

Ya know, having just thought this through, I think I'm going to go to the lithiums in all my basses on the next change . . . . I'm curious as to what life I will get - maybe a year, with my playing habits? 6 mo? Dunno . . .

- Tim

 

[niftydog]

The thing to look out for with rechargeables is that they are never exactly 9VDC.

The cheap and common NiMH and NiCD cells are nominally 8.6VDC when fully charged. You can buy special types that are nominally 9.8VDC, but they are very hard to find and certainly won't be down at the local K-mart.

Just something to be aware of.

 

[tadawson]

The thing to look out for with rechargeables is that they are never exactly 9VDC.

The cheap and common NiMH and NiCD cells are nominally 8.6VDC when fully charged. You can buy special types that are nominally 9.8VDC, but they are very hard to find and certainly won't be down at the local K-mart.

Just something to be aware of.

Methinks you might need to look closer. The cheapies, are, IIRC, 7.2V, and the good ones 8.4 A 9V battery is a 6 cell battery (6x1.5v=9), and the cheapos just go 6 cell NiCd (6x1.2=7.2). I have NEVER seen a "9V" rechargable rated at 9.8 . . . . . too little voltage is frequently OK, but more is rarely good . . . . on a bass, I would imagine that you could get mighty low before noticing.

Besides, this thread was about lithium 9V batteries, which are ideal, since lithium has a 3v/cell votage, so 3 cells == 9V perfectly.

- Tim

 

[Mobay45]

Don't try to contradict Tim either.

I've met him live and in person.

He's one fart smeller.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I don't like the sound of lithium batteries, they come off a little "brown" to my ears.