© Valeport Limited
M
IDAS
WLR Hardware Manual
Page 10
0730877D.doc
A NOTE ABOUT RECHARGEABLE CELLS
We are often asked if rechargeable cells can be used. Yes, it is possible to use
rechargeable cells, but we do not recommend it:
•
Firstly, the cells cannot be recharged in-situ due to the possibility of the cells
giving out gas inside a sealed instrument, effectively turning it into an explosive
device. Whilst this risk is small, it does exist and therefore must be considered.
The risk could be overcome by adding an air vent to the housing, but this could
compromise the water-tight nature of the housing. Better to remove the risk
altogether.
•
Secondly, the most commonly used rechargeable cells are NiCad type. These
only operate at around 1.2v maximum and have about 25% of the capacity of an
alkaline cell; they therefore give greatly reduced operating times.
•
Modern Li-ion or NiMH cells are more efficient than NiCad cells, but do not yet
compare with alkaline cells. They are also considerably more expensive.
