Reliability of batteries and their damage to equipment

[KentTeffeteller]

It would be a very, very expensive financial hit. Thousands of dollars worth. That is also why it is carried on the station insurance on the technical equipment.

[Jon A.]

Originally Posted by KentTeffeteller

It would be a very, very expensive financial hit. Thousands of dollars worth. That is also why it is carried on the station insurance on the technical equipment.

I recall a local fundraiser being held to buy someone an insulin pump. The family wasn't rich, but they weren't exactly poor either. Like seeing eye dogs, they ought to be free of charge to those in need. I don't understand the station insurance on the technical equipment bit.

Originally Posted by lnx64

Speaking of batteries.

Went to pick up my modern tube receivers remote today, and noticed it was dead. It worked last night.

Went to go check the batteries, and nearly dropped it on the table when I saw this.



I saw that, and quickly realized, I need to check my remotes before THIS happens now.. The batteries expire next year..

I say ditch alkaline altogether. They can go bust regardless of expiration date, even the "better" ones.

[kvflyer]

I have had exactly the same thing happen to my equipment.

First, we all have many more items that are battery operated. So, we have more opportunity to that corrosion.

I have had every brand of battery exhibit the problem. It started with Eveready batteries. They still had two years on the use by date. They corroded and ruined my Nikon Speed Light, not a cheap item. No real indication that something was going on since it still worked... a little.

Next, I don't see the battery companies even coming close to offering to replace anything caused by corrosion.

Last, one common denominator in all of the battery issues... China. Made cheaper = much higher profit for the battery companies...

[Jon A.]

Originally Posted by kvflyer

Last, one common denominator in all of the battery issues... China. Made cheaper = much higher profit for the battery companies...

That makes sense. The common denominator for almost all electronic equipment. I suppose lithium batteries aren't made there. There's one kind of equipment that will probably never be made in China though: medical equipment. Imagine the lawsuits because of crappy Chinese equipment breaking and killing patients whose lives depend on the stuff.

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by kvflyer

Last, one common denominator in all of the battery issues... China. Made cheaper = much higher profit for the battery companies...

Been using "Made in U.S.A." D and 9V "Duracell Procell" batteries the past few years, and so far no leak problems. Various dealers on Amazon sell these. Pretty impressive life I've noticed with the D cells. I have a Sangean portable radio that uses D cells and they last a long time in that radio, pretty sure longer than any other alkaline D cells I've tried. Have not tried the AA batteries though.