9V power

[drapnw01]

I am just starting out metal detecting and was was wondering if there is a better method to power then two 9 volt's. I have heard of larger batteries that people use and step them down to make them compatable and last longer. any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[hexwrench]

Not much point to it. My Prizm III uses 2 9v cells, one for the main board and one for the audio. The alkaline 9v supposedly run some 20 hrs but I'm using rechargeable RayOVac NiMH cells and just recharged after about a month. I'd estimate I used the Prizm 10 to 15 hrs. The voltage was still adequate but I topped them off anyway.

My main unit, an IDX Pro, uses 8 AAs. I have rechargeable NiMH AA cells in that also. I used the IDX over 30 hrs this past month. I topped the charge on them today also.

You're better off getting 9v rechargeable NiMH cells and keeping a spare pair charged or keeping a pair of alkaline 9v on hand for backup. The current drain on detectors designed for the 9v cells is much lower than the older technology.

That said, I keep a pair of alky 9v's and 8 alky AA's in my bag so that if I'm out hunting I wont suffer if the rechargeable batteries run down on me.

I think you will tire of swinging and digging before you batteries tire out.

[drapnw01]

Thanks for the information. I didnt realize the batteries would last that long. I am actually in college for electrical engineering and came across a great project related to rechargable 9V batteries. I am going to build a battery charger. I found a schmatic and one of my current classes is designing and building a circuit such as this. This will be perfect. Also the total cost for the unit will only be $6 witch is alot cheeper than buying one. Thanks again for the help.