Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
No, batteries have not yet conquered the world. I still use AA batteries for a lot of things. It’s still everywhere in my house, in my remotes, flashlights, alarms and other devices.
Of all the things I use AA batteries for, there is one that is very important: powering the wireless mics I use to shoot video. These batteries need to last a long time, and I also need to have some as a backup, so that I’m never without power for these microphones.
I tried my luck with a Powerowl brand USB charger. I had never heard of this brand, but it was at the height of the Covid pandemic and I couldn’t find any others. Batteries from this brand had over 10,000 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars. The price was also perfect (currently they are €29) and I told myself that, in any case, they could serve as a backup if they were not perfect.
When the batteries arrived, I charged them, then inserted a pair into my mic and another into the receiver and started filming. To my surprise, the batteries lasted much longer than I could expect from an unknown brand.
The technical characteristics of the Powerowl USB charger
Here are the details you need to decide:
- each battery can be recharged more than 1,200 times, while retaining a 70% charge after a period of disuse (up to three years).
- Full recharge in 10 hours.
- Operating temperatures — from -10°C to 45°C.
- Storage temperatures — from -10°C to 40°C.
- Indicator light: red while charging, green while charging, flashing green if the battery is damaged, and orange if the input voltage is too low.
- Input, DC 5V 2A and output, DC 1.4V 250mAh AA / 1.4V 250mAh AAA.
- Overload and short circuit protection.
- High capacity 2800mAh Ni-MH batteries with low self-discharge for long life.
- Includes eight batteries, docking station and US cable.
- Ten-year lifespan.
- The charger can charge one or all eight batteries simultaneously.
Battery life after a full charge depends on usage. My wireless mics can usually drain the batteries quickly, but I was able to shoot for about four hours on a single charge. In my experience with batteries, this is exceptional performance.
Of course, the autonomy of these batteries will vary depending on the use of the products to be powered. But if you’re looking for a reliable set of rechargeable batteries, along with a convenient charger, you can’t do better. In fact, in my observation, these batteries tend to outperform brand name rechargeable batteries in terms of charge time and performance.
Source: “ZDNet.com”