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Fox Rx+ and rechargeable batteries (11 posts / 2,239 views)
torchy
Posts: 30
Post #1 30 Apr 2025 16:19
0
Hi, I've just purchased a set of Rx+ alarms and I note that the manual says it doesn't recommend rechargeable batteries. I have used rechargeables in other alarms without issue (other than the fact they report low voltage well in advance of what it actually is—a known foible of rechargeables I believe).

Has anyone successfully used them in Rxs? I would be very disappointed (eco-wise and financially) if I have to start buying chuckaways again.

Thanks.

David
Tinhead Tinhead
Posts: 17,089
Post #2 30 Apr 2025 16:34
0
In reply to Post #1
I suppose it depends on how often you'd have to change batteries.
Most non rechargeables lose charge over time and so you would have take them out, recharge and put them back in ore often, that's extra wear and tear.
Whereas good quality alkalines could last you a year or two.
I'm sure rechargeables would work if you can suffer the low voltage alarms but when it comes to something as important as alarms I wouldn't use rechargeables

Edit
For those that are not aware, don't throw old 'chuckaways' batteries in the bin. . Take them to places such as supermarkets to dispose of them
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #3 1 May 2025 20:43
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AA batteries are cheap as chips and they last ages in the rx+ so its hardly going to be expensive. Ive also just bought a set and I wont be putting rechargeables in as it says not to.
The_Andyman The_Andyman
Posts: 11,332
Post #4 1 May 2025 20:59
0
In reply to Post #1
2 observations

1- most AA rechargeable batteries are only 1.2v and non rechargeable are mostly 1.5v, this may be where the warning comes from

2 - you could try rechargeable lithium which are 1.5v, like the below examples. However....... Lithium may well die without warning from the alarm to tell you they are getting low, this is how lithium work, almost all or nothing, sudden death.

LINKY POO™ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lithium-Batteries-POWEROWL-Capacity-Recharge/dp/B0CGTTHDDD
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,046
Post #5 2 May 2025 08:18
0
In reply to Post #1
Not RX+ related but I thought the same as you and tried using Lithium rechargeable batteries but my alarms did not like them at all, a sort of white pulsating noise coming from the speaker. I have no idea if it was the constant 1.5v output, or interference from the circuitry in the battery. I even spoke to Daletronics Dal about it.

I've gone back to Duracells.
activeviii activeviii
Posts: 345
Post #6 2 May 2025 12:15
0
In reply to Post #1
I've had the alarms since they was released. I've always used eneloop batteries, the black ones.not had a problem. I carry 3 spares as these batteries do not discharge over the year. I've not had to use the spares. I get to about 6 months and then recharge . Works for me.
JasonM JasonM
Posts: 1,764
Post #7 2 May 2025 13:35
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I think the rationale for not using lithiums was that when they were released many didn't have the same voltage output as alkalines.

You can do more damage to electronic product circuits by over voltage , as if its outside their voltage tolerance it will eventually reverse bias and damage them.

If the operating voltage is the same you should be fine if it's more than 5% over and this is the issue you likely don't know the voltage tolerance.

With bite alarms using so little current, I see very little benefit.
Added to the cost of lithium batteries and charger are probably 4x alkaline, plus you have to factor in more opening the alarms to recharge the batteries.

Me I'd stick with alkalines.
55s 55s
Posts: 706
Post #8 2 May 2026 18:01
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Sorry to bump thread but I have a real thicko question that I am asking for help on.

I have some wolf aa batteries they are chargeable by a small lead in the side of each batteries BUT can I use these in rechargeable devices where the charging cable goes in the device? Or do I have to do the batteries on their own?
JasonM JasonM
Posts: 1,764
Post #9 2 May 2026 18:41
0
You can only do so if the alarms say "on-board charging" or "USB charging built-in"

If you do they'll probably get hot as the internal wiring is not designed for charging, so batteries may get hot and damaged or worse alarms will be buggered.

Buy a charger 👍
55s 55s
Posts: 706
Post #10 2 May 2026 20:26
0
In reply to Post #9
It's not alarms matey - it's a radio and head torch both have charging cables and the old green recharables - any good?
JasonM JasonM
Posts: 1,764
Post #11 2 May 2026 20:49
1
In reply to Post #10
I must of misread your post....

Ultimately it depends on what the battery chemistry is.

Those "Wolf" AA batteries come with a little charging port are essentially self-contained rechargeable batteries (often with built-in lithium circuitry).

So they could be different to what battery chemistry is used with you radio and heard torch, for examplestandard rechargeable AAs like Duracell Rechargeable AA Batteries or Energizer Recharge Universal AA, which are designed to be charged in a charger or inside devices built for NiMH cells.
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