Using normal aa battery with md recorder

[PEPPER]

I used my md recorder for the first time in a long time and the battery seemed to lose power quickly.It was charged today ready for useing tonight,but after about 45 minutes i checked and the md screen was blank.I then pressed play to power it up and it said low battery,which is odd,and sadly i didnt record anything ( for got to start recording).It has always lasted a good 2 hours or so at least,so to save any hassle,is using a standard( non rechargable duracell aa battery) going to be ok to use with the recorder.Im off to a gig on tuesday and will need it then,so if i could get a reply before then,that would be most grateful.

[LeifH12345]

So you were using rechargeable batteries?

Try just recording your home stereo or TV for 2 hours on AA alkaline batteries.

See what happens.

[PEPPER]

Yes it was the sony rechargeable battery that came with the md recorder.Will give that a try and see what happens.Just wasnt sure if it would do any harm at all just to use normal aa batteries for a couple of shows.

I don't trust rechargable batteries for recording, and never had an issue using regular alkaline batteries in either of my Sony MD recorders. (I used 2 recorders, as it was much quicker to change recorders than to change minidiscs.)

You should get at least 2 and a half hours out of a pair of alkaline AA batts, probably more but I wouldn't push it, 2 discs should go, a third disc, maybe not.

[PEPPER]

Thanks arfarf,i will be taking a spare battery just incase.I also have another show with 3 bands at the end of january so will take a couple of spares for that.I didnt think there would be any real problem,but really wanted a second opinion.As i mentioned when i bought my md( sony mznh700) it came with a sony rechargeable battery which has been fine up until now.Thanks again,its simple info like this that puts my mind at ease,thanks a lot.

[PEPPER]

Originally Posted by LeifH12345

So you were using rechargeable batteries?

Try just recording your home stereo or TV for 2 hours on AA alkaline batteries.

See what happens.

Tried that,so i can only assume the battery i got with it is not holding its charge anymore.Put in a new aa battery and its been recording for 90 minutes at the moment so should be good to go for taping on tuesday.

[LeifH12345]

Originally Posted by PEPPER

Tried that,so i can only assume the battery i got with it is not holding its charge anymore.Put in a new aa battery and its been recording for 90 minutes at the moment so should be good to go for taping on tuesday.

Yeah, even good quality rechargeables do that over time. Alkaline aren't as cheap, but you can always count on them.

[Ghostwheel]

i would recommend using the Energizer Lithium AA's. they cost a little more but the lifetime is amazing. it will get easily 4-5 times the life of a normal AA battery and probably longer than that.