[pct-l] Lithium batteries & Garmin GPS

[Ben Holmes]

Any reason for not using NiMh batteries instead?

Cheaper, rechargeable, and works in digital cameras and GPS units.

 

So far I have had GREAT luck using this, and keeping them charged on my
outings.

 

Ben

 

 

 

Message: 4

Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:40:07 -0700

From: Corky Corcoran <corcoran at corky.cc>

Subject: [pct-l] Lithium batteries & Garmin GPS

To: pct-l at backcountry.net

Message-ID: <6.2.3.4.2.20060816113524.03edff08 at mail.corky.cc>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

 

I know from sad experience that lithium AA cells and a Garmin GPS are 

not compatible.

 

Contacted Garmin about them, they said if one drains off some of the 

voltage first they should work.  Did that, with some success.  Then, 

as the batteries recovered, they didn't work.  Unit wouldn't 

start.  That happened after I was off the paper maps bailing out to 

Seiad Valley after hitting too much snow around Condrey Mt.  Needed 

the GPS map to find my way to the Klamath River.

 

And didn't have it.  It started right up after I found my way out and 

got some alkaline batteries.

 

Since lithium AA cells are nearly flat in voltage and current until 

they die, it's an "iffy" proposition at best.  I learned rapidly to 

not rely upon them in my Garmin 76 CSx.

 

Corky

Poco Loco Solo Sobo Hobo