Today I was forced to replace the batteries in my “every day radio,” a National Panasonic R-457. Performance had suddenly deteriorated, and I found that one of the three “D” size cells had died. The other two were still alright when load tested at 100mA.

While I am used to getting in excess of one year from a set of batteries fitted to this, one of my favourite radios, I was surprised to see that this set of batteries was fitted on 13-9-2013. Almost four years without trouble. I write the install date on all my batteries.

I would like to hear of the experiences of others. How well designed are your radios? I use only Alkaline batteries, because I have seen too many nice things destroyed by Carbon-Zinc batteries.

Wayne.

What brand are the Alkelines Wayne, and do they all carry the same 'use -by dates?

Some time back I unearthed a Micronta (Tandy) brand analogue meter that I bought years ago and the original battery was still in it, luckily and amazingly uncorroded. The sales receipt was still in the box. I forget what year it was -- it's in my workshop so I'll look it up if I remember.

I pulled four D cells out of a portable cassette radio and one of them had reversed its polarity. First time I've ever encountered that. So, as they say, always replace all batteries at the same time.

I saw a hint years ago to protect NiCd cells from reverse charging as they run down, where the cells aren't perfectly matched which they weren't as they aged due to formation of internal Ni whiskers. That was to install a Si diode parallel to each cell. This was supposed to stop the cells from dropping below 0.7V, the voltage drop across a Si diode. The current goes through the diode rather than the discharged cell.

This idea ought to work for any sort of cell.

Dear Bring Back the Valve.

I have attached a picture of the batteries in question. I think they were sold by Aldi. They have a use-by date of January 2018.

By the way. I place all of my used batteries into a plastic bag and return them to Aldi who have a used battery collection bin.
I do not like the idea of used batteries being dumped as land fill and contaminating the soil.

One last thing I should mention, be ultra careful with batteries and young children/babies. Swallowing a battery, even a button cell can lead to the death of a baby.

Wayne.

Photo uploaded to Post 5.

Yes, Aldi brand, and I hope the crook one was just one that sneaked past QC.

I have been using that brand since Aldi came to town and have never had premature failure yet. They have proved so reliable and long lasting, and for the price you pay it is excellent value.

If more fail please let us know and I will forward it to Aldi. They pride themselves in selling good quality cheap. If the manufacturer is taking short cuts then I'm sure Aldi will jump on them quickly.