On Wed, Dec 15, 2010 at 9:58 AM, Michael Watterson wrote= : > Agreed. In fact you can use 6 x NiMH which is nice. > > 1) The Switcher is always dropping volts to 5V. > 2) Voltage is about 10.2V down to 5.8V (or what ever you set lower safe > limit at between 0.9V and 1.0V per cell. Consult data sheets and allow > for component tolerance) > 3) Not too many cells so easy to turn off to avoid reverse charge > 4) with 6 x AA you have about 50% more capacity than 4 x AA > 5) Battery discharge starts at about 590mA for 1A 5V out assuming only > 85% overall efficiency. > 6) Easily charged from Car socket using linear series current source > with less dissipation than a 4 x AA pack. (Assume 14.2V average voltage > when engine running) > 7) There are holders for 6 x AA, common in two styles. > > http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/tps63020.html has a 1.8 - 5.5 volt input range only. > WARNING > many battery holders for AA are not suitable for prolonged use at higher > current. One model the steel, chromed springs get hot and melt the > plastic case and rivet can be pushed out by spring on negative and short > to metal case :-( Haha! I've had that happen to me once! --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .