Hi,
Is that "4.5 volts" 3 x Alkaline Cells? The point is that Alkalines may start at 1.5 volts each, but their terminal voltage decays rather quickly and the manufacturers usually specify "end of life" at 0.9 volts or lower. That low in not realistic for most electronics, but the majority of equipment will work down to below 1.2 volts/cell (i.e. 3.6 volts).
The 1.2 volts is not a coincidence, it's the voltage that most rechargeable (NiMH) cells deliver for most of their life (discharge cycle). Actually a NiMH taken straight out of a charger will also deliver 1.5 volts, but falls off very quickly to about 1.3 volts. An alkaline falls more slowly but will actually have delivered much less of its rated Ahrs than a NiMH down to 1.2 volts.
Cheers, Alan.
OK, I'll jump on one of my regular hobbyhorses.Check that with the 4.5 volt supply.
Is that "4.5 volts" 3 x Alkaline Cells? The point is that Alkalines may start at 1.5 volts each, but their terminal voltage decays rather quickly and the manufacturers usually specify "end of life" at 0.9 volts or lower. That low in not realistic for most electronics, but the majority of equipment will work down to below 1.2 volts/cell (i.e. 3.6 volts).
The 1.2 volts is not a coincidence, it's the voltage that most rechargeable (NiMH) cells deliver for most of their life (discharge cycle). Actually a NiMH taken straight out of a charger will also deliver 1.5 volts, but falls off very quickly to about 1.3 volts. An alkaline falls more slowly but will actually have delivered much less of its rated Ahrs than a NiMH down to 1.2 volts.
Cheers, Alan.