I often read computer magazines and I ran across an article by John Dvorak on a new rechargeable nickel hydride batteries, (see complete article in the August 1998 issue of PC Magazine, page 87.) In the article John Dvorak reports of a new nickel hydride battery which last twice as long and is rechargeable.
These nickel hydride batteries have an energy density two to three times that of nickel cadmium battery and has no memory effect. That is not all, you can fully recharge these guys in less than 2 hours!
So where can you get them? There is the rub, so far only in Japan. Why, the American battery companies have avoided this market-killing technology. For information on where you may get them try: www.greenbattery.com for Japanese cells and special nickel hydride chargers. Also 1-800-Batteries for AA camera batteries. Note: these cells are susceptible to damage from overcharging.
The reason I put this in this newsletter is because sailing model yachts requires a lot of battery power for a long time. Any information on new batteries to watch out for can only help. So keep you eyes open and check around, you never know what might show up!