turtleattacks:
You guys got me thinking that Eneloop batteries might be a better solution - would this mean that I can have 4x batteries always charging and then use the other four rechargeable batteries in the lock?
Would they last just as long as a typical AA battery?
Standard Eneloops are 2000mah, and the pro version is 2500mah.
Very good alkaline AA's are about 2500mah, and (disposable) Lithium AA's are about 3000mah.
Note that the nominal voltages of the eneloop (NiMh) is lower. (1.2v vs 1.5v), but Alkaline batteries are quickly discharged below 1.2v under load anyway, and keeps tracking down from their. In appliances which draw a bit, and are voltage sensitive, I find the eneloop batteries do far better than alkaline. I have a bubble maker, and with alkaline batteries it would soon be running to slowly to make bubbles, but with eneloop pro's it makes bubbles for a couple of hours.
Our door lock in makes a sharper, quicker sound when locking & unlocking with eneloop pro's in it.
Note the below image is a marketing image, so they would have picked a cheap low capacity disposable for comparison, but the general concept is accurate. Much of disposables AA's power is a voltage to low to use in demanding applications.
But be aware that while eneloops run at a high voltage for a long time, when they die it happens quickly. This could mess up the low battery warning on your door lock (but mine worked fine last time). I have a mechanical planted key anyway.
I just have this battery charger:
Widely available at many retailers.
Modern Low Self Discharge NiMH batteries are nothing like the NiMH batteries I had as a kid. No need to keep them on charge all the time, Will still be fine to use a year after charging... (just don't store in the charger)
Could either do duty standby sets, or if you get home and the low battery warning shows, pull them, charge, and reinstall 2 hours later. Might want to see if your lock forgets presets if the latter is done.
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