05-08-2008, 03:43 PM
[cool][#0000ff]There are some variables here, and personal opinions are often based on past experience. There are more than one kind of rechargeable batteries. I prefer the Nimh. And, I make sure to leave them on the charger like forever the first time I charge them. Some folks do not fully charge them the first time they use them and the batteries develop a "bad memory"...and cannot be fully charged after that.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Another thing about the rechargeables is that they are like the SLA batteries. They work better over longer time if not used as "deep cycle" batteries. I have heard others say just the opposite...that you should completely drain them before recharging. It's a matter of who you believe.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have never owned a sonar that used small batteries. I have always used a 12 volt sonar and used 12 volt rechargeable lead acid batteries. I top them off before each trip and again after getting back. They last several years.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The most basic question here is whether or not the sonar will have enough power to really do a good job. Using a few AA batteries tells me that there is not enough wattage to provide much more than depth readings and some fish blips...accurate or not. Serious sonar users want some fine tuning and adjustments, so they can see the gray line, structure and other things. Sonar is not just to show fishy icons. In fact, most of the fish I catch never show up on sonar because I am casting away from the tube. But, I do use it for vertical jigging when I find a school of fish holding over a bit of attractive structure. And, good sonar makes it possible for me to separate the fish from the bottom and the structure. Weak sonar will not do that.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Another thing about the rechargeables is that they are like the SLA batteries. They work better over longer time if not used as "deep cycle" batteries. I have heard others say just the opposite...that you should completely drain them before recharging. It's a matter of who you believe.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have never owned a sonar that used small batteries. I have always used a 12 volt sonar and used 12 volt rechargeable lead acid batteries. I top them off before each trip and again after getting back. They last several years.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The most basic question here is whether or not the sonar will have enough power to really do a good job. Using a few AA batteries tells me that there is not enough wattage to provide much more than depth readings and some fish blips...accurate or not. Serious sonar users want some fine tuning and adjustments, so they can see the gray line, structure and other things. Sonar is not just to show fishy icons. In fact, most of the fish I catch never show up on sonar because I am casting away from the tube. But, I do use it for vertical jigging when I find a school of fish holding over a bit of attractive structure. And, good sonar makes it possible for me to separate the fish from the bottom and the structure. Weak sonar will not do that.[/#0000ff]
[signature]