Caching and batteries
One of the problems with geocaching with devices like the Garmin Etrex is that you tend to go through lots and lots of AA batteries. I’ve found that my yellow etrex with a black and white screen can last for about 24 hours on a pair of AA’s - whereas my Garmin GPSMAP 76 lasts about 4!… ie. the GPSMAP uses 6x as many batteries as my etrex.
This is a bit of a problem, although batteries are cheap and can be picked up anywhere it seems a shame to be so wasteful… So I started to look for alternatives - and here is what I’ve found:
Here is a list of rechargable battery devices that you might be interested in:
1) Standard recharger AND 4x 2300mah AA batteries from 7dayshop.com:
Our thoughts: Sturdy unit, and even includes the batteries - can’t really go wrong for this price!
Cost: £7.99+postage = £11.94.
Rating: 4* for environment. 5* for reliability. 4.5* overall.
2) Solar charger from maplin.com: (Excellent if you have a sunny garden… Can even recharge whilst out caching!! - Not so great for the british weather though!).
Our thoughts: Good value - as long as you are going to use it where there is sunlight! Be careful leaving this outside if it rains. Excellent for the environment!
COSTS: £6.99.
Rating: 5* for environment. 3*for charging reliability. 4* overall.
This is very useful. I’ve been looking for ways to cut down on my battery usage. I didn’t know there was a solar charger. Thanks for the info!
Geocaching With Team Hick@Heart