In recent years, damage such as power outages caused by natural disasters such as large typhoons is increasing. Mobile phones and smartphones play an important role as tools to protect lives, but what worries us is their "charging". Having a mobile battery ready so that your smartphone does not run out of battery will lead to peace of mind.
However, in the case of a rechargeable mobile battery, you can only charge your smartphone once or twice, and you can't use it unless you recharge it, which is a bit unreliable in case of a power outage. Therefore, "dry battery chargers" that can be recharged as many times as you like with dry batteries are being reevaluated. In this article, we will also introduce the benefits of dry battery chargers, how to choose dry batteries, and recommended products for each scene.
First, let's explain the advantages of dry battery chargers during power outages.
In the case of a rechargeable mobile battery, if the power charged in the main unit is used up, the smartphone cannot be charged any more. There is also a large-capacity type that can be charged multiple times, but it is a little uneasy that the number of charging times is limited in a power outage.
On the other hand, if you have a dry cell mobile battery, even if the electricity stops, you can charge your smartphone just by connecting it to the connector if you stock a large number of them. Even if the stock of dry batteries runs out during a power outage, it is possible to reuse the dry batteries that are in use, such as for remote controls for TVs and air conditioners. In addition, there is a possibility that it can be obtained as a relief item in the event of a disaster.
For those who are concerned about natural discharge or liquid leakage when storing dry batteries for a long period of time, it is safe to prepare dry batteries that can be stored for a long time. Some of them are suitable for disaster prevention and can be stored for 10 years. Dry batteries can be used in a variety of home appliances, so it can be said that the stock is less likely to be wasted.
Even if it is not a disaster, you can always keep a dry battery charger in your bag, and when you need to charge it, you can buy a dry battery at a convenience store and use it for everyday use. The charger alone is much lighter than the mobile battery, so it is less of a burden.
From this, in addition to the rechargeable mobile battery, it is reassuring to prepare a dry battery charger and dry batteries in the event of a disaster.
What you need to know before using a dry battery charger is the type of dry battery. Many dry battery chargers are designed to use AA dry batteries, but in fact there are three types of AA dry batteries, so let's introduce the characteristics of each.
Alkaline batteries, which are introduced first, are suitable for use with dry battery chargers. Please check the type of batteries you have at home.
The most popular in recent years is the high-power, large-capacity "alkaline dry battery". Since it contains a lot of manganese dioxide, which is the material of the positive electrode, and zinc, which is the material of the negative electrode, it lasts about 2 to 5 times longer than manganese dry batteries. Suitable for devices that continuously supply large amounts of power, such as electric toothbrushes and strobes.
Most dry battery chargers are designed for use with alkaline batteries. Among them, Panasonic's "Evolta NEO" can be stored for a long time of 10 years, so it is recommended as a dry battery for stockpiling. It is also certified by Guinness World Records as "the world's longest lasting AA alkaline battery".
Manganese batteries have a long history and are widely used all over the world. Although the power is inferior to that of alkaline dry batteries, the feature is that the chemical reaction occurs again after a while and the voltage recovers. It is suitable for devices that operate with a small amount of power, such as watches, and devices that are used at rest, such as remote controls and flashlights that have an on/off switch.
Also, many people imagine two types of manganese dry batteries: "red manganese" that looks red and "black manganese" that looks black. This is not just a difference in design. Red manganese has low power but high resilience, while black manganese has high power but low resilience. Production of red manganese is gradually coming to an end. When using with a mobile battery, select black manganese that can supply power at once.
A "nickel metal hydride battery" is a type of dry battery that can be recharged and used repeatedly. Because it has higher power and lasts longer than disposable batteries, it is suitable not only for chargers but also for devices that require high voltage such as digital cameras and CD players.
From here, let's introduce our recommended dry battery chargers. We have selected a minimal type that is easy to carry and a product that also has a light function that is useful in the event of a disaster, so please choose a dry battery charger that suits your purpose.
This "Battery GO!!" It is a highly versatile type. The size is just enough to wrap four dry batteries, reducing the hassle of carrying around.
In addition, a smartphone with a battery capacity of 1960mAh can be charged by about 50% with four alkaline batteries, and the performance as an emergency mobile battery is sufficient. In addition to "Battery de GO!!" alone, types with a micro USB cable and USB Type-C conversion connector, and types with a Lightning cable are also on sale, so you can choose according to your needs.
Product name/Battery de GO!! Distributor/Owltech Co., Ltd. Price/Body only 1,188 yen (tax included), with ultra-tough Lightning cable 2,618 yen (tax included), with ultra-tough cable and USB Type-C conversion connector 2,068 yen (tax included)
At any rate, the weight of the small body is only 11g. This is because, instead of a case-type mobile battery, it is a product that changes the idea of charging by connecting both electrodes of the battery. It can be used as a key accessory, so you don't have to worry about having it in your bag all the time. Since you will carry it with your home or car key as a set, you can minimize the risk of forgetting it at home. For example, if you attach it to your keys, you can keep it in place inside the house and always have it outside, so you can use it immediately even in an emergency.
Usually it's a cube-shaped fingertip size, and it can be set with two AA batteries when charging. As a result, the amount of battery that can be charged is only about 20%, but it will be possible to talk for about 3 hours, which will be sufficiently useful as an emergency preparation. If you don't want to carry around batteries, you can buy them at convenience stores only when you need them. The output terminal is micro USB, but you can charge your iPhone with your own Lightning conversion connector.
You can charge by simply opening the main unit and setting it so that the battery is sandwiched. It has a built-in magnet that holds the battery in place while charging.
Product name / nipper Distributor / Japan Postech Price / 2,680 yen (tax included)
Those who use rechargeable batteries "nickel-metal hydride batteries" should definitely use "rapid charging with USB input/output." I would like you to consider "BQ-CC87". It is a product that combines the function of charging a rechargeable battery, the function of a dry battery type mobile battery, and the function of an LED light.
In order to use it as a mobile battery, it is necessary to set the battery in the main unit, but at that time it is an excellent product that can use not only rechargeable batteries but also normal dry batteries. For example, in an emergency such as a power outage, if you can only find two rechargeable batteries, or if the rechargeable batteries run out, you can remove the dry batteries from the TV remote control and use them to charge your smartphone. When using four fully charged Eneloop AA batteries, a smartphone with a built-in battery of 3.7V 2700mAh can be charged by about 50%.
Furthermore, I would like to recommend people who carry a PC for everyday use, such as businessmen who are often on the road. This product is designed to charge the rechargeable battery with a micro USB cable, so in case of emergency, it can be charged from the USB of a PC. The required time is about 2 to 3 hours for two Eneloop AA batteries, which is quite fast charging.
In addition, it can also be used as an LED light by attaching the attached attachment, and a fully charged Eneloop can light up for a whopping 11 hours. If you want to ensure brightness during a power outage, you will surely be able to rely on it.
Product name / Quick charger with USB input/output BQ-CC87L Manufacturer / Panasonic Corporation Price / Open price
In the event of a disaster, your smartphone is a means of communication with the outside world, and it is a lifeline that connects you with your family and friends. In preparation for running out of battery, in addition to a rechargeable mobile battery, please consider preparing a dry battery charger that is strong against power failures. No worries if you are prepared. It is also worth noting that it not only reduces the risk of disasters, but also supports daily life.