When powering MRX from 2 "AA" batteries, the battery life is less than the published expectations.

Zaon highly recommends the use of NiMH rechargable batteries and discourages the use of standard alkaline batteries. Alkalines have a relatively shallow drop-off rate, and the expected duration for these is 2-3 hours before the voltage drops below tolerable levels. MRX was designed to turn off if conditions were such that accurate traffic detection was not possible, and alkalines present this situation after only a short period of time.

On the other hand, NiMH batteries have a very sharp drop-off, but only at the end of a normal, 6-8 hour "working period". NiMH batteries do not cost considerably more than alkalines but can be recharged several hundred times, and are readily available.

Ray-O-Vac makes a charger and 2-AA battery set that recharges in less than 15 minutes (actual tests show about 12 minutes from full discharge to fully charged!). For these reasons, we recommend these chargers and have made them available for purchase online. To buy, click here.

NiCad batteries do not offer the longevity of NiMH batteries, but may be more effective than alkalines.