Can we use old and new batteries together?

[guy3288]

My computer mouse uses 1 AA battery and when the battery is weak, the pointer becomes "sticky".


i keep these weaker batteries aside to be used in other gadget like TV or aircond remote controls. These gadgets require 2 AA batteries.

If i were to use 1 brand new AA battery and another, a weaker used battery, in the remote control, would the mixture of 1 new and 1 old batteries cause the new battery to drain its power faster?

Is this a good idea to fully utilise the residual power left in the weaker/used battery?


Thanks a lot.

 

[Studiot]

Do you have a battery tester so you can keep track of which battery is good, partially exhausted or dead?

It is not a good idea to put old and new together.
Since most multiple battery installations are in series there will not be increased current draw, if anything it will be slightly less due to the lower terminal voltage of the partially exhausted battery.
It is the terminal voltage that will be your problem since most electronic gear is quite sensitive to batttery voltage and even a small drop will cause poor or mal function.

So if you must, put a pair of used batteries in the remote, this will be OK.
Better put them into a handtorch.

 

[guy3288]

thanks for the info.

 

[Topher925]

Why not use rechargeable batteries? It will solve your week battery problem, cost less over time, and its better for the environment.

 

[NobodySpecial]

Rechargeables are fine in the mouse, it has a bunch of voltage regulating circuitry to drive the LED and sensor.
You might find that in a remote they self-discharge too quickly. Some rechargeables batteries can lose a couple of %of their charge a day even when they aren't being used.