john@hp-pcd.UUCP (john) (12/12/84)
<<< The reason that Alkalines are all stamped "Do not Recharge" is because they can leak or even explode if not properly recharged. I have heard of a TV Cameraman with a portable video unit and a belt pack of batteries that was killed this way. No references to this and it is probably electronic folklore. The problem is that your average K-Mart blue light special household battery recharger complete with diode and series resistor/light-bulb does not provide the voltage and current control that you need for a alkaline battery. They even make these batteries with a dimple at one end so a battery holder can distingish between alkalines and other batteries. John Eaton !hplabs!hp-pcd!john