Olin Lathrop wrote:
>
> > Olin, aren't you supposed to charge and discharge
> > new batteries a couple of times before expecting
> > normal use and performance? I know you must do this
> > with NiCds or you dont get full capacity.
>
> These packs are all discharged.  I assume this is from self discharge due to
> sitting in a warehouse for many months.  I hadn't heard about them requiring
> multiple charge/discharge cycles the first time, only that it might be
> required to get around the memory effect.  Do you have a reference for this?


Olin, I confess ignorance regarding NiMH batteries.
But as a TV industry shop we sell a lot of batteries,
both NiCd and NiMH, and they come with the written
notice: "allow one or two full charge/discharge cycles
before expecting full capacity".

I charge all our NiCd and NiMH batteries at 10% C
overnight, about 15 hours. Many we have used for
years in regular use. New ones I charge at 10% C
for 15 hours, then run them flat, then charge again
for 15 hours, then put them to use.

I think using constant current chargers at 10% C
must work alright because it is all we have ever done
and never had a problem. I still don't see battery
charging as rocket science, and our constant current
sources are usually "transformerless" Xc type supplies,
basically a capacitor and a couple of diodes.
:o)
-Roman

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