Rechargeable Nimh
Rechargeable Nimh
Learn Something About Rechargeable Batteries
What's the most important thing you should do before recharging your battery, or even plugging in your charger? As basic as it sounds, reading your manufacturer instructions is the smartest thing to do. The second smartest thing to do is contact the manufacturer if you have any additional questions. Why? If you do you'll learn exactly how to care for your rechargeable battery and its charger. This will add runtime to your battery and you'll get more "bang" for your buck.
So, you've read your manual, right? Good. Want to learn more? That means you're in the right place. Keep reading this article to learn strategies for recharging and storing most standard rechargeable batteries. We'll discuss NiMH, NiCd, and Lithium-ion battery strategies in more detail. Plus, you will get a solid understanding of "deep-cycling" rechargeable batteries.
Q: How often should batteries be recharged? What is the best way to store them?
NiMH
- Recharge this battery at any time. It doesn't matter what level of energy capacity the battery holds.
- NiMH batteries can be fully discharged and recharged. A full discharge is also known as "conditioning". We'll cover "conditioning" later in the article.
- Didn't you just say fully discharge? Now, fully recharge? Yes, do a full recharge to the battery before storage.
- Recharge accordingly. If you don't use your rechargeable battery for a prolonged amount of time you'll need to recharge it. Recharge standard NiMH batteries every 1-2 months and pre-charged NiMHs every 6-9 months.
NiCd
- Completely drain the battery before a recharge during normal use periods.
- You'll reduce your battery's performance if you recharge it before it's fully exhausted of its energy. What happens if you don't? You could experience the "memory effect". The battery "remembers" to only store the amount of energy it expended during the most recent discharge.
- Fully drain a NiCd battery if you plan on storing it for a long time.
Lithium-ion
- Recharge these batteries anytime and often. There is no "memory effect". Charge lithium-ion batteries no matter how little energy was used.
- Avoid fully exhausting the battery's energy before recharging. This is a recommended practice for this battery type. Avoid recharging after medium [50%] or full [90-100%] discharges.
- Li-ion batteries cannot be overcharged. If you plug in your device for a long period of time to an electrical current it will not overcharge. How cool is that?! If the battery is full no recharging current applies to the battery. For example, a laptop battery must drop to a certain level before the recharge begins.
- If you charge your battery after shallow discharges [approximately 30% of capacity] you'll get more charging cycles. Most batteries have an energy level gauge or indictor you can use to determine capacity. However, it's tough for most consumers to truly know their battery's precise capacity levels. Sometimes you will have to estimate.
- There are two opinions about long-term storage. Some experts say to store Li-ion batteries at full capacity, other experts state that users should drain the rechargeable battery to roughly 40-50% of its peak capacity.
All experts agree on one thing: store your battery in a cool location. A suggested temperature is 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Is "conditioning" needed for all rechargeable batteries?
Earlier in the article we mentioned "conditioning" a battery. Conditioning is "deep cycling" a battery. The user [that's you] drains the battery of most of its capacity before a full recharge.
Some of the newer battery chargers include a conditioning "cycle" that can be done at the touch of a button! Conditioning is beneficial for frequently recharged batteries used for short periods of time. For example, a flashlight turned on and off during a camping trip.
NiMHs
- Standard NiMHs. Condition your batteries after about 10 normal recharging sessions or every three months. The three month estimate is important. If you haven't used your battery for a long time, or if it's lacking the runtime it did before default to the three month rule. Remember, conditioning prevents crystal formation within the batteries cells. Crystals will reduce the battery's life.
- Pre-Charged NiMHs. Use the same rules as for standard NiMHs.
NiCds
- Every recharge session should be a conditioning session.
Lithium-Ion
- Not needed. As mentioned earlier in the article conditioning is not necessary for Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
- Capacity Gauge. If you have a battery pack with a capacity gauge it may be a good idea to fully discharge and recharge your battery. Why? This allows the capacity gauge to stay accurate by relearning its full capacity levels.
About the Author
Lively, cheerful, confident, courageous.Just smile at any time ,everything will be better.
Go-shop.ca offer high quality laptop batteries, camcorder batteries, digital camera batteries, power tools batteries and other products.
why does a rechargeable NiMH battery lose charge in a digital camera?
Hi! I fully recharge my AA batteries in a new charger, keep them in camera case and when I put them in the camera, they barely take 10 shots before dying down! Threse are hoigh capacity batteries, 2300-2700mAh - I'm just confused!
Is it possible that my camera (about 4 years old now) has somehow increased its hunger for batteries?
Ni-MH batteries lose charge, or self-discharge, at a rate of one to two percent per day, whether they are installed in the camera or not. This means that if a battery is fully charged, after several weeks, the battery will be low or dead even if it was not installed in the camera or if it was installed in the camera but no pictures were taken. Ni-MH batteries are best for those who use the camera frequently and recharge often.
Rechargeable Nimh
Duracell Rechargeable NiMH AA Batteries
|
|
NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY $19.99 NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY |
|
|
NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY AAA $19.99 NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY AAA |
|
|
RECHARGEABLE-NIMH AAA BATT $11.99 ENERGIZER RECHARGEABLE-NIMH AAA BATT (pack of 6) |
|
|
4-Pack NIMH AAA Rechargeable Batteries $4.58 4-Pack NIMH AAA Rechargeable Batteries |
|
|
Giant International Nimh Rechargeable Battery $33.99 Giant International Nimh Rechargeable Battery |
|
|
Motorola Nimh Rechargeable Battery Aaa $19.99 Motorola Nimh Rechargeable Battery Aaa |
|
|
Nimh Rechargeable Battery Upgrade Kit $19.99 NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY UPGRADE KIT |
|
|
Energizer Rechargeable-Nimh Aaa Batt $14.99 Energizer Rechargeable-Nimh Aaa Batt ENERGIZER RECHARGEABLE-NIMH AAA BATT (pack of 6) |
|
|
Motorola NiMH Rechargeable Battery Upgrade Kit - two-way radio charging stand + battery - NiMH x 2 $18.99 BATTERY, NIMH RECHARGEABLE UPDGRADE |
|
|
Motorola PMNN4063AR NiMH Rechargeable Battery $52.99 "Motorola PMNN4063AR, The Motorola PMNN4063AR is a NiMH rechargeable battery that works with AX series radio. PMNN4063AR Features: NiMH Rechargeable Battery, 7.2V, 1500mAh NiMH, For AX Series Radio, Compatible With The Following Models: AXU4100 AXV5100 CP125" |
|
|
Motorola NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Talkabout Series $16.99 3xAA NiMH Rechargeable Battery pack for Talkabout Radios. |
|
|
9083 Dragonfly RC Helicopter NiMH Rechargeable Battery $8 9083 Dragonfly RC Helicopter NiMH Rechargeable Battery |
|
|
2 pack of NIMH AA Rechargeable Batteries $7.99 2 pack of NIMH AA Rechargeable Batteries |
|
|
Motorola 355039 Nimh Rechargeable Battery $27.38 Nimh Rechargeable Battery. Huge selection to choose from. High quality components. Satisfaction ensured. Providing great selection and quality. |
|
|
GP NiMH rechargeable micro battery $5.89 The new rapid charge high-performance NIMH rechargeable batteries with very high capacity for uses such as digital cameras, portable appliances with screen, disc players. AccuPower NiMH rechargeable batteries are outstanding owing to their flat discharge characteristic curve. |
|
|
NiMH Rechargeable 2-Way Radio Battery $21.99 Don’t get caught without power. The NiMH rechargeable AA battery allows you to have a spare rechargeable battery on hand. This helps reduce down time due to a depleted battery |
|
|
Replacement Battery For PICO-PRO - 8-Hour, NiMH $72.99 8-hour rechargeable NiMH battery |
|
|
Ultralast Rechargeable NiMH Batteries UL2D $24.02 Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers for Electronic Devices Available in AA AAA C D and 9V UltraLast rechargeable batteries are designed to deliver maximum power and longevity and our UltraLast Speed Charger charges batteries in 1.5 hours or less. Battery chemistries include NiMH for the longest running highest mAh on the market and NiCd for the valueconscious. Battery Rechargeable: Yes. Battery Size: D. Battery Chemistry: NickelMetal Hydride (NiMH). Battery Capacity: 3000 mAh. Output Voltage: 1.2 V DC. |
|
|
Ultralast Rechargeable NiMH Batteries UL2C $24.13 Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers for Electronic Devices Available in AA AAA C D and 9V UltraLast rechargeable batteries are designed to deliver maximum power and longevity and our UltraLast Speed Charger charges batteries in 1.5 hours or less. Battery chemistries include NiMH for the longest running highest mAh on the market and NiCd for the valueconscious. Battery Rechargeable: Yes. Battery Size: C. Battery Chemistry: NickelMetal Hydride (NiMH). Battery Capacity: 3000 mAh. Output Voltage: 1.2 V DC. |
|
|
TriSquare TSXBP TriSquare NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack NiMH rechargeable batterypack $26.62 To charge a TriSquare eXRS radio it must have the TSXBP rechargeable battery pack installed in it. Battery Rechargeable: Yes. Battery Size: Proprietary. Battery Chemistry: NickelMetal Hydride (NiMH). Battery Capacity: 750 mAh. Output Voltage: 4.8 V DC. |
|
|
Motorola NTN8971BR NiMH Rechargeable Battery $46.99 "Motorola NTN8971BR / 53871 / NNTN4190A, The Motorola NTN8971BR NiMH rechargeable battery is the perfect accessory for any XTN series radio. With its 4.8 volts of power and ability to provide up to 15 hours of service with no memory effect, your radio will always be ready to go. NTN8971BR Features: NiMH Rechargeable Battery, For XTN Series Radio, Provides Up to 15 Hours of Service w/ no Memory Effect, 4.8V / 1500 mAh, Compatible With The Following Models: XU1100 XU2100 XU2600 XV1100 XV2100 XV2600 i500 i700" |
Duracell Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries Combo Review
Duracell have been manufacturing high quality batteries since the 1920's and have developed a reputation as the world's leading battery manufacturer.
The Duracell Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries Combo is a compact battery charger, which is ideal for high drain appliances. The specific model of this charger is the Duracell CEF14NC. Duracell have made a couple of enhancements over their previous value charger; these include a universal voltage input and the ability to charge up to 4 triple A cells.
Features of the Duracell Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries Combo
- Charges up to 4 triple A cells
- Accepts a universal AC input of 100-240v
- Duracell Pre-Charged batteries can retain power for up to 1 year when not in use
- Supplied with 8 Pre-Charged batteries (4 AA and 4 triple A batteries)
- Ideal for use with high drain appliances
Charging
A plus point is that you can charge up to 4 triple A cells at once, unlike with many other chargers which can only charge 2 triple A cells at a time.
Batteries can only be charged in pairs or sets of fours, which is rather disappointing because you can't charge only 1 or 3 batteries if you have an appliance which requires batteries in odd numbers.
Another disadvantage is that the charger only stops charging when the combined voltage of the 2 batteries is sufficient enough. This means that if you are charging 1 empty battery with one which is either full or almost full then one of the cells will be overcharged which is detriment to the length of the batteries life.
Charging Times
The charging times are reasonable. It takes about 6 hours to charge 2 AA batteries, which are empty. The charging current differs depending on the type of the battery which is being charged. AA cells are charged at 360mA and triple A cells are charged at 180mA.
Universal AC input
Accepting a universal voltage input of 110-220 volts, this is ideal for use as a travel charger. There are no adapters or cords, the charger plugs straight into the wall so packing the charger away for storage is very easy.
Supplied with 8 Pre-Charged batteries
Duracell have included 8 pre-charged batteries in the combo package. The battery types are 4 AA and 4 triple A. As they are pre-charged, you have the convenience of being able to use them right out of the package.
The supplied batteries have a very good lifespan, even with high drain appliances you get about 10 hours usage from the triple A cells.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Duracell Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries Combo is a good deal. It's portable, well built and comes supplied with 8 quality Long Life batteries.
On the downside, the fact that it only charges batteries in either pairs or fours could be off putting if you have appliances which require an odd numbers of cells. Also, there is a possibility of batteries becoming overcharged unless you only charge cells together which have similar amounts of power in them.
If most of your appliances accept cells in pairs, then this is a good buy, but if you want more advanced features such as individual cell monitoring to charge batteries singularly or in odd numbers then I recommend a charger such as the Sony Cycle Energy BCG34HRE4KN.
About the Author
For more information on the Duracell Pre Charged Rechargeable Nimh Batteries Combo visit Battery Charger Reviews
Rechargeable Nimh