Frequently Asked Questions:

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Q: Do you have general info for charging Ni-Cd batteries?
A: Yes, here it is: Care and Feeding of Nicad batteries
    To utilize the high capacity of the NiCad  battery pack, it is advisable to charge the battery at the charge rate indicated on the battery label. The results may vary depending on charging conditions.
    For a thorough charge, NiCad batteries must be charged at a rate equal to or greater than C/10, where C represents cell capacity in mAh. For instance, a 1000mAh cell necessitates a charging rate of at least 100mA. If charged at a lower rate, the battery will not achieve a full charge, regardless of the charging duration. It's essential that the charge rate exceeds C/10 to effectively charge the battery.
    It is recommended to use a 'smart charger' specifically designed for NiCad charging, as using a standard charger might result in undercharging, overheating, or potential rupture of the cells. Chargers that offer selectable rates or fixed charge times can lead to incomplete or overcharge cycles, yielding unpredictable capacities. NiCad batteries benefit from conditioning cycles, which involve discharging the pack to about 0.8 volts per cell followed by a full charge. Three such cycles constitute a complete conditioning process.
    Conditioning is particularly crucial for new batteries before they are put into service and should also be done if a battery has been inactive for a while. Only fast charge batteries labeled 'fast charge' should undergo fast charging; otherwise, non-fast charge batteries might face damage or reduced performance. Soldering directly to battery cells is not advisable, as the soldering heat can damage the cells or their seals; hence, using spot-welded solder tabs is the preferred method. Soldered batteries will void any warranties.
    It’s crucial to avoid short-circuiting, overcharging, burning, or puncturing battery cells. Proper disposal of battery cells is also necessary.

Q: A battery says it has mAh. What does that mean?
A: This indicates that the battery is rated for a specific capacity measured in milliamp hours (mAh). This metric is essential for understanding the operational time, depending on the device's power consumption to which the battery is connected. High-quality AA batteries, for instance, typically have a good running duration.

Q: I charge my battery overnight, yet it runs out of power quickly. What might be wrong?
A: There could be several issues at play. The battery could be aging, or there might be a fault in the charger or charging circuit, or the battery itself might be defective. Any combination of these factors could be contributing to the problem.

Q: My cellphone battery is swollen. What does this indicate?
A: A swollen battery indicates it has likely failed. This "puffing" is commonly associated with Lithium rechargeable batteries (Li-ION or Li-ION Polymer). The swelling occurs due to increased pressure inside the cells, often as a result of overcharging or over-discharging, which compromises the cell's vacuum seal. While the battery may still work, its performance has usually deteriorated.

Q: After charging a battery, how long can it be stored before it needs to be recharged?
A: It's generally advisable to follow the guideline, "Charge it today, use it tomorrow." Most Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries experience a phenomenon called "dissipation", where they lose charge over time when stored. This means that if a battery is stored after charging, it might not retain power for long, potentially leading to a dead battery when you use it next. The speed at which a battery loses its charge depends on the specific cells; lower capacity cells may hold their charge longer but won't perform as well as higher capacity batteries. For instance, high-capacity batteries like SANYO's HR-3U mAh AA Ni-MH cells provide extended usage time but must be used promptly after charging to maximize efficiency. Additionally, SANYO has developed the "eneloop" cell, which is a special Ni-MH battery type designed to retain up to 80% of its charge for a year when stored, making it a reliable choice for various devices.

Q: The battery I am putting in my model airplane has an mAh rating. Will I receive that amount of operation?
A: The mAh rating can be equated to the battery's "gas tank size." Under optimal conditions, a battery will hold that amount of current. Typically, battery manufacturers derive these ratings based on complete discharges to 0.75VDC per cell. However, it's inappropriate to run batteries to complete depletion; just like not driving a car until the gas tank is empty. In practice, batteries can appear to run out of power even when they retain some current, but devices may stop working if they require a higher voltage than what's left in the battery.

Q: Should I recycle my old batteries? What is the right disposal method?
A: Local regulations dictate disposal methods, but generally, all Ni-Cd batteries must be recycled due to cadmium being a heavy metal unsuitable for landfills. Additionally, the steel canisters of batteries should also be recycled, given the vast amounts potentially wasted in landfills. You can find further information on recycling rechargeable batteries at www.rbrc.com.

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Q: What charge rate should Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hydride batteries be charged at?
A: The recommended slow charge rate for Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries is 1/10 of the battery pack's rated capacity. For a 700mAh pack, this translates to a charge rate of 70mA over 12-16 hours, with the charging voltage equalling the number of batteries in the pack times 1.5v. Batteries typically last longer when slow-charged; persistent fast charging might expedite readiness for use but would likely accelerate wear and indicate reduced ability to store current.

Q: A battery claims to have "mAh" capacity. What does this mean, and will it provide that capacity for any device?
A: mAh refers to milliamp hours, an electrical measurement of capacity. However, actual performance can vary based on several factors, such as the device's voltage tolerance and the condition of the battery. A device with strict voltage cutoffs might never utilize the complete charge, whereas an analog device may continue to extract power until the battery is nearly depleted. High-capacity batteries imply a longer usage duration, so choosing a higher capacity option can benefit devices needing extended operation time.

Q: How should Ni-Cd and Ni-MH rechargeable batteries be stored when not in use?
A: Battery storage varies by purpose. For emergency batteries like those in flashlights, keeping them on a 'trickle charge' is advisable to ensure they are always ready for use. Alternatively, batteries not meant for immediate use should be stored uncharged in a cool, dry location, noting they can lose their charge within a couple of months and will need recharging prior to use.

Q: What are the differences between Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hydride?
A: Nickel Cadmium batteries have been on the market since the mid-70s and typically provide standard running times in portable devices. Nickel Metal Hydride, introduced in the early 90s, offers longer operating lifespan without increasing size and contains no harmful heavy metals, negating the strict disposal measures required for NiCad batteries.

Q: Can batteries develop "Memory"?
A: "Memory Effect" is a phenomenon recognized in some older Nickel Cadmium batteries, where failing to fully discharge a battery before recharging results in a reduced capacity. However, capacity reduction can also derive from various factors such as charging time, charger sensitivity, and battery age.

Q: What is Lithium Ion?
A: Lithium Ion refers to a modern, lightweight rechargeable battery. They are often included with mobile phones and laptops, boasting greater capacity than their nickel counterparts. However, Lithium Ion batteries have distinct charging and discharging characteristics and require specific chargers.

Q: What about Lithium Polymer?
A: Lithium Polymer batteries are another recent development, notable for their lightweight and high capacity. Rated at 3.7 volts, these batteries feature a vacuum-sealed exterior and are increasingly utilized in devices like cellphones and RC equipment.

Q: My battery pack indicates 7.5 volts. Is that more than 7.2 volts? What about a 10.8 volt pack versus an 11.25 volt one?
A: In practical terms, 7.5 volts offers the same performance as 7.2 volts, and similarly, 10.8 volts equals 11.25 volts. Manufacturers may list battery voltages variably, but overall, there is no material distinction in performance.

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