Paul Laughlin wrote:
> I have always made it a point not to "deep discharge" any NiMH cells, due to
> the fact that I have always understood that NiMh cells do not develop the
> "memory" thing. I think that idea is a holdover from Ni-Cads.
>
We are strange creatures indeed, assuming since one mechano-chemical
design has a characteristic requiring a particular treatment that
another, completely different, system would require the same treatment -
because they are both batteries.
Let's see, three kinds of rechargeable batteries, Lead-Acid, Li-Ion,
Ni-Cad. One out of three sometimes requires a deep discharge cycle to
restore full capacity. The other two don't and at least one of them may
be seriously damages by such treatment, maybe both. So a new chemistry
shows up and we somehow assume it is like the minority of the others?
Why not just read what the makers say - no memory effect, deep discharge
cycles outside of regular use just wear it our faster.
Obviously I not arguing with you, Paul, as I agree with you.
---------------------------
It was my understanding that the "memory effect" with NiCads was in
general no such thing.
The symptoms are clear enough, reduced capacity that may be, largely,
restored through a regimen of at least a couple of deep discharges and
recharges.
I read a tech paper somewhere that claimed this was mostly a result of
long term overcharging. It said there was indeed a memory effect, but
that it was rather small. It said the more common and troublesome effect
that everybody was calling memory effect was in fact a result of dumb
chargers that maintained a charging voltage and/or current all the time,
forcing the battery into an odd, overcharged condition.
My own limited experience has been that cheap items with dumb trickle
chargers do indeed have that happen, and in fact eventually kill
batteries that have hardly been used. A RS safety lantern that comes on
when the power goes off comes to mind. The batteries eventually died
with essentially no use. When I replaced them (solder tab type), I found
there was no charging circuit at all, just poser from a simple wall wart
always on the batteries.
On the other hand is my Makita drills of many years provenance. the
charger is large and clearly has some circuitry in it. When a used
battery is attached, the red light goes on, then goes out when the
charge is complete. I believe, although I can't swear to it, that the
light occasionally goes on for a time again. In any case, A battery may
be on the charger for months and have full capacity, whether used
lightly or heavily before.
Moose
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