NiMH batteries, specifics

[Chris Moon]

Mike,  I have used the Hobbico Hydrimax 1450 5 cell packs for a yr now 
and they seem pretty good.  I just got a 3 packs from Hangtime Hobbies 
(No BS Brand) and they seem to be well made and it cycles at rated 
capacity - as a bonus I don't have to give $$ to the Tower/Hobbico/Great 
Planes cartel.  Everyone says to look for the Sanyo cells as being the 
best.  I was a big SR Batteries nicad fan, but for the same weight you 
get twice the capacity in nimh.  Make sure your fast charger is 
compatible with nimh since the peak detection works a little differently 
from nicads.
Chris

Mike Hester wrote:

> Thanks for the feedback, guys. I'm probably going to replace my nicads 
> with NiMHs, any specific suggestions, brands, places to get, chargers, 
> etc?
>  
> Thanks,
> -Mike
>  
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     From: Keith Black <mailto:tkeithb at comcast.net>
>     To: discussion at nsrca.org <mailto:discussion at nsrca.org>
>     Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2004 7:32 PM
>     Subject: Re: NiMH batteries, specifics
>
>     NiMH batteries are terrific for our use. They are lighter per mah
>     than the NiCads, memory isn't an issue so they don't have to be
>     completely discharged like NiCads (though I do a full cycle
>     periodically just to check capacity), and they don't loose their
>     charge as quickly as NiCads while sitting unused.
>      
>     The only real advantage that I know of for NiCads is in high
>     current discharge such as powering large electric motors.  NiCads
>     still seem have the edge in some cases here. But for our use NiMH
>     clearly is a better choice IMO. You'll also hear that NiCad
>     batteries can be rapid charged more quickly than NiMH. This is
>     probably true to some degree, however, this doesn't mean you can't
>     rapid charge NiMH's, they just require different peak detection
>     (supported by practically all modern chargers) and the charge
>     should probably be more conservative. Even with this you can still
>     charge them quite rapidly.
>      
>     FYI, there were some problems experienced with the early NiMH
>     cells and this turned off many people. My guess is that those who
>     still prefer NiCad over NiMH were aware of these early problems
>     and are not aware how good the improved NiMH batteries are.
>      
>     Keith Black
>
>         ----- Original Message -----
>         From: Mike Hester <mailto:kerlock at comcast.net>
>         To: discussion at nsrca.org <mailto:discussion at nsrca.org>
>         Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2004 2:55 PM
>         Subject: NiMH batteries, specifics
>
>         Ok, I'm sure we're all intimately familiar with nicads, and
>         lately, we've become all too familiar with lithium-ions and
>         lithium polymers. (If I never hear about another lithium
>         battery, it'll be too soon).
>          
>         What I'd like is some detailed specifics regarding the red
>         headed stepchild of the battery world, the Nickel Metal Hydride.
>          
>         What's the deal with it's performace at low temps? What temps
>         are we talking here?
>          
>         What's the scoop on fast charging, rates, overheating, etc?
>          
>         I'd like some experienced opinions on this.
>          
>         Thanks,
>         -Mike
>          
>          
>          
>
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