NiMH batteries, specifics

[Chris Moon]

Mike, Also I use the Sirius Pro Charger which is compatible w/  nimh 
batteries.  You need to be able to slow charge them at C/10 the first 
time or two with a slow charger to get them to come up to rated 
capacity.  Never had a hint of even a warm battery with the Sirius fast 
charger though, and have used it exclusively after the 2nd slow charge.
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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