[Elecraft] KX3 Rechargeable Batteries

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Something I learned from one of our "tech reps" regarding rechargeable 
batteries and charge cycles.    I have successfully applied his advice 
for a multitude of and different types of my rechargeable batteries.

If you use a battery and then recharge it, that is one charge cycle.   
Likewise if you should use only 10% of the battery capacity and recharge 
it, that is also one  charge cycle.   And in the same vein, if you use 
90% of battery capacity and then recharge it, that is also one recharge 
cycle.

The point, every time you use the battery, regardless of the amount of 
discharge, and recharge it, that is one charge cycle. In other words, 
don't recharge until necessary.   And never leave a battery in the 
discharged state.  Always charge to full capacity.   Short charging 
cycles, because one perhaps is in a hurry and can't wait, only subtracts 
from the total number of charge cycles available.    And there are only 
so many charge cycles with each type of battery.   So every time you use 
and recharge a battery, click off one charge cycle.

I've practiced this with several different types of batteries and find 
that my batteries last much longer and need less frequent replacement.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 12/28/2018 9:47 AM, Walter Underwood wrote:
> Eneloop Pro (labeled Eneloop XX for a  bit) are rated for 500 charge cycles. Regular Eneloop batteries are rated for 2100 charge cycles but have lower capacity. Choose the one you prefer. I like the higher capacity batteries.
>
> The Wikipedia page on Eneloop has a chart that clears this up to some degree.
>
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eneloop
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>