[NevadaARES] Good Battery Information

[Paul Cavnar]

After experiencing some strange problems with my laptop, I ran
across this information on the web that I felt would be good to
share with everyone.
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Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)  Batteries

NiMH batteries typically provide at least 30% more run time than
NiCd batteries.   While still susceptible to the "memory effect,"
NiMH batteries are much less prone to this condition than the
older technology NiCd batteries.  Proper conditioning of a NiMH
battery over it's lifetime will greatly reduce the potential negative
impacts of "memory effect."  This can be done by ensuring the
battery is fully discharged before recharging at least once in
every 3-5 charge cycles.

It is very important to properly "condition" a new NiMH battery.
For the first 3 charge cycles, fully charge the battery overnight
(preferably on a conventional slow charger) and allow it to fully
discharge before recharging.    Over its lifetime, a NiMH battery
will perform best if it is regularly charged on a charger/conditioner
type charger.  A NiMH battery may be damaged by extensive
overcharging (continuously on a charger for more than 24 hours).

The "Memory Effect"

"Memory Effect" is a condition of reduced battery performance
(and eventual failure) due to a battery only using those cells that
are fully discharged and charged on a regular basis.  In other
words, if on a regular basis a NiCd or NiMH battery is only
partially discharged before being recharged, it " forgets" that it
has usable capacity to further discharge all the way down.  The
result is degraded battery performance and shorter battery life
because the battery is using less than it's true full capacity.
NiMH batteries, while considerably better than their NiCd
counterparts, are prone to developing "memory effect."

However, proper care and conditioning over the life of a NiMH
battery will significantly reduce the potential negative impacts.

1. 	Properly "condition" (fully charge/discharge for first 3
	cycles) the battery when it is new.
2.	Keep the battery and the contact terminals clean.
3.	Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat and cold.
4.	Use the battery.  If possible, avoid letting your battery
	sit dormant for long periods of time.
5.	Charge and re-condition a battery after an extended
	idle period.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the newest technology batteries and
offer several advantages over NiMH and NiCd batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their lighter weight and
higher performance.  Lithium-ion batteries are typically 20-
35% lighter and will provide 10-20% better performance than
a NiMH battery of equivalent mAh rating.  Lithium-ion batteries
are also unique in that they are not susceptible to the "memory
effect".

A new Lithium-ion battery will benefit from an initial
"conditioning" of the battery.  For the first 3 charge cycles,
fully charge the battery overnight and allow it to fully discharge
before recharging.   Once conditioned, Lithium-ion batteries
will perform best when charged at a rate somewhere between
a conventional slow charge and a rapid charge.  When rapid
charging, Lithium-ion batteries require a charger designed to
charge Lithium batteries.  To achieve a true full charge when
rapid charging, the battery needs to be slow charged the last
10-15% of its charge cycle.  Most "intelligent" desktop and
Lithium-battery rapid chargers provide this capability.  A
Lithium-ion battery may be damaged by extensive over-
charging (continuously on a charger for more than 24 hours).

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)  Batteries

NiMH batteries typically provide at least 30% more talk time
than NiCd batteries.   While still susceptible to the "memory
effect," NiMH batteries are much less prone to this condition
than the older technology NiCd batteries.  Proper conditioning
of a NiMH battery over it's lifetime will greatly reduce the
potential negative impacts of "memory effect."  This can be
done by ensuring the battery is fully discharged before re-
charging at least once in every 3-5 charge cycles.

It is very important to properly "condition" a new NiMH battery.
For the first 3 charge cycles, fully charge the battery overnight
(preferably on a conventional slow charger) and allow it to
fully discharge before recharging.    Over its lifetime, a NiMH
battery will perform best if it is regularly charged on a
charger/conditioner type charger.  A NiMH battery may be
damaged by extensive overcharging (continuously on a
charger for more than 24 hours).

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)  Batteries

NiCd batteries are the oldest technology batteries.  While
they offer good performance, NiCd batteries are highly
susceptible to the "memory effect."  Due to the overall
superior performance of Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries
and the additional negative environmental impact of NiCd
battery disposal.

73, Paul Cavnar - NN7B
NV Section OES