[Scan-DC] Re: Battery America report

[Mike Agner]

   Today, Bob wrote:
======================
I recently installed new Battery America 2300mAh NiMH batteries in a RS 
Pro-26. My charger is fried so using the internal radio charger, charged 
them for about 15 hours. Left it on and waited. 10 hours later radio 'low 
battery' beeps started. Radio draws 77 ma squelched. Obviously 770 mAh is 
not good.

Anyone know if there's an exact voltage that tells you a NiMH is fully 
charged?
======================
  Bob, many older handhelds can charge NiCads fine, but not NiMH.  The 
charging rate, AFAIK, and method is very different.  The full draw at 
squelch means very little; what you need to know is the amount of current 
supplied to the batteries during charge, the length of time(which you have) 
and something else- there is a very specific formula you can use to 
determine how long it would take to charge them.  Check your manual before 
you try that again.  Perhaps someone here has that formula?

   As for the Maha unit- I had one when I briefly owned the FT817 QRP 
radio.  Worked just fine. As I understand it, older units had a real 
problem with erratic overcharging, the newer ones are OK.

   73s  Mike