Nikon Battery Charger

Rechargeable Batteries: Q&a

Q: How often should batteries be recharged? What is the greatest way to shop them?

A: Here's some pure-gold guidance: Before utilizing either a rechargeable battery or a charger, study and adhere to the manufacturer instructions. Nonetheless have concerns? Get in touch with the manufacturer.

Beyond that recommendation, here are the prevailing points of view (although opinions vary) on methods for recharging and storing mainstream rechargeable batteries:

NiMH batteries (including precharged/hybrid varieties):

• Can be recharged at any time, no matter what level of power capacity they retain.
• Periodically, it's OK to totally discharge and recharge batteries. This is recognized as "conditioning." See the next question for details.
• To begin a prolonged period of storage, all NiMH batteries first should be totally recharged.
• If left unused for long stretches, recharge accordingly: Regular NiMH batteries: each and every 1 to two months Precharged NiMHs batteries: each and every 6 to 9 months

NiCd batteries:

• Best maintained when completely drained before recharging is attempted.
• It is feasible you to decrease the performance capabilities of NiCd batteries if they are recharged before being totally exhausted.
• Performing so could result in the dreaded "memory effect"&mdasha loss of power capacity after a NiCd receives a charge in a partially depleted state. A NiCd battery tends to "remember" to only shop the quantity of power it delivered throughout its most recent discharge.
• NiMH batteries demonstrate no measurable evidence of a memory impact.
• For prolonged periods of storage, NiCd batteries should first be totally drained.

Lithium-ion batteries: Available for outdoor microelectronic devices, but are commonly discovered in computer systems, single-reflex digital cameras, mobile phones.

• Recharge often, even if only a modest quantity of power has been drained.
• Li-ion batteries are not vulnerable to a memory impact.
• Steer clear of totally exhausting a Li-ion before recharging. Performing so won't ruin a Li-ion, but it is not viewed as a recommended practice.
• If a totally charged Li-ion battery is attached to device that also uses household electrical present (a notebook computer, for instance), no recharging present is applied to the battery. A battery's voltage should drop beneath a particular level before it will accept a recharge. In common, a Li-ion battery therefore can't be overcharged even if the device is plugged in and operated for a prolonged period. (Check your device's manufacturer instructions for its battery instructions.)
• Much more charging cycles can be accomplished if a Li-ion battery is recharged after shallow discharges (roughly 30% of capacity, which can be determined on devices that provide an power capacity indicator or battery "fuel gauge"). If feasible, steer clear of scheduling recharges after medium (50%) or complete (90%-100%) discharges.
• For ideal long-term storage, opinions vary. All specialists suggest selecting a cool location (roughly 60&degF (15.5&degC). Some individuals in the battery business say it is acceptable to shop a Li-ion battery totally charged other people advise draining it to roughly 40% to 50% of its peak capacity prior to storage. In many cases, it is hard for the average customer to know precise capacity levels, even with devices that provide a "fuel gauge" display. The customer should simply make his or her greatest estimate.

Q: Is "conditioning" required for all rechargeable batteries?

A: Not necessarily, although opinions can vary widely on this subject when it comes to NiMH batteries. Your greatest bet is to consult and adhere to manufacturer instructions.

Conditioning is the procedure of "deep-cycle exercise" for rechargeable batteries, where most (but not quite all) of the capacity is drained from a battery, then it is totally recharged. Numerous newer chargers that provide sophisticated features consist of a conditioning cycle that can be achieved with the touch of a button. Here's some fundamental guidance:

• Regular NiMHs: Situation batteries after 10 normal recharging cycles. Some business insiders say to condition NiMHs each and every three months, particularly if the batteries have been left unused or if battery performance seems sluggish compared to past performance. Conditioning prevents the formation of a crystal within the cell that can decrease its life.
• Precharged NiMHs Exact same as standard NiMHs each and every 10 cycles or each and every three months.
• NiCds: Every recharging cycle should be a conditioning event.
• Lithium-ion: Not essential. Nevertheless if you have a Li-ion battery pack with a fuel gauge or capacity indicator, totally discharging and recharging the battery occasionally is considered a great concept. This permits the fuel gauge electronics will relearn its complete-capacity levels and keeps the fuel gauge as correct as feasible more than the life of the battery pack. At some point in normal use, many individuals commonly drain their Li-ion batteries to a near-nothing level, so the next charge serves as a "conditioning" cycle for the fuel gauge.

Tip: Conditioning is advantageous if a battery is often recharged after it gets normal use but only for brief intervals. Instance: a security guard utilizing short flashlight bursts throughout a nightly walk.

Q: How many charges can a rechargeable battery accept?

A: Based on customer feedback and manufacturer claims, my greatest guess for NiMH batteries is between 150 and 500. Perhaps more, perhaps up to 1,000, according to some manufacturer claims. But maybe just a small more than 100 if the batteries are poorly maintained. Following 500 charges, even the most optimistic estimate puts a NiMH at 80% of its original power capacity. If used constantly, a rechargeable battery will not final forever. A battery will shed some of its capacity with each and every charge. Numerous extra factors will influence its longevity:

• the severity of its energy drain (the irregularity of a strobe-flashing camera vs. the steady, gentle pull of an power-effective headlamp)
• the frequency of discharges
• the temperatures in which it operates (extreme cold or heat are no friends of batteries)
• the pattern of recharging it experiences.

Q: Are all chargers produced equally?

A: Not quite. Some recommendations:

• Do not attempt to recharge a NiMH battery in an older, timer-based NiCd charger, which could cause overcharging.
• Likewise, do not attempt to recharge an older NiCd battery in a charger designed for NiMH batteries.
• So-called "smart" chargers are preferred. Intelligent chargers are equipped with microprocessors that automatically shut off the flow of power when batteries reach a complete charge. Some can also supply a "trickle charge" to keep power levels topped off till the batteries are required for use. In some cases, chargers sold with rechargeable batteries are extremely fundamental, or "dumb" chargers that lack auto shutoff and other features. This requires the user to be a vigilant observer throughout a charging cycle to make sure batteries do not overheat.
• For NiMH batteries, "quick" chargers are preferred more than slow "overnight" chargers. Fast chargers often get the job carried out in less than 4 hours. (On average, three to 6 hours are required.) It is generally believed rechargeable batteries final longer if charged with higher currents.
• Older overnight chargers take as long as 12+ hours and may not automatically shut off the flow of power when a battery's charge is totally restored. This puts batteries at risk of overcharging and harm. Indicators of overcharging consist of excessive heat in the batteries and leakage.
• Some newer "rapid" chargers (utilizing technologies called In-Cell Charge Control, or I-C3) refuel NiMH batteries in as small as 15 minutes.
• If a set of rechargeable batteries has been idle only days or a few weeks, it is smart to leading off its charge just before placing it into use.
• 1 clever kind of NiMH battery can be recharged utilizing the USB slot of a computer.
• Never attempt to recharge a single-use battery (alkaline, lithium, heavy duty). Note: Some specialized alkaline batteries have been designed to be rechargeable, but they accept only a restricted quantity of recharges and are not recommended.
• If a NiMH has been stored unused for years, it may require more two or three recharge-discharge cycles (conditioning) to totally activate the electrolyte. If feasible, use a fast charger rather than a rapid charger in this scenario. Most smart chargers provide a conditioning cycle.
• Conditioning may also assist revive a rechargeable battery that is exhibiting sluggish performance or abbreviated charges. If your charger lacks a conditioning function, a local electronics shop may be able to assist you.
• The terms used here to describe chargers&mdashslow or overnight (12+ hours), fast (three to 6 hours), rapid (15 minutes), smart (microprocessor-equipped)&mdashare not universally discovered in manufacturer item descriptions. Look for time claims of charging cycles to determine a charger's capabilities.

Q: Can batteries be left in a charger for long stretches of time?

A: Refer to the instructions that accompany your specific charger. With newer chargers, particularly those with an automatic shutoff function, the answer may be yes. Most battery specialists, nevertheless, caution against leaving any battery in any charger for longer than a day.

Q: Should batteries really feel warm throughout recharging?

A: All NiMH and NiCd batteries will grow warm throughout recharging. (Interestingly, lithium-ion batteries do not.) Note: Batteries may really feel extremely warm in rapid (15-minute) chargers. In slower chargers, although, excessive heat is a sign of potential trouble. If you notice leakage, terminate the charging procedure.

Q: What are ideal battery-charging conditions?

A: Space temperature someplace close to 68&degF (20&degC). Temperature extremes, particularly cold conditions, are tough on batteries. (It makes the electrolyte sludge-like.) And operating rechargeable batteries in extremely warm conditions will decrease the duration of their performance.

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