Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Batteries & Chargers => Topic started by: BreezyB on January 27, 2008, 05:24:28 pm

Title: Looking After Ni-cads
Post by: BreezyB on January 27, 2008, 05:24:28 pm

Hi All.
Advice please, I have trawled the archive but can't find the exact info I need.
Santa bought me a new Futaba 4 Ch set for Christmas (well, I had been very,very good). As it won't be put into service for a while, I assume that the TX and RX Ni-cads should be cycled to keep then in good condition. My questions are: What is the simplest way to fully discharge them and then using the Futaba charger supplied (which charges the TX and RX simultaneously) how will I know when they are fully charged because the blurb neglects to clarify that point. :(
Many thanks
Barrie.

Title: Re: Looking After Ni-cads
Post by: BreezyB on January 27, 2008, 05:49:39 pm

Just seen the R/C Battery Clinic Web Site from an earlier question, but I would still like your opinions/ideas please. Cheers, Barrie.

Title: Re: Looking After Ni-cads
Post by: Welsh_Druid on January 27, 2008, 07:12:00 pm

Barrie

If your set was new this Xmas - are you sure they are Ni-Cads and not Nickel-Metal-hydride  (NIMh)

Don B.

Title: Re: Looking After Ni-cads
Post by: BreezyB on January 28, 2008, 03:30:10 pm

Hi Don B.
I was hoping that they would be NiMh but they are definitely Ni-Cads in the TX and the RX, it says so on the battery packs.
But thanks for your input. Regards, Barrie.

Title: Re: Looking After Ni-cads
Post by: ukengineman on January 28, 2008, 04:43:47 pm

Discharging a NiCad pack without the proper means of stopping at a safe level of around 1V per cell can result in damage by cell voltage reversal.
NiCads are not harmed by storing them in a discharged state. I would just leave the equipment until you are ready to use it then give a full charge of about 14 hours.
Alan

Title: Re: Looking After Ni-cads
Post by: BreezyB on January 29, 2008, 03:00:34 pm

Many thanks to all for your valuable advice.
Regards
Barrie,