Firstly,
important stuff you need to know
-
Batteries
may become warm during charging -
this is normal.
-
Do
not expose the battery to rain, water
or moisture and avoid any mechanical
shocks (like dropping).
-
Clean
any soiled battery and charger terminals
with a soft cloth or pencil eraser.
-
Do
not leave your battery on a charger
for extended periods of time (over
24 hours).
-
Don't
allow the battery terminals to contact
any metal surfaces (eg. keys, coins
or tools) as shorting may occur.
-
Do
not attempt to open batteries.
-
Do
not expose the battery to heat or
fire as it may deteriorate or explode.
-
Unsupervised discharging of batteries
using light bulbs can lead to cell
damage and reversal of polarity if
over discharged.
Nickel
Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries
Nickel Cadmium batteries contain a number of NiCd cells at 1.2 volts per cell.
NiCd
Chemistry batteries have an inherent 'memory
problem'. You should refrain from 'topping
up' your battery (ie. charging) before
it has been fully discharged.
This
will ensure a longer and more effective
life. NiCd batteries are designed for
'deep cycling' and should be run to full
discharge every week.
Be
aware that NiCd batteries contain Cadmium
and are hazardous to the environment.
Nickel
Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries contain a number of NiMH cells at 1.2 volts per cell.
NiMH batteries have a higher capacity than NiCd batteries.
NiMH
chemistry batteries have a low 'memory'
problem. You can 'top up' your battery's
charge at any time and it can stand
random charging. It is advisable to
completely discharge the battery every
month of constant use. Importantly the
cycle life (ie. the full charge and
discharge cycle) of a NiMH battery is
only around one third of the cycle life
of a NiCd battery. If a NiMH battery
is treated like a NiCd battery it will
have a short life. Replace or repack the battery
when the operating time has noticeably
declined.
Sealed
Lead Acid (SLA or Gel Cell) Batteries
Sealed Lead Acid batteries contain a number of cells at 2 volts per cell.
Sealed Lead Acid batteries are heavy as they contain lead and an acid gel.
These
are like very small car batteries and
do not have a 'memory' problem. They should
be charged frequently (or as often as
possible). They should never be fully
discharged or they will not be rechargeable
again. If stored they should be regularly
charged (eg. monthly) to prolong their
life. They should not be charged with
an automotive battery charger. If an SLA
battery shows leakage it should be discarded
immediately. Wash any exposed area with
lots of water.... and seek medical advice
if required. SLA batteries are hazardous
to the environment and should be handed
to a car battery shop for disposal.
Lithium
Ion (Li-ion) Batteries
Li-ion
batteries are small, expensive and have
no 'memory' problem and are of higher
voltage (3.6v per cell) and capacity.
They are reported to have a shelf life
of two years from date of manufacture!
They are known to be volatile and dangerous
if shorted, punctured or placed near strong
heat. Li-ion batteries require a special
charging unit. All Li-ion batteries contain
a circuit board which controls the very
narrow changing paramaters. They are not
known to be hazardous to the environment.
Lithium
Polymer (Li-pol) Batteries
These
are very slim and lightweight batteries
and the latest battery chemistry on the
market. Their voltage is 3.7 volts per cell. They should be treated like the
Li-ion batteries above. Lithium Polymer
batteries will become more widespread
in their use as SPACE AND WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
become more competitive.
