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Gear / Technical Help => Remote Power => Topic started by: yates7592 on September 14, 2012, 04:38:46 PM

Title: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: yates7592 on September 14, 2012, 04:38:46 PM

I have a set of Eneloops low self discharge 2500mAh Ni-Mh AA batteries, but have not had the opportunity to get out and tape (and therefore use them) in the last 4 months. Now, I understand the benefit of discharging and recharging such batteries prior to use, but I am wondering, in longer periods of non-use stretching to months, whether I should be periodically discharging and discharging, or if there is any long-term benefit/disbenefit in doing so?

Title: Re: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: fmaderjr on September 15, 2012, 05:17:38 PM

I can't give you a good answer to your question, but for someone more knowledgeable to do so it is important to know what batteries you have.

I don't think you have 2600 mAh lithium Eneloops. Eneloops are NiMh and are either 2000mAh or 2500mAh.

Title: Re: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: yates7592 on September 16, 2012, 03:20:14 AM

Yes, correct, they are Ni-Mh 2500mAh!

Title: Re: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: bryonsos on September 16, 2012, 07:52:26 AM

I think the most important thing is don't store them fully charged or discharged for any long periods. I like to run them dead from time to time, so I put them in a flashlight and leave it on overnight, but I charge them again immediately. YMMV

Title: Re: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: jbell on September 16, 2012, 08:47:03 AM

Get a good battery charger that will cycle them!! 

http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Technology-Battery-BC1000/dp/B004J6DLD4

Title: Re: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 17, 2012, 07:49:57 PM

Quote from: jmbell on September 16, 2012, 08:47:03 AM

Get a good battery charger that will cycle them!! 

http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Technology-Battery-BC1000/dp/B004J6DLD4

Get that battery charger, or THIS ONE ;)

Powerex Maha MH-C9000. Theyre very similar chargers, but mine has more options. When you get batteries you can "Break them IN' w/ my charger. It takes 2 days per 4 x AA's but maximizes the batteries for maximum capacity and after that, just cycle them a few times a year and just charge to 100% inbetween those cycles :)

My 2300mah Energizer AA NIMH batts have lasted me 2+ years thus far and theyre still going strong :)

Title: Re: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: Red Boink on October 20, 2012, 07:46:48 AM

+1 c9000 ....  If storage is 2 months or more store at 2/3 capacity.  Then refresh cycle on use.

Title: Re: Maintenance for rechargeable AA's only used infrequently
Post by: fmaderjr on October 20, 2012, 08:19:10 AM

Quote from: F.O.Bean on September 17, 2012, 07:49:57 PM

Quote from: jmbell on September 16, 2012, 08:47:03 AM

Get a good battery charger that will cycle them!! 

http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Technology-Battery-BC1000/dp/B004J6DLD4

Get that battery charger, or THIS ONE ;)

Powerex Maha MH-C9000. Theyre very similar chargers, but mine has more options. When you get batteries you can "Break them IN' w/ my charger. It takes 2 days per 4 x AA's but maximizes the batteries for maximum capacity and after that, just cycle them a few times a year and just charge to 100% inbetween those cycles :)

My 2300mah Energizer AA NIMH batts have lasted me 2+ years thus far and theyre still going strong :)

Both great chargers. You can break batteries in with the BC-1000 as well . Use the discharge refresh mode.

I thought I read (but can't find it now) that with the MH-C9000 one of the additional options is that you can (in fact are forced to) set the charging voltage separately for each battery compartment if you don't use the default settings (which you normally don't want to use on either charger). If true, this would be intolerable for me because it would require way more button presses to set the desired voltage. I'm sure Bean can tell us if I'm incorrect on this issue.

I love my BC-900, which is basically the same as the BC-1000.