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From: nrh@lzwi.UUCP (N.R.HASLOCK)
Newsgroups: net.analog,net.consumers
Subject: Re: G.E. Rechargable Batteries info
Message-ID: <187@lzwi.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 3-Jul-85 16:08:37 EDT
Article-I.D.: lzwi.187
Posted: Wed Jul  3 16:08:37 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 4-Jul-85 04:24:25 EDT
References: <2936@nsc.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: AT&T Information Systems, Lincroft
Lines: 50
Summary: ni-cad ?memory?

In article <2936@nsc.UUCP>, nessus@nsc.UUCP (Kchula-Rrit) writes:
> However, my SO gave me a hand-held wire-wrap gun in 1981 with a set
> of G.E.'s "C"-size Ni-Cd batteries.  These batteries have exhibited
> the "memory" effect that Ni-Cd's are known for.
> I have the following questions for the net...
> 
>      0.  Has G.E. improved their Ni-Cds in the past few years?
>      1.  How can I prevent/delay the "memory" effect from biting me?
>      2.  How do Ni-Cds perform in FM-Walkman/clones/supersets?
>      3.  Is $10.95 a "good" price for a set of 4 "AAA"-size batteries+charger?
>      4.  Is there a manufacturer that makes a "better" Ni-Cd for a better price?
> 
> 				Kchula-Rrit
> 				!menlo70!nsc!nessus

In general, Radio-Control Model freakshave been using Ni-Cads to their
limits for many years. If you know of someone with this hobby, talk
to them. The modelling magazines carry usful articles fairly often.

Answers
0.	There has been no design change that I know of.
1.	'Memory' effects come from repeated incomplete discharge of the
	cells and can be cured by discharing the cells through a
	standard load, whatever it takes to have the current be
	50ma. ( You must recharge them first and it may take two or
	three cycles to get the capacity back ). Nasty ways to treat
	Ni-Cads include overcharging with a fast charger, unlikely
	with the GE device but check the charging current.

	Remember that Ni-Cads are considered good for only 200 to
	300 charge discharge cycles so curing 'memory' will shorten
	the life of the cells.

	Recommended charging current is 1/10 of the capacity of the
	cells.
2.	I run my walkman with ni-cads and have no complaints. I can
	listen to the radio for an hour or two after the cassettes
	will no longer turn.
3.	Price seems fair. Compare with Radio Shack.
4.	Not that I know about.
-- 
--
{ihnp4|vax135|allegra}!lznv!nrh
	Nigel		The Mad Englishman or
			The Madly Maundering Mumbler in the Wildernesses

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