Rechargable Batteries

[NickfromWI]

Seeking advice on how to treat rechargable batteries. I know there are a few different types. NiCad, NiMH, Lithium Ion just to name a few. But I've read in the past (yes, I am a dork that reads owners manuals) that some say never to let it run all the way out of power, and some you should occasionally let run all the way out because they have "memory" of some sort and things like that.

I wanna get the most out of these batteries. I'd hate to be the cause of prematurely having to find where I can get one recycled.

So whattya know?

love
nick

 

[Leon]

Which kind of battery, specifically, do you have Nick?

 

[NickfromWI]

I just checked my cell phone, it has Lithium Ion. But I also have a rechargable electric shave, the Nintendo DS (gameboy) has a rechargable battery, I have a digital camera with a rechargable battery, too. I'm sure they are not all the same.

I was hoping to come up with some guidelines, like "lithium ion, let it drain, NiCad always full" or something like that.

This info could be used in the future when looking at buying things. Right now, due to ignorance, I don't even consider battery type when looking at electronics.

love
nick

 

[glens]

Hi Nick.

I think in general terms it's safe to say that rechargeable batteries don't like to be run completely down, and they don't like to be left on the charger for extended periods of time.

Following some of the links at wikipedia might help you better than that:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_battery

The external link provide there to Battery University looks like it will help you perhaps the best.

Glen

 

[Jarod]

I recall my phone "Discharging" the battery when I let it run down, that used NiMH if I'm not mistaken. I believe that you should run NiMH down at least once in a blue moon, but I don't think NiCAD batteries like it as much, just run those really low since they do have a memory. Lithiium Ion is in my new phone, but I am not too sure about what is best for them, so I just treat it like my NiMH. I use the NiMH in my camera now, and they last a long time and only cost about $9 (4 AA) at Wal-Mart. You can get them as a set with the chargers as well.