Charging Batteries

BillN_33

BillN_33

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Is it better to let camera batteries, iPad and computer batteries, rechargeable AA batteries run down completely before you recharge them

In the past I remember it being advised that you did as it was said "that they have a memory"

Is this still true?
 
it depends on the chemistry...
Li batts - Cameras - definately no
Ni-cads - older style AA's - its a good idea to do it once in a while
NI-MH's - No - not required - although once in a while its also not a bad thing
 
Diving Pete said:
it depends on the chemistry...
Li batts - Cameras - definately no
Ni-cads - older style AA's - its a good idea to do it once in a while
NI-MH's - No - not required - although once in a while its also not a bad thing
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+1
If the batteries are discharged to a limit level (electrochemical
compound dependent) one may risk to have batteries change
their polarity.
 
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Thanks you all - immediate and good service as usual from the Forum members
 
Weeeelll....

Actually NiMH do also have a memory effect and actually the controllers in them don't know exactly how much charge is left but rather guess based on pre-programmed limits. This is why it is necessary to completely charge and discharge some of the third party batteries as this is what sets the known limits of charging. It's also why you only ever use 25% of a batteries true capacity (as the rest is reserved for the deterioration of the battery).

Leaving even a NiMH batter in a state of complete discharge is a bad thing to do as the tendrils that grow from the electrode, and are responsible for battery deterioration, grow quicker in this state. Obviously NiMH is light years ahead of other technologies in this area so it is of less concern but still something to bear in mind.

But, in short, what they said above.
 
I have a feeling this thread might get complicated.
Is it best to leave typical modern camera batteries (niMH presumably) at about 50% rather than full or worse empty?
I expect we almost all sometimes leave a full spare one for weeks at a time.
Quite impressed my 5D batteries are about five years - old and go through periods of neglect - but still seem to be performing quite well.
 
Personally, I let Ni (Cd and MH) cells run as flat as possible before recharging but charge Li (ion and polymer) batteries when they drop below showing full.

4wd. modern camera batteries are almost certainly Lithium and are best stored full and certainly not empty. Apart from anything else, grabbing a few 1/2 empty batteries as you run out of the door will mean they suddenly register empty when you need them most!
 
If you are keeping your battery/camera for a number of years could consjder the number of charge cycles as well. Easy enough to get a new camera battery but lot of phones have batteries which are not easy to replace.
 
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