Recharging rechargeable batteries

[lu_fc2001]

Hi, need advice. I have 2 sets of rechargeable sanyo eneloope batteries. I used some already but still got power and the other is still new in the casing. Next week i have a engagement and i wonder. will there be any harm to the batteries if i do a recharge even if they are still have power? :?

[kiankheong]

As long as your charger completely discharges the batteries before charging, then it shouldn't be a problem.

You can find out whether your charger discharges in the manual.

[lu_fc2001]

dont know if the original eneloop battery charger does any discharging or not? i just mount it there and let it takes it course. any else know about this?

[chuah406]

i think for NiMh batteries there's no memory effect so it should be ok to charge even when there's still power. but it will be good to completely drain them once in awhile and then charge. probably will make them last longer.

[jackyyong]

I don't know about the original eneloop charger, but my Sony charger has the refresh function that will discharge the battery fully before charging the battery. It's good to invest in a good battery charger that can fully discharge your batteries before charging. BTW, I charge my eneloops with the Sony charger.

There are a lot of famous battery related site on the internet that explains all you need to know about batteries and how to maintain them. NiMH do have memory effect, although they are not as notorious as NiCd ones. Read all about them here (http://www.batteryuniversity.com/partone-21.htm).

[sweeann]

Always discharge your batteries before charging it again, get a battery tester as well, so you will know when do you need to do a recharge, I got my Uniross Battery Tester during PC Fair, costs only RM25.

And Sanyo Eneloop Battery *Rawks* ... :D

[sampoerna]

Go to RM2 shop, get a battery operated mini lamp. Place your battery there and wait till the battery drained off. This will take not longer than 1 hour.

I practice that. Good luck

[lu_fc2001]

sometimes the answer to difficult problems are the simplest solution...drain the battery using other appliances lah if the charger dont have a discharger!!! thks sampoerna

[jackyyong]

Hahaha!!! :D Now why didn't I think of that before? Good idea indeed!! :cool:

[sampoerna]

Simple and cheap solution. Why pay more for built in discharger? :D

[kiankheong]

i think for NiMh batteries there's no memory effect so it should be ok to charge even when there's still power. but it will be good to completely drain them once in awhile and then charge. probably will make them last longer.

You are quite wrong here. NiMH suffers from memory effect.

Batteries based on Lithium such as Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from memory effect. The link given by jackyyong is very informative.

One more thing, never to over-charge your batteries. :cool:

[mki88]

NiMH suffer from memory effect. But according to the link provided by Jacky, it recommend fully drain NiMH every once in three month. What does that mean? Can we charge them when they are not fully drainned? Please enlighten. :? :?

[kiankheong]

I think the process of completely discharging a battery is also called re-conditioning.

It is a lengthy process, but it is always advisable to completely discharge the battery before recharging.

You can still charge the battery when there is residue capacity, but over time, you will find that the capacity reduced due to a build-up in the "memory effect". Then, it's time to re-condition your battery.

[mki88]

From what I know, this reconditioning step require another gadget right? How much and where to find? Also, after reconditioning them, can 'erase' the memory effect?

*paiseh* I only know how to use, don't know how to maintain. :redface:

[sampoerna]

To solve your problem, Eneloop is the answer :D