| Author | Thread |
|
|
06/30/2004 12:22:15 AM · #1 |
| I have 3 sets (4XAA) NiMH batts for my cam. Seldom use it now. Normally do you keep the batts fully charged/empty/used(half charged) ? |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 12:48:42 AM · #2 |
I have a total of six sets (4xAA), but I find that I rarely need more than three sets. I have one set in the camera being used, one set fully charged with the camera (i.e. with me when possible) and the final set in the charger. Since NiMHs don't suffer from memory, if I am not certain if I go out and then come back, after using my camera somewhat, I will go ahead and rotate the batteries to keep the charge fresh on all of them.
It just seems the most effecient for me, and is one reason I am in no hurry to get something better than what I have. As I understand it the better cameras use custom (expensive) batteries, and getting three of them could be a drain (sic) on resources.
David
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 12:54:01 AM · #3 |
| I like rotating out the set that I use. If you have multiply sets you can rotate them around. In this way it may seem like the batteries last longer before they don't hold a charge anymore. |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 01:25:53 AM · #4 |
most of your replies here are for u are USING them...
what i wanted to know is when they are NOT IN USE.. what state of charge should they be kept in? I know its best to keep them fully charge where u can use the cam anytime, but does it affect the batt 'longevity'?? |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 01:30:24 AM · #5 |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 01:33:32 AM · #6 |
| I use three sets, one in the camera, one in the camera bag, one at home. I usually wear down the batteries in the camera every 5-10 days, so I just put in the next set and rotate. I don't think sitting for a week or two that they will lose significant charge; if they did, I should find myself having to change them more often as I put in "aged" batteries (off the charger for 1-3 weeks). If I find them sitting aournd longer than that, I'll try and rememeber to put them back on the charger -- I was assured (in another thread on this topic) that there was no harm in "topping off" these batteries periodically to restore full charge. I guess ultimately it's a matter of your discipline/compulsiveness/convenience. |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 01:39:17 AM · #7 |
I store them in fully charged state. I use them on my 550EX. My guess is that after a while without using them, power will eventually leak slowly and so when you use them again they're not as full as the ones that were freshly charged. I would say depending on how you keep them stored (in full state) they may not be as full when you use them again. At any rate NiMH don't have memory so even if there's just 75% juice, you can recharge them.
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 03:03:30 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by taterbug:
Michigan |
hahaha you owe me a soda! I spat mine out when I saw your comment!
:)
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 03:06:48 AM · #9 |
| Lucky he doesn't owe you a new keyboard. :) |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 03:55:38 AM · #10 |
uumm.... am i missing something here?Originally posted by aerogurl:
Originally posted by taterbug:
Michigan |
hahaha you owe me a soda! I spat mine out when I saw your comment!
:) |
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 04:50:05 AM · #11 |
Was asked what state, in the state of Michigan. Took me a second to get the joke too, but here we have provinces.
Originally posted by zerocusa:
uumm.... am i missing something here?Originally posted by aerogurl:
Originally posted by taterbug:
Michigan |
hahaha you owe me a soda! I spat mine out when I saw your comment!
:) |
|
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 08:21:43 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by zerocusa:
most of your replies here are for u are USING them...
what i wanted to know is when they are NOT IN USE.. what state of charge should they be kept in? I know its best to keep them fully charge where u can use the cam anytime, but does it affect the batt 'longevity'?? |
40% charged for longer term storage
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 09:43:35 AM · #13 |
I've seen lots of conflicting opinions on this. But the advice I deem most trustworthy: store fully charged, removed from any devices or chargers, in a dry place at moderate temperatures. Don't store in an airtight container as hydrogen and oxygen can be released and concentration can cause a fire or explosion. They will naturally discharge over time. Charge fully before using them after a few months storage; it may take a few cycles before performance returns to normal. Some manufacturers suggest recharging once a year for maximum life.
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 09:48:07 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
40% charged for longer term storage |
I was going to say that too, but I believe the 40% recommendation is for Li Ion batteries, not NiMH. |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 09:50:06 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by dr rick:
I've seen lots of conflicting opinions on this. But the advice I deem most trustworthy: store fully charged, removed from any devices or chargers, in a dry place at moderate temperatures. Don't store in an airtight container as hydrogen and oxygen can be released and concentration can cause a fire or explosion. They will naturally discharge over time. Charge fully before using them after a few months storage; it may take a few cycles before performance returns to normal. Some manufacturers suggest recharging once a year for maximum life. |
Yup - this is mostly sound. The only variance I've seen is on the recommendation on charge level to store at. Some vendors claim it makes no difference fully charged, discharged or half charged.
The other one thing that is consistant is that batteries degrade over time, starting from when they are manufactured, regardless of if they are used or not. So in general, you are better off using the ones you have and then buying fresh ones when they wear out, rather than buying several now and storing them against a future need.
//www.powerstream.com/Storage.htm gives a snapshot of a cross-section of recommendation from various manufacturers, for a variety of battery types.
Message edited by author 2004-06-30 09:51:10.
|
|
|
|
06/30/2004 10:24:37 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by Gordon:
40% charged for longer term storage |
I was going to say that too, but I believe the 40% recommendation is for Li Ion batteries, not NiMH. |
So you need a battery "discharger" and voltmeter to "properly" store those? How else would you get the battery to "40% charge?"
I can't wait for the AA-sized fuel cell, with eyedropper to add water ... |
|
|
|
06/30/2004 11:50:56 AM · #17 |
As has been mentioned the 40% charge level is for LiIon batteries, but is also recommended for Ni based battery storage too.
//www.buchmann.ca/toc.asp looks useful as a guide to battery tech for non-techy people.
Message edited by author 2004-06-30 11:59:01.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/18/2025 07:39:18 AM EDT.
