Even my relatively-new batteries only take about 1.4 volts when fully charged. I've tried to recondition them by deeply discharging them in a flashlight, charging, and repeating. I want to use the batteries in a digital camera and other electronic devices. Could I be discharging too deeply? It is OK to discharge your NiMH batteries, but deep cycling them to less than 0.9 volts is not good for them.
Even Ni-cads should never be fully discharged, and if you are discharging more than one at a time in a flashlight it is possible to damage one of those batteries, here's why:
Batteries (cells) are never absolutely identical, and inevitably one will be completely discharged before the others. When this happens, the "good" batt's will start to "drive" the discharged batt in reverse, which can cause permanent damage to that battery.
For more detailed info please visit: http://www.robotcombat.com/images/camlig... Don't discharge your batteries more than one time.
Sometimes new NiMH batteries are like old.
Why? Because you don't know exactly what real date of
manufacuring is.
Some batteries are 3-5 years years old and still on the shelf.
Better way to buy Duracell. Rechargeable batteries are similar to the 1.5v alkalines, but more often really are 1.2v batteries. The exact tenth of a volt measurement is not critical, especially if you're just measuring across the terminals. Battery voltage is more a function under load than no-load condition.
In other words, measuring a battery's voltage out of circuit really tells you nothing. A completely charged battery can indicate a good charge, but be worthless when placed into service, as it discharges almost immediately.
Either your battery works or it doesn't. The exact voltage is unimportant, especially with NiMH. Deep-cycling is not only unnecessary, it can be harmful to the batteries. | 