Slow charging new batteries

[rayb]

I plan on buying only one or two more new batteries (600-1600mah Nihm) to go along with what I have now. Do I need a serarate slow charger to condition them the first time or can I do it with the lowest setting on the field charger (?? 100 mah). Is there a simple (meaning low cost) overnight charger that will slow charge the few new packs that I will buy? Thanks, Ray

[MTT]

I think new batteries are usually charged a 0.1 C, so in your case, you should be able to charge them with the lowest slow charging setting on your field charger.

I have done it on my packs, with my Astro 112 charger, without any problems, however, I use 1700's and 2400's.

Michael

[Don Leitz]

Hi Ray,
The real reason to slow charge a new pack is to allow all of the cells to balance out with one another so that they will reach peak at the same time. If one or more cells in a pack become unbalanced, they could peak before the other cells in the pack and overcharge before your charger detects a peak. By charging slowly, any cells that reach a peak before the others will not be damaged by the low charge rate as the other cells continue to receive energy. One the cells are intially balanced, they tend to stay that way for long periods of time, and only need to be rebalanced every few weeks or even months.

Most modern chargers either have slow charge capablity or can be tricked into slow charging. Another way to slow charge is to use the "wall wart" charger that comes with your transmitter. This will charge up to 8 cells at 50-60 ma. All you will need to use it is to go to Radio Shack to get the appropriate mating plug and make an adapter with your pack's connector type on the other end. I use this method for my smaller (500-1000mah) packs, and it works fine.

Regards,
Don