Ni-MH Battery Question

[Huffelpuff]

I purchased (2) 4.8v 600 mAh Ni-MH batteries w/ corresponding charger in the classifieds. batteries work great but my question is about recharging. I put the batteries into the charger, the red light comes on and stays on. It's never gotten to the point where the light turns off to indicate that batteries are charged and the battery gets a bit hot.

I have a multimeter that I've used sparingly and can use it to test but am not sure what to look for to make sure that the batteries are safe to use. May be that I'm being overcautious but it doesn't seem right.

Any suggestions about safely using these batteries would be appreciated.

 

[MustangSallie]

Morning Huff, I can't answer about their safety, but the same thing happens when I charge the Ni-MH batteries using the charger I got from Madvapes. Even says on the Madvapes website that this is normal, the light will stay red and not turn green. I have heard it's possible to over charge these batteries, and that you should monitor how long they're on the charger. Hope this helps.

From the website:

The LED on these chargers will stay red and not turn green but the battery will be charging. Charges the 4.8 volt NiMH batteries to approximately 5.8 volts after 5 to 6 hours.

 

[Huffelpuff]

Thanks, Sally. Geez seems like a design issue. Not the safest set up IMHO. Thanks so much for the info.

 

[kazz63758]

There is a new version of that charger available. It has two bays and turns green when charged.

New 5v Dual Charger - Only for 4.8v Mod Battery

 

[SailCat]

Hmmmm ... risk of overcharging ... never turns green. 'Makes me regret waiting a few days to search this topic while batteries charged. I just paid retail for a charger and probably won't buy another unless these NiMH batts are positively orgasmic (which expectation might be setting my sights a little high).

Thanks for the info, Sallie & kazz.

 

[Huffelpuff]

Hi, didn't see your reply Kazz. Thanks so much for the info.

 

[Scottinboca]

If they are positively orgasmic I will buy them as well! Does it matter that I don't have a mod that uses them?!

Hmmmm ... risk of overcharging ... never turns green. 'Makes me regret waiting a few days to search this topic while batteries charged. I just paid retail for a charger and probably won't buy another unless these NiMH batts are positively orgasmic (which expectation might be setting my sights a little high).

Thanks for the info, Sallie & kazz.

 

[kazz63758]

Well, "orgasmic" might be pushing it a bit But, I do like using these batteries with certain juices (particularly tobacco flavors) My only real gripe with them is that they use up a charge significantly faster than an 18650.

you are welcome Huffelpuff. I do like the new charger a LOT more than the older. If you are going to use these batteries, I think it is worth the extra investment.

 

[DaveP]

I think I'll stick with my 3.7v 14500s. My Trustfire charger turns green when they are ready. I'd be wary of a charger that doesn't know when charging is complete. Even my cheap NiCad/NIMH AA AAA charger does a timed charge and cuts off after an elapsed time.

Anyone ever forget to turn off the coffee pot? Makes a tarry black mess. NIMH batts could be much worse ...

 

[Huffelpuff]

Until I buy a charger that is more solid, they have been assigned "back up battery" status. Is all good cause I'll just break them out if my 18650s take a dive. I thought maybe I was doing something stupid but apparenly it was the manufacturer making something stupid.

 

[kazz63758]

Well, as I understand it, these batteries are specially made for ecigs. And the charger is essentially a modded 18650 charger. Not a lot of demand for them outside of vaping.

As that aspect became more popular, some of the suppliers commissioned the second version of the charger with more built in features manufactured by one of the China factories.

I don't have a specific post/source to back this up--just information I have gleaned by browsing the forum. Anyway, if you accept their limitations, they work pretty well.

 

[Huffelpuff]

Well, now I ordered LiPo or whatever they are with a charger. Will have 3 chargers - kinda silly but a good backup system I guess.