Self-discharging batts?

[donnellyk]

In different places here I've read that a battery can "self-disharge" itself over time so it will not take a charge if it goes too low.

Being a paranoid battery hoarder should I be checking all my batts that I have for "just in case" (I have some I've never used yet) and use them occasionally or stick 'em on the charger every now and then?

How long does the "factory charge" hold them (or our own charging)??

 

[Adrenalynn]

That's the big debate in the other thread.

IMHO - you should be charging them every two or three months.

 

[jagsfanrick]

That's the big debate in the other thread.

IMHO - you should be charging them every two or three months.

I agree. Better to be safe.

 

[donnellyk]

Thanks, I'll do that...

 

[jagsfanrick]

I also heard to store at 40%...its very confusing.

 

[donnellyk]

40%? Huh? How do you do that???

 

[Pawpaw]

40%? Huh? How do you do that???

That is the $64 question.

My cordless power tools came with the same instructions, but neglected to mention how you determine when you've reached 40%.

 

[donnellyk]

Really. Gimme a break.

 

[Adrenalynn]

The interesting thing is that with the modern chemistries, you can't do it by voltage.

The voltage is non-linear. It can be done, but not with precision and it takes a ton of programming to get it sorta-right.

 

[leeshor]

The interesting thing is that with the modern chemistries, you can't do it by voltage.

The voltage is non-linear. It can be done, but not with precision and it takes a ton of programming to get it sorta-right.

In other words, we might as well disregard the 40% rule. Not worth fretting over.

 

[donnellyk]

Crazy huh? If they want you to store your rechargeables at 40% they should at least have a way to know you're doing just that...give or take a % or two...

 

[Adrenalynn]

Leeshor - agreed.

Donnel' - remember these are disposable devices. I'm sure we didn't store our cigarettes in an absolutely ideal fashion either. Because we were expected to turn them over and buy more. And the cigar investors, well just look at the money they put into preserving their disposables! For a lot less you could buy a super-intelligent charger/conditioner that will give you a good idea of those numbers. I have a couple here, practically takes a PhD in electrical engineering to charge a freakin' battery, but they do a great job of it once you figure it out. The one I use for the large robot batteries has a 70+ page manual, a six line LCD, and weighs as much as a sack of potatoes. Still scares the heck out of me that I'll screw-up charging those batteries. I secure them in a steel alarm system box for charging, with the charger bolted to the outside and fireclay sealing any penetrations.

If that doesn't sound attractive: Just use and dispose like they're intended. Anyone hording batteries is likely in for a surprise even in a short-term ban. Banning batteries would be totally impossible. Banning the import of nicotine-containing product, though, is much simpler. It's the juice that'll get nailed, not the battery.

Wow - I'm distracted. That post is all over the board...

 

[donnellyk]

My "hoarding" is really not as bad as it sounded! I have 8 XL's, 8 regs, and a shortie. 3 PT's. I give away freebies to vaper wannabes...

Okay, Okay, I'll use 'em up!!

 

[Adrenalynn]

I really wish they would ban the batteries. I'd become soooo stinkin' rich Captain Kirk AND Bill Gates would bow to me...

I'm hoping they're even half stupid enough to try that...

 

[plantlvr]

I really wish they would ban the batteries. I'd become soooo stinkin' rich Captain Kirk AND Bill Gates would bow to me...

I'm hoping they're even half stupid enough to try that...

If they are that stupid can i be your Igor?

'Yes Master I will do your bidding and disintegrate the FDA agents gathering at the castle wall with your new annihilator device

 

[Adrenalynn]

That'd be fun!