When to recharge batteries

[smooth operator]

I usually wait until the indicator light blinks indicating that a recharge is needed. I know that there are some types of batteries that have something called "memory," and on those types if you recharge before the battery is completely discharged then you shorten the life of the battery. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_effect I'm not sure what kind of batteries e-cigs use.

 

[jimk55]

With Lithium Ion batteries there is no memory issue. The manufacturers say that it is not a good idea to fully deplete the battery, ie: blinking, and it is better to recharge when you notice the vapor dropping off. The manufacturers state that you can get more life out of the battery, ie: more charges, when you do not fully deplete it. I'm not sure how much difference this makes as I have only had a couple of batteries fail, due to switch problems and not because they wouldn't take a charge. Only time will tell if there is difference between waiting for the blink and recharging when vapor drops off.

 

[Kent C]

I usually wait until the indicator light blinks indicating that a recharge is needed. I know that there are some types of batteries that have something called "memory," and on those types if you recharge before the battery is completely discharged then you shorten the life of the battery. Memory effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I'm not sure what kind of batteries e-cigs use.

Do and don't battery table
How to prolong lithium-based batteries

Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.)

Charging lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion is a very clean system and does not need priming as nickel-based batteries do. The 1st charge is no different to the 5th or the 50th charge. Stickers instructing to charge the battery for 8 hours or more for the first time may be a leftover from the nickel battery days.

 

[john doe]

I think the blinking happens not when the battery is fully discharged but when the voltage drops below a certain level. I seem to recall reading something about this a while back. also if the battery were fully discharged it wouldn't be able to make the led blink. It has something to do with the protection on a protected battery.

 

[john doe]

"Q: What do protected/unprotected mean in regards to Lithium-Ion?
A: As mentioned in the "what is double-tapping" question, a "protected" Li-Ion has a small electronic circuit integrated into the cell packaging. It protects against common dangers, such as overcharge, overdischarge, short-circuit (overcurrent), and temperature. These cells are safer to use, both individually and in batteries. They are less likely to ignite and cause personal or property damage, a phenomenon known as "venting with flame." Unprotected cells do not have this protection circuit, so they can have more capacity and current capability than protected cells. Some cells, such as 10440 (AAA), are too small to accomodate a protection circuit and are only available in unprotected form. Users must decide whether they prefer to stick with protected cells or accept the bigger responsibility and danger associated with unprotected cells. "
What's the difference between a protected battery and an unprotected battery? - CandlePowerForums

 

[D103]

Thank you Kent C that info and those links were very helpful to me.

 

[Kent C]

Thank you Kent C that info and those links were very helpful to me.

Ah Collateral damage Glad I could help.