Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!lll-winken!telecom-request From: emory!Dixie.Com!jgd@gatech.edu (John G. DeArmond) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Help Needed With NiCads on my Panasonic Cellular Message-ID: Date: 18 Mar 91 22:18:09 GMT Sender: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Organization: Dixie Communications Services Lines: 26 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 216, Message 7 of 10 > handset just cutting off. I figured something like a light bulb and > some leads to connect to the battery terminals but that seems crude > and slow. Any suggestions. Thanks in advance... I missed the first part of this thread but since it is apparent by the title that we're discussing Panasonic portable batteries, a slight misconception needs to be corrected. The battery in the the old style Panasonic portable (and I believe in the new style also) is NOT a NiCad battery. It is a Gell-cell-type lead-acid battery, as is the same battery used in the Panasonic Cam-corders. Using a Ni-cad-style charge cycle and/or deep discharging these batteries will RUIN them, as I found out by experience. I smoked my first battery in a few weeks; the second has lasted several years. The way to make these batteries last is exactly the same technique you use to preserve ordinary car batteries. Store them charged, maintain a trickle charge whenever possible and never deep discharge. There IS a reason why the Panasonic phone dumps you so fast when the battery is going down. John De Armond, WD4OQC Rapid Deployment System, Inc. Marietta, Ga {emory,uunet}!rsiatl!jgd