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From: youngqd@jacobs.CS.ORST.EDU (Dean Youngquist)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Icom charge currents?
Keywords: IC-02, chargers....
Message-ID: <1991Apr13.033531.9112@lynx.CS.ORST.EDU>
Date: 13 Apr 91 03:35:31 GMT
References: <1991Apr12.214209.7575@mthvax.cs.miami.edu>
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In article <1991Apr12.214209.7575@mthvax.cs.miami.edu> wb8foz@mthvax.cs.miami.edu (David Lesher) writes:
>I'm building my own version of the ICOM rapid/slow charger for my 02
>batteries, such as BP-7's,-8's and others.

Ni-Cad Batteries are usually charged at 10% of the amp hour rating
for 14 - 16 hours.  I assume that means 1/3 of the charge energy is
lost, 2/3 goes to the battery.  Example 700 maH battery charges at 70
ma for 15 hours, at which time it is fully charged.  If you want to 
charge it in 4 hours: 70 x (16/4) = 280 ma or .280 Amps.
If you dare charge it in 1 hour: 70 x 16 = 1120 ma = 1.120 Amps.
It is my understanding that battery life is significantly shortened
as the charge rate is increased past the 16 hour charge rate.