Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpcc05!hpldsla!tonya From: tonya@hpldsla.sid.hp.com (Tony Arnerich) Newsgroups: sci.electronics Subject: Re: NiCd Memory (True or False, opinions?) Message-ID: <1990030@hpldsla.sid.hp.com> Date: 26 Jun 91 00:23:37 GMT References: Organization: HP Scientific Instruments Division - Palo Alto, CA Lines: 31 Fact #1: ALL NiCad manufacturers claim that "The memory effect has been eliminated/solved/relegated to the past." Fact #2: ALL manufacturers will say the above, even when it is not true. Make that "especially when it is not true", and the other manufacturer's have beaten you to the claim of having solved the problem. Fact #3: My rechargeable shaver used to be able to give 3 weeks of shaves per charge, now after 2 years it can only do 2 weeks per charge. It has a 1-hour quick-charge, after which it switches to trickle (I think - at least the "charge" light changes from steadily on to flashing at end of quick cycle. At least some part of the charge circuit knows when a "full" charge has been reached). I discharge to a fairly consistent level (when the motor speed suddenly poops out), and usually let it go beyond the quick charge cycle, and through the night (boy, I *hope* the charger drops to trickle rate!) In no case do I ever drain the batteries to absolute zero, nor do I do partial charges. It's probably gone through only about 50 charge/discharge cycles. Hearsay #1: A friend at work claims to really drain down his Makita power tool batteries after each drain below useful voltage. He swears this is the secret of treating NiCads well. Hearsay #2: The number of woodscrews he says he can drive is much higher than the number I have been able to drive (I know, different screws, different wood,...). It still makes me think I'm a NiCads' worst nightmare. tonya@sid.hp.com