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1.
What is the difference between NiCad, NiMH and Lithium
Ion batteries?
Batteries
in portable consumer devices such as a laptop,
camcorder, cellular phone, etc., are typically made
using either Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal
Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery cell
chemistry. Each type of rechargeable battery chemistry
has its own unique characteristics:
NiCad
and NiMH:
The
main difference between the two is that NiMH battery
(the newer technology of the two) offers higher energy
density than NiCads. In other words, the capacity of a
NiMH is approximately twice the capacity of its NiCad
counterpart. What this means is for you is increased
run-time from the battery with no additional bulk or
weight. NiMH also offers another major advantage: NiCad
batteries tend to suffer from what is called the
"memory effect". NiMH batteries are less
prone to develop this problem and thus require
less maintenance and conditioning. NiMH batteries are
also environmentally friendlier than NiCad batteries
since they do not contain heavy metals (which present
serious landfill problems). Note: Not all devices can
accept both NiCad or NiMH batteries.
Lithium
Ion
Lithium-Ion
(Li-Ion) has become the new standard for portable power
in consumer devices. Li-Ion batterys produce the same
energy as NiMH battery but weighs approximately 20%-35%
less. This is can make a noticeable difference in
devices such as cellular phones, camcorders or notebook
computers where the battery makes up a significant
portion of the total weight. Another reason Li-Ion
batteries have become so popular is that they do not
suffer from the "memory effect" at all. They
are also environmentally friendly because they don't
contain toxic materials such as Cadmium or Mercury.
2.
Is it possible to upgrade the device's battery to a
newer battery chemistry?
Maybe.
NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion are all fundamentally different
from one another and cannot be substituted unless the
device has been pre-configured from the factory to
accept more than one type of battery chemistry.
3.
The New Battery Isn't Charging. Is it defective?
Usually
NO. New batteries come in a discharged condition and
must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that
you fully charge and discharge the new battery two to
four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated
capacity
It
is generally recommend an overnight charge
(approximately twelve hours). It is normal for a battery
to become warm to the touch during charging and
discharging.
When
charging the battery for the first time, the device may
indicate that charging is complete after just 10 or 15
minutes. This is a normal with rechargeable batteries.
New batteries are hard for the device to charge; they
have never been fully charged and not “broken in.”
Sometimes the device's charger will stop charging a new
battery before it is fully charged. If this happens,
remove the battery from the device and then reinsert it.
The charge cycle should begin again. This may happen
several times during the first battery charge. Don't
worry; it's perfectly normal.
4.
How can I maximize the performance of my battery?
There
are several steps you can take to help you get maximum
performance from your battery:
Prevent
the Memory Effect -
Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then
fully discharging it at least once every two to three
weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries which
do not suffer from the memory effect.
Keep
the Batteries Clean -
It's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a
cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good
connection between the battery and the portable device.
Exercise
the Battery -
Do not leave the battery dormant for long periods of
time. We recommend using the battery at least once every
two to three weeks. If a battery has not been used for a
long period of time, perform the new battery break in
procedure described above.
Battery
Storage -
If you don't plan on using the battery for a month or
more, store it in a clean, dry, cool place away from
heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries
will self-discharge during storage; remember to recharge
the batteries before use.
Sealed
Lead Acid - (SLA)
batteries must be kept at full charge during storage.
This is usually achieved by using special trickle
chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not
attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three
months.
5.
What is "Memory Effect"?
NiCad
batteries, and to a lesser extent NiMH batteries, suffer
from what's called the "memory effect". What
this means is that when a battery is partially
discharged before recharging, the battery
"forgets" that it has the capacity to further
discharge all the way down. For example if you on a
regular basis, fully charge your battery and then use
only 50% of its capacity before the next recharge,
eventually the battery will become unaware of its extra
50% capacity which has remained unused. The battery will
remain functional, but only at 50% of its original
capacity. The way to avoid the dreaded "memory
effect" is to fully cycle (fully charge and then
fully discharge) the battery at least once every two to
three weeks. Batteries can be discharged by unplugging
the device's AC adapter and letting the device run on
the battery until it ceases to function. This will help
your battery remain healthy.
6.
What Are Volts and Milliamp-hours (mAH)?
There
are two ratings on every battery: volts and amp-hours
(AH). The AH rating may also be given as milliamp-hours
(mAH), which are one-thousandth of an amp-hour (for
example, 1AH = 1000mAH).
The
voltage of the new battery should always match the
voltage of your original unless the batteries are
different chemistries.
NiMH
and Li-Ion batteries have different voltage ratings,
even if they're for the same device. Some of our battery
lines will have higher amp-hour ratings than your
original battery found in the device. The higher
capacity or mAH gives your device longer run-time and
will not cause any incompatibilities.
7.
How long do typical batteries last?
The
general rule of thumb is between 500 to 800
charge-discharge cycles. This translates into one and a
half to three years of battery life for the average
user. As the rechargeable battery begins to die, the
user will notice a decline in the running time of the
battery.
Once
a battery loses 50% of its original run-time, it's time
for a new one.
8.
Can I Recycle my Old Battery? How?
NiCad,
NiMH and Li-Ion batteries should be recycled. Be
environmentally conscious - do NOT throw these batteries
in the trash. If you don't know where your local
recycling facility is, call the Portable Rechargeable
Battery Association at 1-800-822-8837. They will provide
you with the address of the recycling center nearest to
you
9.
How long will my new battery run?
Battery
run-time is difficult to determine. Actual battery
running time depends upon the power demands made by the
equipment. The use of the screen, the device and other
accessories results in an additional drain upon the
battery, effectively reducing its running time. The
total run-time of the battery is also dependent upon the
design of the equipment.
10.
What is a "smart" and “dumb” Battery?
Smart
batteries have internal circuit boards with smart chips
which allow them to communicate with the notebook and
monitor battery performance, output voltage and
temperature. Smart batteries will generally run 15%
longer due to their increased efficiency and also give
the computer much more accurate "fuel gauge"
capabilities to determine how much battery running time
is left before the next recharge is required.
11.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Battery Use
Battery
Do's:
Fully
charge/discharge battery up to 4 cycles before achieving
full capacity of a new battery
Fully
discharge and then fully charge the battery every two to
three weeks for battery conditions.
Run
the device under the battery's power until it shuts down
or until you get a low battery warning. Then recharge
the battery as instructed in the user's manual.
Remove
from the device and stored in a cool, dry, clean place
if the battery will not be in use for a month or longer,
Recharge
the battery after a storage period
Ensure
maximum performance of the battery by optimizing the
device's power management features. Refer to the manual
for further instructions.
Battery
Don'ts:
Do
not short-circuit. A short-circuit may cause severe
damage to the battery.
Do
not drop, hit or otherwise abuse the battery as this may
result in the exposure of the cell contents, which are
corrosive.
Do
not expose the battery to moisture or rain.
Keep
battery away from fire or other sources of extreme heat.
Do not incinerate. Exposure of battery to extreme heat
may result in an explosion.
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