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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>NiMH batteries are terrific for our use. They are
lighter per mah than the NiCads, memory isn't an issue so they don't have to be
completely discharged like NiCads (though I do a full cycle periodically just to
check capacity), and they don't loose their charge as quickly as NiCads while
sitting unused. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The only real advantage that I know of for NiCads
is in high current discharge such as powering large electric motors.
NiCads still seem have the edge in some cases here. But for our use NiMH
clearly is a better choice IMO. You'll also hear that NiCad batteries can be
rapid charged more quickly than NiMH. This is probably true to some degree,
however, this doesn't mean you can't rapid charge NiMH's, they just require
different peak detection (supported by practically all modern chargers) and the
charge should probably be more conservative. Even with this you can still charge
them quite rapidly.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>FYI, there were some problems experienced with the
early NiMH cells and this turned off many people. My guess is that those who
still prefer NiCad over NiMH were aware of these early problems and are not
aware how good the improved NiMH batteries are. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Keith Black</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=kerlock@comcast.net href="mailto:kerlock@comcast.net">Mike Hester</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=discussion@nsrca.org
href="mailto:discussion@nsrca.org">discussion@nsrca.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Saturday, May 08, 2004 2:55
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> NiMH batteries, specifics</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ok, I'm sure we're all intimately familiar with
nicads, and lately, we've become all too familiar with lithium-ions and
lithium polymers. (If I never hear about another lithium battery, it'll be too
soon).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>What I'd like is some detailed specifics
regarding the red headed stepchild of the battery world, the Nickel Metal
Hydride.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>What's the deal with it's performace at low
temps? What temps are we talking here?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>What's the scoop on fast charging, rates,
overheating, etc?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'd like some experienced opinions on
this.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>-Mike</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
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