Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the newest technology batteries and offer several advantages over NiMH and NiCd batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their lighter weight and higher performance. Lithium-ion batteries are typically 20-35% lighter and will provide 10-20% better performance than a NiMH battery of equivalent mAh rating. Lithium-ion batteries are also unique in that they are not susceptible to the "memory effect".
A new Lithium-ion battery will benefit from an initial "conditioning" of the battery. For the first 3 charge cycles, fully charge the battery overnight and allow it to fully discharge before recharging. Once conditioned, Lithium-ion batteries will perform best when charged at a rate somewhere between a conventional slow charge and a rapid charge. When rapid charging, Lithium-ion batteries require a charger designed to charge Lithium batteries. To achieve a true full charge when rapid charging, the battery needs to be slow charged the last 10-15% of its charge cycle. Most "intelligent" desktop and Lithium-battery rapid chargers provide this capability. A Lithium-ion battery may be damaged by extensive overcharging (continuously on a charger for more than 24 hours). Back to Top
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
NiMH batteries typically provide at least 30% more talk time than NiCd batteries. While still susceptible to the "memory effect," NiMH batteries are much less prone to this condition than the older technology NiCd batteries. Proper conditioning of a NiMH battery over it's lifetime will greatly reduce the potential negative impacts of "memory effect." This can be done by ensuring the battery is fully discharged before recharging at least once in every 3-5 charge cycles.
It is very important to properly "condition" a new NiMH battery. For the first 3 charge cycles, fully charge the battery overnight (preferably on a conventional slow charger) and allow it to fully discharge before recharging. Over its lifetime, a NiMH battery will perform best if it is regularly charged on a charger/conditioner type charger. A NiMH battery may be damaged by extensive overcharging (continuously on a charger for more than 24 hours). Back to Top
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries
NiCd batteries are the oldest technology batteries. While they offer good performance, NiCd batteries are highly susceptible to the "memory effect." Due to the overall superior performance of Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries and the additional negative environmental impact of NiCd battery disposal, CELLPOWER chooses to specialize in Lithium-ion and NiMN batteries and not carry NiCd batteries in our product line. Back to Top
The "Memory Effect"
"Memory Effect" is a condition of reduced battery performance (and eventual failure) due to a battery only using those cells that are fully discharged and charged on a regular basis. In other words, if on a regular basis a NiCd or NiMH battery is only partially discharged before being recharged, it " forgets" that it has usable capacity to further discharge all the way down. The result is degraded battery performance and shorter battery life because the battery is using less than it's true full capacity. Li-ion batteries do not develop the "memory effect". NiMH batteries, while considerably better than their NiCd counterparts, are prone to developing "memory effect." However, proper care and conditioning over the life of a NiMH battery will significantly reduce the potential negative impacts. Back to Top
Battery Do's & Don'ts (to maximize performance)
Do's:
Don'ts:
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