P3D Re: Nickel Metal Hydride

["Greg Wageman" <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

From: Pixschack@xxxxxxx <Pixschack@xxxxxxx>


>Noticed today that Fry's has nickel metal hydride batteries in the AA
>penlight size.  I take lots of flash pictures.  I've been getting good
>service form NiCad batteries since I got a charger that discharges the
>batteries before going into the charge mode.  I understand that the
NiMH
>units don't have the memory problem.  What else do we know?  Can they
be used
>with a charger meant for NiCads?


Modern NiCds aren't supposed to have memory anymore, though it is still
a good idea to discharge them before recharging.  Also, don't overcharge
them, which can damage the cell.

NiMH have a higher capacity than NiCds (typically 1000mAH for AA size
NiMH, versus 600-800mAH for standard NiCds), so you can expect them to
last longer in the same application.

I believe that due to the higher charging current required for NiMH, a
charger intended for NiMH is required.  Radio Shack sells one that will
charge either (switch selectable).

     -Greg W. (gjw@xxxxxxxxxx)