Batteries 102 - "More about batteries" by
Dale Symons
Airsoft guns use two types of batteries Nicad (nickel cadmium)
and Nimh (nickel metal hydride). Nicad batteries are the
most common at the moment however Nimh batteries offer higher
capacity for their size up to about 3700 mah resulting in
less batteries to carry.
Nicads have a few disadvantages, they must be discharged
fully after use to prevent a memory forming, and they are
being phased out because of the toxicity of the cadmium.
You can purchase a purpose built discharger that plugs directly
onto the battery or make one using a car headlamp bulb (same
theory, it just provides a load to use up the batteries
power).
A good example is the very economic option available at
Pyramid
Airsoft labeled "Lightbulb
Discharger for Nicad and NiMH batteries" shown
below:
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Price: $5.50
Model Number: OB124A
FEATURES: 2 bulbs @ 4 Amps / 16ga Silicone
wire / Male Tamiya Connector
Click
Here
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Discharger is critical for any AEG battery.
Always discharge your Nicad battery fully before recharging.
This ensures that the battery is able to achieve a
full charge.
Discharge your NiMH packs if you are planning to store
for long periods of time.
Discharging your batteries will preserve life, voltage
and runtime.
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If a nicad battery develops a memory problem(ie:registering
fully charged when only partially charged)you can wrap the
battery in a plastic bag and place in the bottom of a freezer
for 48 hours, then remove, allow an hour to thaw and then
charge as normal. This sometimes removes the memory effect.
The formula for working out charging times are as follows:
NiCad....Battery capacity x 1.4 / Charger Output
NIMH....Battery capacity x 1.5 / Charger Output
As an example, where the battery capacity is in Mah ie:
600mah and the charger output which should be marked on
the label of the charger is in Mah
so 600x1.4/50=16.8 hours charging time.
This useful article was sponsored by Pyramid
Airsoft, where you can find quality and affordable airsoft
replicas and accessories. Please click here and visit them
to view their great selection as a thanks for the information
contained herein.
Credits/Acknowledgments
This article was brought to you by Dale Symons
November 29, 2005. United Kingdom
