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What is a Battery, and how do I Care for it?
My battery is only 3 years old - what's wrong?
Most people don't think of it in these terms, but a battery is a 'consumable.' This means that after a given number of charge cycle, the battery will no longer accept a full charge, nor deliver full capacity. While there is nothing that can be done to eliminate this fact of life, there are a few things you can do to bring longer life and greater power delivery, from your new battery.
NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) is the most popular type of rechargeable battery available. NiCd batteries perform better in extreme temperatures and can endure approximately 500 charge/discharge cycles. NiCd's however, are prone to "memory effect" when not completely discharged each usage cycle. Memory effect reduces the overall capacity and run time of the battery, requiring more frequent charging and shorter battery life.
NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) offers about 35% greater capacity than a NiCd battery of equal size. NiMh batteries are not subject to memory degradation and are safer for the environment. NiMh batteries have a life expectancy of approximately 600 charge/discharge cycles.
LiIon (Lithium Ion) is the new technology for portable power. Lithium Ion will deliver roughly twice the run time of a comparable NiMh battery. LiIon batteries are more expensive and available for a very limited supply of notebooks. LiIon technology also has a life span of about 400 charge/discharge cycles. LiON batteries must be charged by a charger designed specifically for them. While LiIon is the new media and manufacturer favorite, the consumer is still being the guinea pig for the learning process. We hate to say it, but expect less than you are promised and more problems with failures than you are advised. If it works out otherwise, then consider yourself lucky.
All new batteries are shipped discharged. New batteries should be charged for a period of 6-8 hours, though LiIon should be charged for approximately 10 to 12 hours the first cycle. To break in a new battery properly, we recommend charging and then discharging the battery 4 - 6 times, to enable them to reach their full rated capacity. Once you have accomplished the Break-In, manufacturer supplied charging procedures should be followed. You can discharge most portables by unplugging the AC adapter and leaving them turned on for a few hours.
NiMh batteries, when new, are of particular interest. As you will read, NiMh batteries have a "mean average" memory that is stored in the charger system. For instance, if your "bad" battery needed only 45 minutes to fully recharge, then over a period of charges, the charger will only supply 45 minutes of rapid charging. When you charge your new battery, your charge light will stop after this 45 minutes - but the battery is NOT fully charged yet (though your charger might indicate that it is). We recommend that you allow the charger to "trickle charge" the new NiMh battery for 6 to 10 hours. You may have to do this "trickle charge" routine 5 to 6 times before the new battery is brought up to full power capacity.
NiCad batteries are "memory" intensive. The battery will only charge to the level at which the battery was last discharged due to an accumulation of gas bubbles on the cell plates. These gas bubbles reduce the chargeable plate surface area - therefore capacity. If a battery is discharged to 30% and then recharged, the battery will only charge to 30% of its capacity thus shrinking the battery's "gas tank". The secret to reducing memory effect is to fully discharge your battery before recharging.
NiMh batteries are known as the "memory free" battery that offer higher capacities. NiMh batteries suffer less from the memory effect and have about 30% greater run times than do NiCad's. However, NiMh batteries Do have a "memory" - but the memory is held in the charging unit. Over a series of charges, the charger 'remembers' how much charge capacity was required to bring the battery to a full charge. If you run your system for 30 minutes, then recharge, then the memory will adjust to provide 30 minutes of charge to recharge. This is NOT enough!
The easiest way to remove the memory effect is to remove the accumulated gas bubbles on the cell plates is to condition them. This means draining the battery until your portable shuts off, and then recharging the battery to capacity. See the next section.
To increase the longevity and life of your batteries, don't leave them dormant for extended periods of time. Even if you use AC power most of the time, use the battery periodically to keep it fresh and healthy. We recommend that you Fill 'em up. Empty 'em out! at least every 2 to 3 weeks. Unplug your AC adapter when your notebook is not in use.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat and metal objects. Batteries left idle for extended periods of time will self-discharge. Just remember to charge them again before use. Batteries self-discharge at a rate of about 2% per day when idle. Store NiCd, LiOn and NiMh batteries discharged.
If your battery used to last 2 hours and now only lasts 30 minutes it's time for a new one. NiCad batteries last approximately 4 to 600 charge/discharge cycles, or about one and a half years on average. NiMH batteries last approximately 5 to 700 charge/discharge cycles.
Do not throw your spent batteries into the garbage. Lead, acid and cadmium pollute the water we drink and the air we breathe when not properly disposed. You may send your retired batteries to a2z for FREE and SAFE recycling.
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