Quote:
Originally Posted by chainring
Keep an eye on them when charging at 200mA as that's not within the normally recommended charging rate for a smart charger. Basically, a full charge on NiMh should end up with the cell at a maximum of 126 degrees F...MAXIMUM. Ideally, you should be around 10 degrees F over ambient. 0.5C - 1.0C is the range you need to be for a reliable full charge detection
Basic terminology:
C = capacity
C/10 = capacity divided by 10
0.5C = Say you have an Eneloop AA at 2000 mAh. 0.5C would be 1000 mA. Easy, right?
1.0C is the industry recognized standard fast charge rate. It's how long a fully depleted cell will take to be charged in one hour.
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Didn't know smart chargers had a range different from other (slow?) chargers. I just followed the BC-900's instructions, which doesn't seem to take into account the batteries' capacity: "In general, 200 mA is a recommended charging current if rapid charging is not necessary. It is definitely safe and optimum to the rechargeable batteries."
Thanks again. This is terrific info you've given us in this thread.
Quite glad that I shouldn't be charging at 200 mA, since using the BC-900's "Refresh" cycle at 200 mA is an overnight experience with the worry of an exploding cell.
And really, losing 200 cycles because you fast charge? Is that really such a big deal for the average consumer, who might only go through 50 - 100 cycles/year? That's still 3 - 6 years (instead of 5 - 10).