Ni-Cad/Ni-Mh Charging
Jan 29, 2012 14:18:01 #
Here's a question for someone who knows something about charging batteries. I have an old Sunpak CL-2 battery pack, loaded with 6 NiCads that are practically useless. I opened the case and found the six batteries connected with thin strips soldered onto the ends, connecting them all as one unit.
I will be easy enough to replace the Ni-Cads with Ni-Mh batteries, but I'm wondering about charging them. The batteries will be permanently mounted in the case. I have the Sunpak QBC-5 Ni-Cad charger that plugs into one end of the CL-2 case with a small round plug.
Can I use the Ni-Cad charger to charge the Ni-Mh? I'm guessing not, so I will have to rig a Ni-Mh charger to plug in there.
Any ideas for charging will be greatly appreciated. The CL-2 is generally not available, but one store says it has one fopr $40.
I will be easy enough to replace the Ni-Cads with Ni-Mh batteries, but I'm wondering about charging them. The batteries will be permanently mounted in the case. I have the Sunpak QBC-5 Ni-Cad charger that plugs into one end of the CL-2 case with a small round plug.
Can I use the Ni-Cad charger to charge the Ni-Mh? I'm guessing not, so I will have to rig a Ni-Mh charger to plug in there.
Any ideas for charging will be greatly appreciated. The CL-2 is generally not available, but one store says it has one fopr $40.
Jan 29, 2012 14:34:34 #
The Ni-Cad charger will charge the Ni-Mh batteries as they are all 1.2v batteries.
Jan 29, 2012 14:46:22 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Here's a question for someone who knows something ... (show quote)
i have changed mine in my hand drills, 4 inch grinder baterry packs we have 2 battery stores in town it lot cheaper just buying batteries than whole battery pack. have rebuilt rc airplane batteries for 5-6 years.
Different types of battery chargers
http://www.rechargebatteryguide.com/chargers/different-types-of-battery-chargers
Jan 29, 2012 15:40:42 #
dirtpusher wrote:
quote=jerryc41 Here's a question for someone who ... (show quote)
So you switched from Ni-Cad to Ni-Mh? I'll check the link.
Jan 29, 2012 16:00:01 #
jerryc41 wrote:
quote=dirtpusher quote=jerryc41 Here's a questio... (show quote)
sorry if may have miss lead to youre thinking that. no i just changed battires not type of batteries. sorry if i confused
Jan 29, 2012 16:08:50 #
dirtpusher wrote:
quote=jerryc41 quote=dirtpusher quote=jerryc41 ... (show quote)
I'm easily confused.
Jan 29, 2012 16:09:15 #
MT Shooter wrote:
The Ni-Cad charger will charge the Ni-Mh batteries as they are all 1.2v batteries.
I agree. As long as the voltage is the same it will work. If it has more watt hours or milliamp hours it may take a little longer to charge, but last longer between charges.
Jan 29, 2012 16:16:49 #
RocketScientist wrote:
I agree. As long as the voltage is the same it will work. If it has more watt hours or milliamp hours it may take a little longer to charge, but last longer between charges.
MT Shooter wrote:
The Ni-Cad charger will charge the Ni-Mh batteries as they are all 1.2v batteries.
I agree. As long as the voltage is the same it will work. If it has more watt hours or milliamp hours it may take a little longer to charge, but last longer between charges.
The MaH ratings of NiMh batteries is usually much higher than NiCads and they do take longer to charge in standard class 2 chargers.
Jan 29, 2012 16:18:32 #
jerryc41 wrote:
quote=dirtpusher quote=jerryc41 quote=dirtpushe... (show quote)
think i have age activated add. lol
Jan 30, 2012 06:15:46 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Here's a question for someone who knows something ... (show quote)
Check the charger that you have. Mine has a switch to change over to charge one or other.
Jan 30, 2012 07:06:05 #
Gidgette wrote:
quote=jerryc41 Here's a question for someone who ... (show quote)
This is specific to the Sunpak 555. A power cord plugs into the wall, runs to a small transformer, and then another wire connects to the battery pack via a round connector about 1/4" in diameter.
The charger's output is 5-12v, so I'm thinking that if I got a power supply that put out that much, I could just find a matching plug and charge the battery pack like that. I'm not rushing into anything.
Jan 30, 2012 18:31:47 #
Do not just pick a transformer by voltage, unless you can put your finger on the batteries to check how hot they are getting.
A transformer can be specially designed to charge a battery -- leave that to the transformer designer.
A transformer can be specially designed to charge a battery -- leave that to the transformer designer.
Jan 30, 2012 18:47:42 #
MauriceWeiner wrote:
Do not just pick a transformer by voltage, unless you can put your finger on the batteries to check how hot they are getting.
A transformer can be specially designed to charge a battery -- leave that to the transformer designer.
A transformer can be specially designed to charge a battery -- leave that to the transformer designer.
I'm giving up on this project. I'll just use the battery holder that takes six AAA's.
Jan 31, 2012 18:37:23 #
Xiaoding
Loc: North Carolina, USA
If you change battery types, you have to change the charger too. NIMH will burn out quickly in an Nicad charger. Not the same. Now, someone who is aware of that, might be able to get away with it, but not the average person.
I read about a pilot once, flying a small commuter, changed batteries from lead acid to NIMH, without realizing the different characteristics of the new batteries. It did not have a happy ending.
I read about a pilot once, flying a small commuter, changed batteries from lead acid to NIMH, without realizing the different characteristics of the new batteries. It did not have a happy ending.
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