Testing a Rechargable

[candleman]

I've had issues with my batteries not charging properly, or so I believe.

some sets of batteries work fine (my 2700mAh NiMH are fine)

I'm sure one or more of my 2300mAh cells aren't charging properly, as when i put them im my flashes the flash sings for a long time, recycle time is significantly longer than normal.

I've done some googling and the answers for testing it seem to vary wildly.
some say simply test the voltage using a voltmeter and if they are 1.2v they are OK
Others say that's nonsence, you need an Ammeter to measure the internal resistance.. another thread I read said DONT use an ammeter as it's pumping a curent through your battery and it can explode...




any help for the electrico-phobic ?

How can i test each battery is OK so i don't have to throw 12 batteries away.

[mipo]

I do not fuss much with testing a rechargeable battery.
Even if I have the tools to measure voltage etc.

I use a Maha 8 battery charger, it has the advantage of having 8 separate charging circuits.
So if one of the battery is bad it shows within few minutes on the LCD display.

[candleman]

MAHA! yes I just ordered a MAHA C9000 for analysing and testing.

Do you have the 801 ?
i was under the impression the C801 didn't indicate a deadcell very well.
How exactly can you tell it's a dud from the LCD? i've heard the LCD is very basic and doesn't really give a clear indication.

I'ts not too late to change my order to an 801 and charge 8 cell instead of 4!! I havn't paid yet.

Thanks for the reply, I just got the same reply on another forum so I'm glad i have two recomendations for the same product.

[dbltapp]

Quickest way to troubleshoot this is to swap in a known good battery for each cell, one at a time.

If you already have a voltmeter, connect it to the battery then connect a 1.5 volt flashlight (torch) bulb to see how the voltage holds up under load. Batteries that have developed high internal resistance will barely light the bulb, no matter what the voltage reading.

[mipo]

Originally Posted by candleman

MAHA! yes I just ordered a MAHA C9000 for analysing and testing.

Do you have the 801 ?
i was under the impression the C801 didn't indicate a deadcell very well.
How exactly can you tell it's a dud from the LCD? i've heard the LCD is very basic and doesn't really give a clear indication.

I'ts not too late to change my order to an 801 and charge 8 cell instead of 4!! I havn't paid yet.

Thanks for the reply, I just got the same reply on another forum so I'm glad i have two recomendations for the same product.

On the LCD it has a battery icon for each battery/charge circuit.
So if icon number 3 does not show full when all others are showing full, then it is a very good indication of the state of the # 3 battery.
Then you can try Conditionning combined with slow charge and if this does not recuperated the battery then it can be officially declared dead.

[candleman]

sweet,
thanks very much