I understand if Nicad batteries are discharged to abt 1.1v per cell, the battery life will be optimised. A bit of messing with diode / zener diodes and resistors should come up with a satisfactory discharge circuit. Telefunken came up with a clever IC for conditioning Nicads. I can't remember the part number. Basically it's an externally programmable device which pulse charge / discharges the battery / cell until the correct charged condition is attained. I may have data on it at work if anybody is interested, but be aware that construction of such a conditioner / charger requires some electronics construction knowledge. Data may be available on the internet, although I don't know if Telefunken (also known as 'Temic' I think) have data on the web..I still use Nicads, but I am replacing them with Nickel Metal Hydrides as they die. Hope this is of interest. John PS Hiya Bernard, I'm just getting back into life again. 'spose I'd best tell everyone I'm up and about!JJ
|