Notes on Portable Radio Battery Upgrades to 1700 mAh NIMH Cells

These notes apply to Radio Repacks using our 1700 mAh Sanyo AA NIMH Battery or equal.

The battery is NOT charged when you receive it.

The cells may be much larger in capacity then those originally used.

If the battery has been converted from NiCD to NIMH it is common to see 2 to 3 times more operating time.

If you are using an overnight (16 hour) charger, charge your upgraded battery pack for at least 24 hours to induce the maximum charge. Disconnect the battery after charging. This type of charger has poor regulation and will overcharge and shorten the life of your new pack if left connected.

If you are using a smart (quick) charger, allow it to finish it's normal charge cycle. The first time the battery is charged in the rapid charger, it may not have received a full charge. This is normal with NIMH cells. When they are new they must be activated by 2 or 3 charge/discharge cycles. After activation, they will reach maximum capacity with a normal quick charge.

Over charging (until hot) is prevented by the addition of thermal switching which we install with all NiCD to NIMH conversions. You do not have to worry about leaving the battery on the charger. However, you must understand that excessive charging (without discharging) will result in a shorter product life.

If the battery feels warm to the touch, it's very likely that the thermal switch has already activated to prevent over heating. The battery may appear to be defective when it's over heated due to the action of the thermal circuit breaker. Allow an hour for the cells to cool. Once the thermal protection resets, the battery will work normally. It is fully charged and ready for use.

DO NOT leave it in the charger! Unless you are going to use it every day.

Once Removed from the charger the battery will self discharge as much as 1% per day. After 30 days it will have a 70% charge left. A full charge can be restored in 8 hours with a slow charger. After 90 days it will only have a 10% charge left. A 24 hour charge will be required in your slow charger to bring the battery to full charge.

When use of the appliance reveals that the battery is low in charge, do not continue to further discharge it. If the unit is left on after the battery is low this may induce a deep discharge and result in permanent damage to the cells.

For other user information follow the original owners manual and substitute 24 hours for the 14 to 16 hour charge time (slow charger, wall wort etc.)

Click your "Back" Button to return to the page you left