Charging NiMH batteries.

[tapesorcdz]

Can I use an old charger I used for my NiCd pack? Just use a voltmeter to watch the voltage?

[ 07-17-2001: Message edited by: tapesorcdz ]

[nsane]

Nimh or Nicad? Your subject and message are different.

For NiCads, sure - I don't think it will cause any problems. For NIMHs, I wouldn't - the pulse mode newer chargers use to support NIMHs is different and an old charger could easily damage the cells.

[tapesorcdz]

oh **** ....my bad....what I meant to ask was can I charge new NiMH cells with my old NiCd charger. I forget which kind it is because I misplaced it, but I guess I need to get a new one anyway. :)

[tapesorcdz]

Which would be the most inexpensive one that will do the job?

[Oyster]

I'm using my old Duratrax Piranha charger to charge my NIMH's. Works great, but as you stated, you must watch the voltage, and check the packs a lot. Even with a "good" nimh charger, you still have some babysitting. Anyway, it'll work to charge em but remember a couple things.

When the pack is warm, it's pretty well charged. Mine start getting warm once they hit about 8.60 volts. Then they slowly climb to 8.70 or so, and I shut em down, with NO trickle charging. Make sure you don't overheat your charger. Most are not made to hold high amps for more than about 20 mins or so. A cheap AC or DC fan works great.

The packs are most likely not getting charged to their peak. But, the charger is working at the moment. I WILL invest in a good charger, but will not buy another cheap one. Go for a good charger for good nimh's. Only makes sense.

- jon