Problem with nimh battery

[webbjay]

Hi guys,

Basically I bought a used 3300 mah nimh battery. It had zero charge and I put it on a fast charge at 3 amps using a Pro Peak Varipulse charger and it took literally 5 minutes to beep, signifying it is fully charged which is't right. I then discharged and charged it again. It seemed to take a little longer but still not very long at all.

Now my question is, is this battery knackered or can I somehow recondition it to bring it back to life?

Cheers!

[Kaladyr]

Re: Problem with nimh battery

Try charging at a far, far, far slower rate, about 0.5 amps and just charge and discharge a number of times. If it's going to hold charge at all then that will do it. Slower charge is better, 3A is WAY too high...

[Phatvortex]

Re: Problem with nimh battery

Try charging at a far, far, far slower rate, about 0.5 amps and just charge and discharge a number of times. If it's going to hold charge at all then that will do it. Slower charge is better, 3A is WAY too high...

Actually a high current charge once in a while is good for a nimh or nicd.

By the sounds of it, you may get a bit more life out of it, but I doubt you'll ever get it back to new.

[webbjay]

Re: Problem with nimh battery

Thanks for the swift replies! I discharged it and recharged it at 0.5 amps. It must have been on for at least 6 hours this time before it beeped so it took a good amount of charge. I've heard this may not be indicative of its actual usable capacity as it may discharge quicker through use than normal, due to age. I am going to see how it goes and hopefully it should be cool!