- The first variable when you're preparing to charge your airsoft gun is the milliamps (mA). This number represents the total charge that the battery of your airsoft gun takes. Most airsoft gun batteries have a capacity in the range of 1,000 mA to 3,000 mA. The larger a battery's capacity, the longer it will take to charge--but there are other factors to consider as well.
- The second crucial aspect is the rate of your charger. This number provides the amount of charge that can be transferred in a certain period of time, and it is noted in terms of milliamps per hour (mA/h). To ensure you are charging at the noted rate, plug your charger directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip. Extension cords can lose power in transfer, and power strips divide their power supply among several outlets.
- The calculation for charge time is simple division, dividing the charge capacity by the charge rate. This operation divides units of mA by units of mA/h, which yields a number in hours. For example, if your battery's capacity is 2,000 mA, and the charger's rate is 400 mA/h, you divide 2,000/400=5, which means you will have to charge your gun for five hours.
- Different guns have different charge capacities, and different chargers operate at different rates, but the same calculation will work no matter what numbers you plug into it. There are various types of batteries for airsoft electric guns, including alkaline batteries, nickel cadmium batteries and nickel metal hydride models. Check the instruction manual for battery and charger for any special instructions.
- Be sure to unplug your airsoft gun when it has charged for the proper amount of time. Leaving your battery plugged in can cause serious damage to the battery and void the warranty. Keep an eye on the gun for the duration of the charging process. Periodically feel the battery and charger, and unplug them if they begin to overheat.
