How to Rejuvenate Rechargeable Batteries

NiCd, or nickel cadmium batteries have an inherent memory effect. That is to say that over time, if they have only been partially discharged, they forget they can discharge more. It happens when you use only part of the charge before recharging. Without getting too technical and into the chemistry--the result is that the usable capacity becomes less and less over time. There's a fix, however.

Instructions

1. Insert the NiCd rechargeable battery or batteries into the device you normally use. For example, into a radio.

2. Switch on the device and turn down the volume.

3. Allow the device to fully drain the batteries.

4. Repeat.

5. Test the batteries in the device and you will find that they last longer. You have crippled the memory effect and forced the battery to remember how much it can really discharge. Repeat this every time you suspect you have lazy batteries and at least once a month.

Tips & Warnings

• NiCd batteries have a finite number of times they can be recharged. Eventually they will not hold a charge and will need to be replaced. If you primarily use your laptop off the AC main power supply, your batteries won't charge and discharge often enough and if they are NiCd, or to a lesser extent if they are Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride), you can get memory effect. Most modern laptops don't use NiCd for this very reason. Your NiCd battery will be marked as such. If it is, it will get lazy and will need this conditioning.

• Dispose of batteries responsibly.

References

• The Camcorder Battery Shop