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Old 2008.07.07, 01:14 PM   #1
reechaard
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Discharging Necessary?

Like the title states. Is discharging really necessary? I remember when we were using NiCD, these batteries have memory, that is why we discharge them so they would go back to full capacity when charged. Isn't it that NiMH batteries don't have memory? So what would be the purpose of discharging them? Is it only necessary when racing mod, or is it equally necessary when running stock? I know these questions might have been answered previously, but I'd really like to get new opnions and answers. I would really like to hear from the battery manufacturers or distributirs on what there reccomendations are.


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Old 2008.07.07, 01:56 PM   #2
mleemor60
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The primary reason that I first discharge then charge is to assure that each battery is at or near the same voltage before the charging process begins. The best way that I know of is to discharge. I only use an Atomic discharge tray, not the function built into the LaCrosse charger. Not because it doesn't work well. I want to be able to monitor the charge for time as well as capacity. I run about 20 sets of batteries of varying manufacture and amp hour rating. When each set of batteries is charged I record the number that each battery charged to at a given rate. When all the batteries are charged I go through the numbers and group the batteries into sets based on the numbers, then using the higher rated sets for qualifying and mains and the lower rated for practice or loaners for the Newb's that can't quite get their 1 or 2 sets up to par for the next race. This helps the Newb, keeps my batteries cycled and above all else, speeds up the show. Once you get your game face on it can be hard to keep when you have to " wait a minute please, my batteries aren't ready". So, to answer your question, Discharging to me anyway is important.

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Old 2008.07.07, 03:41 PM   #3
tommy_greeneyes
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Is discharging really necessary?

YES
it can be a big help for you .
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Old 2008.07.07, 05:14 PM   #4
bermbuster
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reechaard View Post
Like the title states. Is discharging really necessary? I remember when we were using NiCD, these batteries have memory, that is why we discharge them so they would go back to full capacity when charged. Isn't it that NiMH batteries don't have memory? So what would be the purpose of discharging them? Is it only necessary when racing mod, or is it equally necessary when running stock? I know these questions might have been answered previously, but I'd really like to get new opnions and answers. I would really like to hear from the battery manufacturers or distributirs on what there reccomendations are.Thanks
Something interesting I discovered while doing an endurance race. A single set of batteries 1100mah (orions) lasted my son 66 minutes....

A race lasts 5 to 10 minutes so based on my findings if you do not discharge then charge if your cells is in good shape you should easily make a race
by just repeaking the pack.

What discharging then charging does is gives you an accurate indicator for how long the cells will last. If you want to win and can not afford to lose for a dumped pack then the thing to do is discharge then charge. Each day a cell sits idle it loses voltage. How long do your cells sit inactive? When Im racing weekly or bi weekly i dont discharge but if my cells sit idle for two or more weeks I do the ritual......

The other truth is the more you cycle the cells the shorter there life.....
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Old 2008.07.07, 06:40 PM   #5
phea
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When im at the track I usually charge batteries non-stop so I know I will have extra packs ready. By the end of the day, I usually never get to the extra fully charged packs. The next day I would repeak the previously charged packs and put in about 90-100mah back into them. I use TO 900's and they usually peak around 800 mah from a full discharge so that drain of 90-100mah really affects them. So over night, nimh batteries typically experience a significant a drain of power.

From my experience to get the most of your set of batteries is to fully discharge them and charge them after. This results in fresh juice/power in them and more of a consistant feel and punch. I dont like the feel of repeaked batteries or previously charged (1-2 days) batteries because they feel sluggish and have no punch.
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Old 2008.07.07, 06:50 PM   #6
tommy_greeneyes
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phea View Post

From my experience to get the most of your set of batteries is to fully discharge them and charge them after. This results in fresh juice/power in them and more of a consistant feel and punch. I dont like the feel of repeaked batteries or previously charged (1-2 days) batteries because they feel sluggish and have no punch.
I agree with you on that , This results in fresh juice/power in them and more of a consistant feel and punch.
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Old 2008.07.07, 07:26 PM   #7
reechaard
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Here are some answers to a few questions that were posted.

We run twice a week. The cells will sit no longer than a week without being used. We have been running our mini-z's for about 3 months now and are preparing to start running races in the next month or so.

Am I assuming that if I use cells for racing I should discharge, if only for practice it does not really matter.


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