light_noob
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2015
- Messages
- 31
Is it best to charge them whenever, or should I let them use up most of the charge and then charge them?
Eneloop Pro/XX have a life of up to 500 cycles, but they have been shown to be as low as 300 cycles or less if you run them flat every time before recharging, So if you want to protect the cycle life swap the battery`s out before the battery level shows as low or the light starts to dim whenever possible.
I am not certain if this sensitivity to being fully discharged applies also to charging (fast charging due to heat) i don't know if this has been tested yet to see if this reduces the cycles also.
John.
Follow the instructions on the packet of batteries would be my first thought failing that you could do a routine charge when you felt like it.From past experience I charge some on a routine top up but most when they run out.
500 cycles are full cycles, in real uses unless every use is to flat! you will get probably 2 or 3 top offs to a cycle................so years of use which is a mega saving on alki cells anyway. Being concerned over 300,400,500 cycles for me is a none issue. Most IMR cells are a 300 cycle life and mine are doing fine many years on........
Just imo of course
300 cycles at $12 a 4 pack is about 1 penny every time you recharge them. If you get 600 cycles then it costs you half a cent per recharge instead. Like Silverfox said... use them and recharge them as needed. I tend to top off batteries when I'm going to be away from my stock of batteries and chargers or just carry spares enough to get the job done. If you think of comparing the cost of them vs alkalines at 50 cents or more each or even lithiums at 2.50 or more each you can think of pocketing 49 cents or 2.49 per recharge so in other words the more you use them the more money you "save".
Yeah, And try and buy Eneloops made in Japan not the ones made in China as they have better performance.
John.
At present liking the Fujitsu brand in black but going to order the white to try as well.
The post started off how to charge ? and ended up needing an Anorak to accommodate the various pockets needed to carry a torch,charger,batteries,calculator,slide rule notepad and pen to record the cycles.
Much easier just put them on charge and worry not.
Are you certain you are on the right forum?
John.