Break-in needed for LSD Eneloop type batteries?

[iwmtv]

I recently bought some Duracell 2000mAh rechargeable batteries (white top made in japan).

I'm trying to decide between the Maha MH-C800s and the MH-9000. I know the 9000 is much more capable but I would prefer the ability to charge 8 cells at once.

Do Eneloops (hopefully these Duracell are re-branded Eneloops or of similar quality) require a break-in? Which would push me towards the 9000.

Am I giving up a lot going with the MH-800S? Can't really afford to buy both.

 

[fishinfool]

I recently bought some Duracell 2000mAh rechargeable batteries (white top made in japan).

I'm trying to decide between the Maha MH-C800s and the MH-9000. I know the 9000 is much more capable but I would prefer the ability to charge 8 cells at once.

Do Eneloops (hopefully these Duracell are re-branded Eneloops or of similar quality) require a break-in? Which would push me towards the 9000.

Am I giving up a lot going with the MH-800S? Can't really afford to buy both.

I always do a break-in which is what I've learned over the last few months by reading through CPF and BLF. If you need to use them right away then don't bother but if you have the time then do it. I have 2 C9000's because they are the best charger's out there. If you absolutely need to charge 8 batteries at a time then go with the C800S but if not then I would go with the C9000. :twothumbs

 

[VidPro]

with the 808 I soo miss seeing the numbers.
but it is quick to toss on loads of cells at a time, push the one or 2 buttons, and let it do its thing.
the display is little more than a status update of what is going on with the charging (or dischargeing).
without those miliamps numbers i know nothing other than a really bad cell wont work and a status for it will blink.

using the eneloops i am pretty sure what is going on without the numbers, but i do not know, thats it, i dont know and i could.
so i run a few sporatically through a discharge on something then i can know.

if there was a big negative differance its the not knowing.
the other huge differance was it will do Cs and Ds without contraptions added

i dont worry about break-ins , but potentially the 808 could still do a sort of "initial cycle" thing, just put it on "soft charge" (and condition), which is a nice pulse thing. it does cut off at some voltage point, so it will not ever do a real "break in" with slow overcharge stuff at all.
I would not worry about it not being able to do an actual break in, its the knowing i said that.

 

[march.brown]

I've never done a breakin on any of my AA or AAA NiMh cells ... I charge them and use them ... When you have used them and recharged them a few times , it's much the same as a breakin.

I don't check them for ampere-hour capacity either ... It soon becomes apparent if a cell is poor ... Obviously each cell needs to be numbered and if the same cell comes up poor again , it is time to recycle (scrap) it.

All my AA & AAA cells are LSD and so far over the last couple of years I haven't had to scrap any ... Battery testers for AA & AAA cells are cheap to buy and will give a reasonable indication of a cells performance.
.

 

[mfm]

Do Eneloops (hopefully these Duracell are re-branded Eneloops or of similar quality) require a break-in?

No, eneloops do not need a break-in.

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

I just do an refresh/analyse on new battery's on my c9000 it only takes a couple of hours and allows me to check the full charged capacity, I will never do a break-in as it takes too long.

 

[iwmtv]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I went ahead and purchased a MH-C800S. Looking forward to receiving it.

 

[45/70]

The only advantage to doing a "forming", or "break-in" charge/discharge on new NiMH cells, is that it more equally distributes the electrolyte throughout the cell than normal charging/discharging. It is never really necessary, but can squeeze out a bit more performance from cells that have been in storage, or otherwise haven't been used/cycled for a while.

Dave

 

[iwmtv]

Happily received my new MH-C800S

Question, for the pre-charged Duracells (hopefully re-branded eneloops) should I simply use them first and then recharge later, or should I place them in the charger first and do a refresh for all of them?

 

[fishinfool]

Happily received my new MH-C800S

Question, for the pre-charged Duracells (hopefully re-branded eneloops) should I simply use them first and then recharge later, or should I place them in the charger first and do a refresh for all of them?

It's really up to you. I prefer breaking-in new batteries while others use them first. There are even others here that just use and charge them as needed without doing a break-in. Have fun with your new charger. :thumbsup: