LaCross battery charger question

[Chads93GT]

I just got the BC-9009U a couple days ago and I am a bit confused as how this thing actually works, as the instruction manual isn't extremely detailed. I just "discharged" a set of energizer 2500's that ive had for about 9 months, that keep my modded apex going on 3 watt for well over 2 hours. When discharging and charging 2 of the batteries went discharged, to "full" in a matter of 5 hours, on the 200mA setting.

I did this becuase I figured I should discharge and recharge them to get rid of any memory problems. Well 2 of the batteries stopped charging at 1.44 and 1.42 volts, while the others are at 1.37 and 1.34 volts. The full batteries are at 611 and 600 mAh, and the 2 that are still charging are at 876 and 387 mAh respectively.

These are 2500 mAh batteries..............why are they fully charged at 600 mAh???? Can anyone explain this? Do I need to set the charger on discharge/refresh instead, Thanks.

 

[Marduke]

1) At the end of the cycle, the discharge modes displays the charged capacity (how much energy went in), not how much energy came out. The actual stored energy is likely ~20% lower than the values you have.

2) You want to run "Test" to see how much energy the cells actually store.

3) Energizer 2500's are perhaps the WORST cells ever made. It would not surprise me whatsoever if your cells are indeed every bit as crappy as they currently seem. Personally I would trash them and not waste my time. However, a "refresh" for them might bring some life back into them. But they will probably have a humongously high self discharge no matter what.

 

[alfreddajero]

I threw those cells out a long time ago.....got tired of my M8 going dead.

 

[Chads93GT]

Hehe well I also have some of those cheap $6 rayovac rechargeables at walmart. I havent had a chance to put them on the charger yet.

Any batteries you guys recommend? Id like to buy at least 4 or 5 good sets of batteries for caving. I have these lacross batteries now with the charger, haven't had a chance to use them yet.

 

[Marduke]

The el-cheapo Rayovacs are pretty low capacity also. Rayovac Hybrids and Duracell PreCharged are much better. Sanyo Eneloops are generally considered the "best" for general use.

PS:
Howdy from the Huntsville Grotto :wave:

 

[Chads93GT]

Thanks. I was looking at the Sanyo's. and howdy back SEMO and Little Egypt Grotto's

 

[alfreddajero]

You might want to start by getting some Eneloops and or Duraloops.