li-ion settle down time?

[Flash Harry]

I'm waiting and I'm waiting. Can anyone tell me how long I'll have to wait before my Li-ion batteries will have 'settled' enough to use? My AW 7.2v pack was at 8.45v after charging yesterday and today is down to 8.44v. At this rate, it's going to be four months before I can use them!

Is there also a way I can accelerate this process or do I just buy another hotdriver?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Flash Harry,

Li-Ion batteries self discharge at roughly 1% every 6 months. They should be ready to go in roughly 3 or 4 years. I think you should give up and just use them...

You are getting confused by the full charge voltage and the nominal voltage under load. A 7.2 volt pack is made up of two 3.6 volt cells. These cells come off the charger at 4.2 volts each. This means that when fully charged, your pack will show 8.4 volts. Half way through your run time, the pack will be at 7.2 volts under load. Empty is at 6 volts under load.

Tom

 

[jar3ds]

what are you using the battery on? Li-Ion won't drop in voltage like how nimh do... it'll stay 8v+ for over 6 months....

the thing is once you place a load on the battery (depending on what your task is).. the voltage will drop down quickly...

 

[Flash Harry]

Whoa! That was quick.

Thanks for clearing that up. This is my only direct drive hotwire and I was worried I would nuke the bulb.

Thanks again.

 

[Flash Harry]

I just popped them in and it works a treat! Cracking flashlight, this FM M@g11. Every home should have one.