NiCads???

[chiphead]

I've just read an interesting article in the 3/2005 issue of Popular Communications concerning battery technology. I was wondering if there' anyone still using NiCads and in what sort of device? All of my flashlights are using NiMH as primary cells with anything else as backups.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
chiphead

 

[LightObsession]

I have a Brinkman Maxfire rechargeable which uses NiCads.

My wireless headphones at home use AA NiCads. Both seem to work fine.

 

[ACMarina]

I have some HTs that are on NiCads, but the batteries are next to worthless anymore they're so old.

Anybody know if I can replace them with NiMH? The HTs charge them on their own, so if I can just go buy some NiMHs and pop them in that'd be sweet. The papers don't say anything about them, but that may be because NiCads were the only rechargables around at that point. .

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Chiphead,

SureFire duty lights use NiCd's. I have a 8NX that uses a NiCd stick and the L7 uses the same set up. It works great.

NiCd chemistry has the advantage of being more tolerant of abuse, has a lower self discharge rate, can handle higher charge rates, and is usually rated at minimum capacity.

The disadvantages are that it uses toxic chemicals, can suffer from voltage depression (memory effect) if not cycled properly, and has less capacity than NiMh cells of the same size.

I believe NiCd's have their place in high current applications, but NiMh high current cells have been developed and will probably replace them. You just won't be able to charge them up as fast as you can NiCd's.

Tom

 

[enLIGHTenment]

ACMarina: Any attempt to charge NiMH with a NiCd charger can produce a "vent with flame" situation.

 

[mrme]

Most power tools still use NiCads.
The batteries themselves are cheaper and the chargers are cheaper.

Most consumers don't know the difference between them and even fewer know what an amp hour is. Most people would prefer a heavyier battery pack (even if the capacity is lower) the same way people prefer noisy vacuum cleaners. Manufacturers have little to gain by switching battery chemistries.

 

[Techmedic]

I have some Midland portables that use nicads. I condition them every six months, and they are used for about three-six weeks of use per year. I can keep a nicad pack working with better than 80% capacity for an average of 6 to 8 years. When the pack goes south of 80% it is scrap, and in real life on radios it becomes unreliable. All of my chargers are for nicads.
I do some events in the winter and the nicads perform well.

Nicads do have their place, and can perform very well - but - you must have the willingness and equipment to look after them.
People are almost afraid of nicads because of the effort involved to keep them working good. Agreed. The newer technologies address many of the shortcomings of the nicad, but also have disavantages.
For example, NIMH will not work well in the cold, nicad will.
LiION will last at the most 3 years, wether you use it or not. Nicad with tender attention can last 10 years and still have over 80% capacity. (80% is my magic number)
(I have a number of them!)
Capacity is a big issue. Most of the newer NICAD's have up to 60% the capacity of the NIMH.
Weight is an issue also. LiION is much lighter.
Small, powerful, and lasts for many years - sorry - not invented yet!

 

[Lurker]

Try to buy a cordless phone that has anything but Ni-Cd in it. Also cordless razors and toothbrushes commonly have Ni-Cd.