Long term storage of camera batteries

[Grey]

My camera uses AA size 1.25v nickel metal hydride batteries and I've just
had a set die on me. (holds no charge). If I only use the camera every few
months or so, what is the best way to store them so they won't degrade?
Should I leave them full charged, drained or partially drained?

I have the same question for my camcorder which uses large Lithium-ion
batteries.

Thanks,

Graham

 

[Tom Biasi]

My camera uses AA size 1.25v nickel metal hydride batteries and I've just
had a set die on me. (holds no charge). If I only use the camera every few
months or so, what is the best way to store them so they won't degrade?
Should I leave them full charged, drained or partially drained?

I have the same question for my camcorder which uses large Lithium-ion
batteries.

Thanks,

Graham

Maybe there is some helpful info here:
http://is.med.ohio-state.edu/policies/battery.htm

 

[thomas]

My camera uses AA size 1.25v nickel metal hydride batteries and I've just
had a set die on me. (holds no charge). If I only use the camera every few
months or so, what is the best way to store them so they won't degrade?
Should I leave them full charged, drained or partially drained?

I have the same question for my camcorder which uses large Lithium-ion
batteries.

Thanks,

Graham

Energizers are particularily bad about this. They are great for many months
and then puke.

The Rayovac Hybrid (Walmart...look for the rebate) and the Sony Eneloop are
a different NiMH technology that maintain their charge. They have a lower
mAh rating but you will never notice because the self-discharge rate is so
low. Store them charged. I can't help you with the LiIon.
; )

 

[John E.]

My camera uses AA size 1.25v nickel metal hydride batteries and I've just

had a set die on me. (holds no charge). If I only use the camera every few
months or so, what is the best way to store them so they won't degrade?
Should I leave them full charged, drained or partially drained?

I have the same question for my camcorder which uses large Lithium-ion
batteries.

Thanks,

Graham

I've cross-posted this to sci.chem.electrochem.battery . Maybe someone there
can answer your question.

 

[Ted Edwards]

I've cross-posted this to sci.chem.electrochem.battery . Maybe someone there
can answer your question.

Try the new Sanyo Eneloop NiMH cells. They are supposed to have a much
slower self discharge rate.

Ted

 

[Marra]

My camera uses AA size 1.25v nickel metal hydride batteries and I've just
had a set die on me. (holds no charge). If I only use the camera every few
months or so, what is the best way to store them so they won't degrade?
Should I leave them full charged, drained or partially drained?

I have the same question for my camcorder which uses large Lithium-ion
batteries.

Thanks,

Graham

I would simply recharge them maybe once per month.
You could have been unlucky and just bought poor batteries.
I rarely use my camera and have no problems with rechargeable
batteries.

www.ckp-railways.talktalk.net/pcbcad21.htm

 

[Peter]

I've cross-posted this to sci.chem.electrochem.battery . Maybe someone there
can answer your question.

Take a look at http://www.batteryuniversity.com/index.htm for all sorts
of useful information. I have found that my batteries seem to store best
as follows:
NiCd fully discharged
NiMH Full charge, but not kept cooking
Li-ion &c 25% charge with occasional small top-ups to no more than 30%
In all cases cooler is better, but not frozen.
Manufacturers do seem to overestimate cycle life, especially in small
Li-ion in high load duties.

 

[GregS]

I've cross-posted this to sci.chem.electrochem.battery . Maybe someone there
can answer your question.

I would just charge before use. Keep a set of NON rechargable Lithium backups.

greg

 

[thomas]

Rayovac Hybrid or Sony Eneloop.
They hold their charge, no need to charge before use.
They won't all of a sudden "go bad".

 

[John]

My camera uses AA size 1.25v nickel metal hydride batteries and I've just
had a set die on me. (holds no charge). If I only use the camera every few
months or so, what is the best way to store them so they won't degrade?
Should I leave them full charged, drained or partially drained?

I have the same question for my camcorder which uses large Lithium-ion
batteries.

Thanks,

Graham

If you leave the batteries in the camera, they will be discharged to
zip by the camera's clock (if it has one) and the configuration RAM
(assuming that also exists).

The cameras I've checked (one Olympus, one Kodak) lose configuration
settings if the batteries are removed for several minutes. This means
that there is a constant small drain on the batteries.

The simple solution is to remove the batteries from the camera and
store them in a cool place.

Remember to charge them before use.

John