K
KLM
Question. What is the difference between NiCads and rechargeable
alkaline cells?
I have about two dozen rechargeable AA cells. The older DYNACHHARGE
NiCad batteries came with a wall cube charger (with a red LED
indicator) and a 4 cell battery in-series holder that plugs into the
wall cube. There used to be a time when the LED indicator would light
up when the batteries were fully charged. The LED never comes on now
even though the batteries do seem to be charged.
Then I bought a set of rechargeable Alkaline batteries (Grandcell, a
China made generic) that came with a neat charger with 4 docks to
charge the batteries in parallel . When charging the red LED shows it
is on. When fully charged a green LED also comes on.
I could not use the DYNACHARGE wall cube to charge the Grandcell
alkaline cells although the cell voltage (NiCad 1.2V, alkalines 1.5 V)
are close enough.
When I put the DYNACHARGE NiCads into the Grandcell charger the NiCad
became hot and charged faster. But the green LED never came on to
show the full charge condition. Heat from charging is of course bad
for the NiCads as it boils off the electrolyte. But surely the
fraction of a volt difference should not cause thr NiCad to heat up.
alkaline cells?
I have about two dozen rechargeable AA cells. The older DYNACHHARGE
NiCad batteries came with a wall cube charger (with a red LED
indicator) and a 4 cell battery in-series holder that plugs into the
wall cube. There used to be a time when the LED indicator would light
up when the batteries were fully charged. The LED never comes on now
even though the batteries do seem to be charged.
Then I bought a set of rechargeable Alkaline batteries (Grandcell, a
China made generic) that came with a neat charger with 4 docks to
charge the batteries in parallel . When charging the red LED shows it
is on. When fully charged a green LED also comes on.
I could not use the DYNACHARGE wall cube to charge the Grandcell
alkaline cells although the cell voltage (NiCad 1.2V, alkalines 1.5 V)
are close enough.
When I put the DYNACHARGE NiCads into the Grandcell charger the NiCad
became hot and charged faster. But the green LED never came on to
show the full charge condition. Heat from charging is of course bad
for the NiCads as it boils off the electrolyte. But surely the
fraction of a volt difference should not cause thr NiCad to heat up.