Charging NiMH's

[Kuma]

I just noticed now when looking at the Futaba RX/TX charger, it says to only use on Ni-cad cells and the output shows 4.8v @ 50mA. I've a couple 6v 1800 NiMH receiver cells and only changed one of them once with some attention. The caution on the charger says not to use any other types, does anyone know if it's safe or fine to charge the MH's with this charger? I'm not sure if it's charging to full capacity since it shows 4.8v output.

The charger is a class 2, model FBC-8B(4), if anyone else has one and does the same, LMK.

 

[robriguez]

you have to be carefull if you are using a NiCd charger on NiMh batteries. The properties of the two different chemicals report the peak voltage a little differently. Also, NiCd batteries hold up to alot more abuse from overcharging than NiMh batteries do.

My suggestion is to ONLY charge NiMh batteries with a charger designed to charge NiMh batteries. If you dont, you can damage your NiMh batteries in just one overcharge.

 

[SilentGTboy]

The MRC Superbrain 959 is a great charger for under 50 bucks. I love mine.

 

[tkhoo]

Yes, you are right robriguez. Last month I KILL one of my NiMH Rx battery by using fast NiCD charge. Very sad...........need to dig pocket again.

 

[Kuma]

Well yes, I know I should be getting an MH cell charger, but this is only at 50 mA which is a very slow rate, and my cell is 1800 mA. Suppose after about 10 hours or overnight they should be OK but not with enough voltage yet. Hopefully it'll turn out tomorrow morning. A LHS guy does the same and says he has no probs.

Supposadly 50 mA for a 1800 mA is 36 hours?

 

[El Pirata]

DO NOT CHARGE NiMH's on a NiCD CHARGER. NiMH's need to be charged slower than NiCD's. Buy a new charger, they're not that expensive.