Bobby George asked:


New batteries are shipped in a discharged condition and must be charged before use. We generally recommend an overnight charge (approximately twelve hours). Refer to the user’s manual for charging instructions.

Rechargeable batteries should be cycled – fully charged and then fully discharged – two to four times initially to allow them to reach their full capacity. (Note: it is normal for a battery to become warm to the touch during charging and discharging).

New batteries are hard for the device to charge; they have never been fully charged and are therefore “unformed”. Sometimes the device’s charger will stop charging a new battery before it is fully charged. If this happens, remove the battery from the device and then reinsert it. The charge cycle should begin again. This may happen several times during the first battery charge. Don’t worry; it’s perfectly normal.

How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?

There are several steps you can take to insure that you get maximum performance from the battery:

Break In New Batteries

New batteries come in a discharged condition and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge and discharge the new battery two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity.

Prevent the Memory Effect

Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries, which do not suffer from the memory effect.

Keep the Batteries Clean

It’s a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the portable device.

Exercise the Battery

Do not leave the battery dormant for long periods of time. We recommend using the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If a battery has not been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery break in procedure described above.

Battery Storage

If you don’t plan on using the battery for a month or more, we recommend storing it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to break them in before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months.

For Notebook Users

To get maximum performance from the battery, fully optimize the notebooks power management features prior to use. Power management is a trade off: better power conservation in exchange for lesser computer performance. The power management system conserves battery power by setting the processor to run at a slower speed, dimming the screen, spinning down the hard drive when it’s not in use and causing the machine to go into sleep mode when inactive. The notebook users guide will provide information relating to specific power management features.



Adnan

Mike Z. Robinson asked:


At one point or another, we all experience times where we feel drained and just need to get away in order to ?recharge our mental battery.? Some of us feel drained by family, some of us by work, and some of us just by ?life.? Whatever your situation is that drains you I?m sure that you can benefit from the following tips to feel stronger and rejuvenated.

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????????? Exercise ? Being a Personal Trainer, this is always going to be my first suggestion. I truly believe that in many situations that exercise is the best remedy. Relieving stress is one of the short term benefits of working out and helps out with many different areas of our lives that stretch beyond our physical appearance. Simply put: Everybody can benefit from some sort of exercise.

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????????? Pamper Yourself ? If you don?t, then who will! Take a day to have some time for you and go get a massage or attend a yoga class. Make an effort to find something to do that?s extremely relaxing. Some people feel guilty when they do these kinds of things for themselves but don?t. You need to make yourself a priority.

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????????? Get more sleep ? Sleep is something that is often taken for granted. According to experts, eight hours of sleep is the recommended amount of sleep that each of us should be getting nightly. Studies have shown that people who endure less sleep over a substantial amount of time are less productive than someone who receives eight hours of sleep. Sleep has been known to increase energy, production, and even our moods.

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????????? Take a vacation ? Everybody needs to get away sometime. A vacation doesn?t have to be somewhere really far. Maybe a vacation is not in your budget but there are other options out there that are more affordable. (i.e. day trip, camping, hiking, beach/park, going for a long drive)

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????????? Spend time with family & friends ? For many people, having a tight knit inner circle is the key to life. Having good people in your life that you can trust is priceless. However, as time passes we sometimes tend to spend less and less time with the people that mean the most to us because life sometimes gets in the way. When you do get to spend some time with your inner circle it?s great for your spirit because you get to talk, laugh and reminisce.

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Remember that the only way that you are going to be a benefit to yourself or anyone else is to take care of yourself. We all experience the feeling of being overwhelmed at times and we all need to take care of ourselves. So next time instead of doing nothing and complaining about feeling ?drained?, use one of the above methods to ?recharge your mental battery? and watch the benefits that you experience!

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Albert

winback asked:


I’ve noticed that many hardware stores sell batteries that can trickle charge your car’s battery through the cigarette lighter overnight. Many boxes seem to advertise that it will keep your battery at the ideal starting temperature. Are they referring to keeping your car battery warm overnight? Or something else?

I’m a rookie, any input would be great, thanks.

Herbert

Bobby George asked:


Mercury batteries were once widespread in the battery market. Their discharge behavior and long life made them especially desirable to professionals such as photographers, who relied heavily on battery power day in and day out. However, due to the harmful chemical content of these batteries and potential environmental damage that they could cause, they were outlawed for sale in many countries, including the United States. As a result, many people are left wondering what to do with a device for which they cannot purchase a new mercury battery replacement.

You shouldn’t have to get rid of a perfectly good battery-powered device just because the battery dies. The good news is, you don’t have to. Mercury battery replacements in the form of alkaline, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries have been developed for a large majority of old mercury batteries. It is safe to say that the majority of devices once powered by mercury batteries now have mercury-free replacement that can keep the device up and running.

For example, the A32PX is an alkaline replacement for the mercuric oxide PX32 or E164 mercury battery which was used in many older cameras. Although this battery is 6 volts and the original mercury battery was 5.6 volts, the devices it is used in can handle the extra .4 volts and will continue to function properly with the mercury battery replacement. Many camera collectors and photography hobbyists use these batteries to power cameras with nostalgic value.

Similarly, the A14PX alkaline battery, which replaces the PX14 mercury battery, operates at 3 volts while the original operated at 2.7 volts. Again, this battery is compatible with the devices that take the PX14 mercury battery despite the voltage difference. This battery is also used in many older cameras.

Another mercury battery replacement is the PX28A, which replaces the 28PX mercury battery. This battery is used in a slew of medical devices, remote controls, and cameras. Interestingly, this battery can also be used interchangeably with four #357 button cell silver oxide batteries.

The list goes on with many more mercury replacement options. However, in terms of mercury replacement batteries, all options are not equal in quality. Nor are they equal in price. Zinc air batteries do provide a suitable replacement for mercury batteries’ steady voltage and unique characteristics. However, they do not last very long and must be replaced quite often. Alkaline batteries deliver a voltage level that varies widely during the life of the battery. These two options are the least expensive choices for mercury replacement batteries, however, and are the right fit for many people seeking low cost solutions. Silver oxide batteries are the best option for longer battery life and steady voltage discharge levels. Despite their higher prices on average, many people choose them because of their superior performance.

Whatever your needs for quality and price may be, chances are there is a mercury battery replacement available for you. If you have an older device with a dead mercury battery, a mercury battery replacement can mean that you do not have to get rid of the device altogether. By choosing one of these mercury battery replacement options with the right combination of price and performance, you may be able to save many devices from the antique shop.



Anthony

Student asked:


Will a eva foam bag melt if i put batteries in there. My bike has an electric kit and i need to fit my nihm batteries in a durable bag. Im looking for quick release buckles for easy attaching. Also my batteries get really hot after 30 minutes. Thanks

Aguste