Hardware Stuff #
Warning: This post hasn't been updated for over a year. The information may be out of date.
Battery #
Excerpt from BU-415: How to Charge and When to Charge? - Battery University:
| Frequently asked question | Lead acid (Sealed, flooded) | Nickel-based (NiCd and NiMH) | Lithium-ion (Li-ion, polymer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| How should I prepare a new battery? | Battery comes fully charged. Apply a topping1 charge. | Charge 14–16h. Priming may be needed to format | Apply a topping charge before use. No priming needed |
| Can I damage a battery with incorrect use? | Always store battery fully charged. | Battery is robust. New pack will improve with use. | Keep partially charged. Low charge can turn off protection circuit |
| Do I need to apply a full charge? | Fully charge every few weeks or months. Continuous low charge causes sulfation. | Partial charge is fine | Partial charge better than a full charge |
| Can I disrupt the charge cycle? | Partial charge causes no harm when applying periodic fully saturated charges. | Repeat charges can cause heat buildup | Partial charge causes no harm |
| Should I use up all battery energy before charging? | No, deep discharge wears battery down. Charge more often | Apply scheduled discharges only to prevent memory | Deep discharge wears the battery down |
| Do I have to worry about “memory”? | No, there is no memory | Discharge NiCd every 1–3 months | No memory |
| How do I calibrate a “smart” battery? | Not applicable | Apply discharge/charge when the fuel gauge gets inaccurate. Repeat every 1–3 months | (Same as Nickel-based) |
| Can I charge with the device on? | Avoid load if possible | Parasitic load can alter full-charge detection and overcharge battery or cause mini-cycles | (Same as Nickel-based) |
| Do I remove the battery when full? | Charger switches to float charge | Remove after a few days in charger | Not necessary; charger turns off |
| How do I store my battery? | Keep cells above 2.10V; topping-charge1 every 6 months. | Store in cool place; can be stored fully discharged | Store in cool place partially charged |
| Does battery heat up on charge? | Gets lukewarm towards end of charge | Warm but must cool down when ready | Must stay cool or slightly warm |
| How do I charge when cold? | Slow charge (0.1): 0–45°C (32–113°F) Fast charge (0.5–1C): 5–45°C (41–113°F) | (Same as Lead acid) | Do not charge below freezing |
| Can I charge at hot temperatures? | Lower threshold by 3mV/°C above 25°C | Battery will not fully charge when hot | Do not charge above 50°C (122°F) |
| What should I know about chargers? | Charger should float at 2.25–2.30V/cell when ready | Battery should not get too hot and should include temp sensor | Battery must stay cool and no trickle charge when ready |