Email: sales@martinsgiftworld.com

    Phone: (201) 206-2555

    Fax: (201) 765-9487

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    Battery Types

      Nickel Cadmium: (NiCD) (NiCad or Nickel Cadmium) batteries are prone to what’s called the “memory affect” They like to be fully drained before being recharged. When they’re charged often without being run down first, they develop a “memory” which in time lowers their charge capacity and ultimately reduces their overall life expectancy. They are slightly less expensive than NiMH batteries and can be stored for much longer periods of time on a shelf while maintaining a relatively high charge capacity.

       

      Nickel Metal Hydride: (NiMH) (Nickel Metal-Hydride) batteries are not nearly as prone to the “memory affect” and can therefore be charged at any time. They do not get as many charge cycles in their lifetime however, but your long-term battery life might still be better if you typically use NiCD batteries and don't wait until the battery has been drained down before recharging. NiMH are generally significantly higher in capacity (up to 30% higher per charge than NiCd batteries of the same physical size), which means they will last longer per charge, but are not great being stored for periods of time longer than 3-4 weeks. We recommend using NiMH batteries when available for agencies that don't have the luxury of running a battery down before recharging (police, fire, EMS, etc.) but NOT as 'emergency backups' that are left on a shelf until they are needed.

       
      NOTE: While NiMH batteries *can* be charged in a NiCd-ONLY charger, it is not recommended. NiMH batteries run very hot, and NiCd-ONLY chargers lack the circuitry to shut down charging on a NiMH battery, which if left unattended for too long a period of time, the battery could experience melting, venting, bursting or fire. We've never seen it happen with batteries and chargers that were in good condition, but why take that chance. (By the way, we sell multi-chemistry chargers if you're interested)
       

      Lithium Ion: (LION) The newest rechargeable battery chemistry available. Lithium Ion is not affected by the 'Memory Effect'. It can deliver the same capacity and run time in a smaller, lighter pack. The chemistry is most popular in cellular and laptop products.
       
      NOTE: If you do not have a charger designed to charge a Li-Ion battery, then Li-Ion is not even an option for you. Your charger MUST specify that it is a tri-chemistry charger or that it can specifically charge Li-Ion batteries.