Recondition NiCd RC Batteries
NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) batteries are the oldest and most stable type of rechargeable batteries in the RC hobby. NiCd batteries can be recharged hundreds of times and will last for years if handled correctly. One problem with NiCds is that they develop a "memory" over time. This memory will limit the high and low ends of a charge and provide limited use. To erase this memory, you can recondition the NiCd batteries.
Instructions
1. Charge the NiCd battery pack until your charger stops. This should be a full charge. NiCds are rated at 1.2 volts per cell.
2. Add the number of cells in the pack and multiply by 1.2. This will give you the nominal voltage of the pack. Most packs overcharge, so you should use that number as the minimum voltage expected.
3. Attach a volt meter to the pack and see if it reads at or above the nominal voltage. If the pack is well below the nominal voltage, there may be one or more bad cells in the pack. If there are bad cells, do not try to recondition the pack.
4. Attach the pack to the motor and let the motor run. This will drain down the pack. Allow the motor to run until the pack can no longer power the motor. Take another voltage reading. This should be less than 1.2 volts.
5. Charge the battery pack again and repeat the steps. Each charge/discharge session works to erase the battery memory. You may need to do this five or six times to recondition the batteries completely. Recondition NiCd batteries every six months or as needed to extend their lifespan.
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