Storing bike light

[Moodyman]

Hi,

I've got a rechargeable to-light-up-the-road light (Cateye Single Shot Plus) which I only use on unlit roads (very rarely).

It's powered by non-removable NiMh batteries.

As I don’t use it often, what is the best way to ensure I avoid battery leakage and to get the most life out of the light? Should I periodically charge it or exhaust the battery capacity?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Hi,

I've got a rechargeable to-light-up-the-road light (Cateye Single Shot Plus) which I only use on unlit roads (very rarely).

It's powered by non-removable NiMh batteries.

As I don’t use it often, what is the best way to ensure I avoid battery leakage and to get the most life out of the light? Should I periodically charge it or exhaust the battery capacity?

I am pretty sure that modern rechargeable batteries do not have charge memory so you can recharge them before they are drained without fear of reducing their life. As they are non removable I would think that leakage would be a non issue.

 

[HLaB]

It seems less of an issue with NiMh rechargeable batteries than the older (nicad?) rechargeables, which had to be periodically drained, etc, so whether its right or not I don't really bother and it doesn't seem to effect my batteries.

 

[Bman]

I would say, as long as you dont leave the batteries to go completely dead, they'll last ages.

 

[calibanzwei]

NiMh don't really suffer from memory effect, and lights will get dimmer as the voltage slowly trickles off/battery dies.
NiCad do suffer from memory effect (should be properly drained before storage) and give maximum OOOOMPH until it pretty much just cuts out.

<retrieved from a dusty corner of my brain that remembers airsoft type facts!>

EDIT - new LiPo as just the bee's knee's, however the voltages are all weird!

 

[2Loose]

Lithium batteries do not have a memory effect as such, but as with all batteries, their ability to maintain a consistent output does fall over time.

Battery University does have information on how to prolong their meaningful life

 

[heliphil]

I would charge / discharge them every month or so to keep them in best shape....