Initial charging of batteries for new Excalibur II

[Philandlil]

I have a new Minelab Excalibur II on the way and called the Co. I bought it from (metaldetector.com) to ask them about initial charging of the batteries. They told me to charge it for 18 hours when I receive it and use it until battery is drained, charge for 18 hours again, then drain again, then use it however I please and it will not get a memory. Not saying I don't trust them, they seem like very knowledgeable and very helpful people but wanted some other opinions.

 

[Floridabill]

I am not saying they are wrong or right but I am going by the factory manual. It says " For the first time allow the battery to charge for at least 16-17 hours to ensure it's peak performance while detecting".

As far as I know and have heard Nimh batteries do not get a memory and can be charged at any time.... But I am far from an expert on the issue.

 

[954hunter]

I am not saying they are wrong or right but I am going by the factory manual. It says " For the first time allow the battery to charge for at least 16-17 hours to ensure it's peak performance while detecting".

As far as I know and have heard Nimh batteries do not get a memory and can be charged at any time.... But I am far from an expert on the issue.

Thats what my manual said and how I charged mine.

 

[JoeL0]

I am not saying they are wrong or right but I am going by the factory manual. It says " For the first time allow the battery to charge for at least 16-17 hours to ensure it's peak performance while detecting".

As far as I know and have heard Nimh batteries do not get a memory and can be charged at any time.... But I am far from an expert on the issue.

Thats what my manual said and how I charged mine.

Ditto Here also. But, I do agree that full charge to almost all the way down is the best way to make your batts last longer.

 

[Rick(ND)]

I read somewhere that the new NiMH batteries have to be woke up they called it to give a full charge. Do do this the battery has to be charged, then discharged to a safe level, then charged and discharged again and recharged so it will now hold a full charge. I am sure many has seen where the first charge just don't last as long, but the second one a little longer and after the third charge it seems to last longer as it will be holding a full charge. all the new and even used Explorers or Sovereigns i sell I have one of the older SR12 Sun Ray super chargers that are not made anymore that will discharge to a safe level, then recharge to a safe level and go to a pulse trickle when done. I will run it though 2 or 3 cycles so I will know the battery will be fully charged and last the full amount of time.
I think this is why your dealer mentioned it so you will get a full charge in your battery after the 3rd time.

 

[Floridabill]

I did a serach and came up with this for you
Nickel Metal Hydride ( NiMH ) Battery Pack & Batteries Q & A #1


Q: What are the advantages of the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries or packs?

A: Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries are fast becoming the most popular choice of digital camera users, photgraphers,cellular phone and laptop users, and many others because these batteries have a much higher capacity and are virtually memory free. These batteries do not need to be discharged every time before recharging. Ni-MH batteries can be damaged from heat by overcharging but this is easily avoided by using a high quality, microprocessor controlled battery charger or a charger designed for Ni-MH batteries and charging as directed.

No memory effect like Ni-CD batteries.
Higher capacity, smaller size! 50-100% increase in capacity over NiCD battery pack
Long life, 500-1,000 charge/discharge cycles.
Light weight
Environmental friendly
C/10 Overcharge / reverse polarity protection
Flat discharge curve: The battery will remain in full voltage in 80% of the usage