Posted by Divenerd on April 04, 2001 at 08:42:18:
In Reply to: NiMH batteries for strobes posted by Robert on April 02, 2001 at 17:56:26:
First of all, I should tell you that I am not using an underwater strobe. As an Electronic engineer,
I can pass on some information about batteries.
One comment about NiMH batteries is that they have a high self-dischage rate.
This means if you charge them up, then let them sit for some time without being
charged, you will find that they are do not carry a full charge.
As a rule of thumb, Nicad batteries have a self discharge rate of about 10%loss for the first 24 hrs and about 10%loss per month afterwards. NIMH batteries are about 1.5 to 2 times the amount of loss.
The major advantage of NIMH over NICAD is they do not have the memory effect, meaning you do not need to fully discharge them before recharging them.