Large Scale Central

NiCd batteries live for a long time

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

Today I unpacked an old USAT NW-2 that I had installed battery R/C in for a WA (Aus) customer at least 15 years ago. Could even be 17 years ago going by the date stamp on the TX handpiece.

The 12 cell Sanyo NiCd 1800 mah SCR battery pack has finally died.

This thing has been used regularly all that time. About once a week until the battery pack ran down. Then it was trickle charged at the recommended 10% rate. Roughly 750 recharges.

Now the dreaded USAT cracked gear syndrome has risen its head. Nice easy fix, a new NiCD battery pack and the 80 yo owner will be on his way for at least a few more years.

Thank you Sanyo.

#2

That’s great to hear Tony. Quality NiCad’s will last a long time if taken care of. That’s where I fall short, I don’t take care of them.
Thanks for sharing.
Terry

#3

I just took a set out of an LGB D&RGW Queen Mary Alco, three months shy of 10 years.
I still have some in use that are older than that.

#4

I have a brand new pack of Panasonic Sub C NiCad Batteries I found in my Dads garage, the receipt is still in the bag with a date from 1995. You think the are still good or safe to use? They look fine.

#5

They are quite safe but I doubt very much they would still have a charge in them and like most other chemistries, they do need to be kept charged for the longest life.

When they drop below their technically “flat” state, you can get cell reversal which means they will probably not take a charge.

Try a conditioning charger and see if they will take a charge. Even if they do not come up to full voltage try “cycling” them a few times. You might get lucky.