Why do they tell you to leave the unit being charged all the time? Ni-Cad batteries die early if not drained &amp; recharged.
519343
First off, the batteries used in this unit are NiMH, not NiCad, which normally is a good thing (less toxic, better memory etc). Regardless, the problem is the batteries are junk. There was a recall for bursting batteries early on, but most of the newer units don't fall under their coverage. Check your serial # against the recall just to make sure. The best repair short of throwing it away (which is feasible according to many of the reviewers) is to replace them with upgraded batteries. There are ten batteries at 1.2V each (yes it's actually a 12 volt unit). and I upgraded the MAh to 2000 ea vs the 1200 of the stock batteries. It's a tricky operation to solder in the new tabbed batteries, so only someone who is very handy with a soldering iron should attempt it. It's worth the hassle if nothing else just because it's a fun project that made the wife very happy. And we all know how much better life can be if the wife is happy...Anyway, you can Google around for the batteries and related info. Cost me about 35 bucks total.
759086
With NiMH batteries, you sometimes need to entirely drain them to get them to take a full useful charge.The discharge button does that (and then once done, charges them all the way up).
1701987
If I were to guess I would say you put it back in the charger after each use. That destroys ni-cad batteries. If you cannot replace the batteries (and then only put them back in the charger when the unit is dead or almost dead) do so, otherwise, you have just been educated on what they call ni-cad memory and why you should get lithium batteries if possible. I have had mine for about six months and I have not yet needed to recharge it and I use it almost daily.
685238
In the past Individual batteries have a separate small sticker. Indicating month and year. Ni cad batteries cycled hard from full charge to no charge last longer and don't build up a loss of storage capacity as quickly.
2053254
I did not have an issue with the battery. it holds a charge for a long time, much longer than ni-cad batteries.
534275
i have mainly used ni-cad batteries prior to this new weedeatter...ive had it a few months now...i am careful to let the used batter cool down, and also, i have learned that its best to leave the charged battery in the charging unit, so that it STAYS charged...im new with litium, but i began to realize that ni-cad batteries cannot be left charged yet not used sitting waiting to be used, and they also cannot be recharged while they are warm...as a result of bad luck with them, i let this one cool down totally...i feel im able to use it as long as i want, although my goal will be to have another back up battery. i hope you enjoy yours as much as i do... i have mainly used ni-cad batteries prior to this new weedeatter...ive had it a few months now...i am careful to let the used batter cool down, and also, i have learned that its best to leave the charged battery in the charging unit, so that it STAYS charged...im new with litium, but i began to realize that ni-cad batteries cannot be left charged yet not used sitting waiting to be used, and they also cannot be recharged while they are warm...as a result of bad luck with them, i let this one cool down totally...i feel im able to use it as long as i want, although my goal will be to have... » Read More i have mainly used ni-cad batteries prior to this new weedeatter...ive had it a few months now...i am careful to let the used batter cool down, and also, i have learned that its best to leave the charged battery in the charging unit, so that it STAYS charged...im new with litium, but i began to realize that ni-cad batteries cannot be left charged yet not used sitting waiting to be used, and they also cannot be recharged while they are warm...as a result of bad luck with them, i let this one cool down totally...i feel im able to use it as long as i want, although my goal will be to have another back up battery. i hope you enjoy yours as much as i do... « Show Less
1153210
Recharge these anytime. In fact, best to NOT let these run down entirely, as these (unlike Ni-Cad) have no 'memory.'Mainly don't overcharge. These take about a 2 hour charge, and overcharging in an attempt to bring them up to full capacity cause battery 'stress.' You can get the full, more scientific answers to your questions if you Google. Also, remove from charger after charging.
1701038
I have 2 batteries for use on my drill and hedge trimmer. Thy are now about 1 year old and have never had a problem. It is important that you do not leave batteries discharged for long periods. When I use the battery, I put it on charge immediately. A charged battery will store fine, a discharged battery will not. If you did not leave the battery discharged, I would suggest that there is a problem with the charger and, since the battery will need to be charged quickly, I would also suggest that you need to do something about this quickly.
314455
The primary problem is that NiMH batteries do not like to be force-fed/overcharged, andthat is exactly what NiCd "low-end" chargers do: they are basically constant-current"trickle" chargers (low current, takes many hours to charge, then keep feeding thissame charging current even after the NiCd is fully charged). NiCd batteries just shrugoff this excess charging current, but it will eventually "cook" your NiMHs.That said, NiMH will pack much more punch into given size...so if you don't leave it onconstant charge (drain it, charge it overnight, then unplug it once "properly" charged)it should work quite well.Of course if you ditch the crappy little wallwart "charger" and hook it up to a properNiMH charger, it'll work Great! The primary problem is that NiMH batteries do not like to be force-fed/overcharged, andthat is exactly what NiCd "low-end" chargers do: they are basically constant-current"trickle" chargers (low current, takes many hours to charge, then keep feeding thissame charging current even after the NiCd is fully charged). NiCd batteries just shrugoff this excess charging current, but it will eventually "cook" your NiMHs.That said, NiMH will pack much more punch into given size...so if you don't leave it onconstant charge (drain... » Read More The primary problem is that NiMH batteries do not like to be force-fed/overcharged, andthat is exactly what NiCd "low-end" chargers do: they are basically constant-current"trickle" chargers (low current, takes many hours to charge, then keep feeding thissame charging current even after the NiCd is fully charged). NiCd batteries just shrugoff this excess charging current, but it will eventually "cook" your NiMHs.That said, NiMH will pack much more punch into given size...so if you don't leave it onconstant charge (drain it, charge it overnight, then unplug it once "properly" charged)it should work quite well.Of course if you ditch the crappy little wallwart "charger" and hook it up to a properNiMH charger, it'll work Great! « Show Less
591292
You can purchase rechargeable ones which I would recommend as regular ni cad last about 30 minutes running time.
500210
Yes, it has happened to me as well. It depends on what I am doing. Sometimes if I try and charge while playing certain games the battery still has the warning it is getting low. and then there are the times that it charges. I guess it depends on how much battery use is required for each app that is in use. I found it useful to shut it down and charge while not in use. It seems to charge a lot faster that way.
1468824
I am only using Battery power and the Batteries are showing full charge However Sometimes they dispense in the middle of the day for no reason at all. I have no idea why these units behave like they do. Let me know if you find out anything I would be interested.
2123131
I haven't timed it, but it takes a few hours.Cody says it's good to drain them fully occasionally. I disagree. From what I've read about Lithium Ion batteries, it's better not to do this. It was true with NiCd and NiMH batteries, but these are very different. On the bright side, you can get away with when necessary. Even better, you can top them up as often as you like. Doing so has nearly no effect on the battery's overall life. This is one of the really nice thing about LiIon batteries.
1593810
Make sure you remove the plastic strip between the batteries. They insert them to prevent the batteries from draining, but it will also prevent them from charging if you don't remove them.
896850
No, it is a trickle charger (compared to a "smart" charger that automatically turns off) and will overcharge. Please read the instructions, which clearly state not to leave it charging for more than 8 hours. Only charge until the light turns green, then stop. They also state to recharge immediately after use, and every 30 days if not used, to keep it topped up. Apparently they don't want you to leave it in a discharged state.The battery seems to be the weak link in these rather crappy quality lights. I would do everything I can to follow the instructions and not do anything that might damage the battery or shorten its life... No, it is a trickle charger (compared to a "smart" charger that automatically turns off) and will overcharge. Please read the instructions, which clearly state not to leave it charging for more than 8 hours. Only charge until the light turns green, then stop. They also state to recharge immediately after use, and every 30 days if not used, to keep it topped up. Apparently they don't want you to leave it in a discharged state.The battery seems to be the weak link in these rather crappy quality lights. I would do everything I can to follow the instructions and not do... » Read More No, it is a trickle charger (compared to a "smart" charger that automatically turns off) and will overcharge. Please read the instructions, which clearly state not to leave it charging for more than 8 hours. Only charge until the light turns green, then stop. They also state to recharge immediately after use, and every 30 days if not used, to keep it topped up. Apparently they don't want you to leave it in a discharged state.The battery seems to be the weak link in these rather crappy quality lights. I would do everything I can to follow the instructions and not do anything that might damage the battery or shorten its life... « Show Less
803518
These batteries aren't as bad as NiCad batteries are at losing charge but they do lose some of their charge over time. However, this one seems to hold a high percentage of its charge for weeks at a time. Yours might be defective. If I haven't used it for a month or so, I usually charge it up anyway just to be safe.
1660941
It's supposed to be charged when green is lit. Personally, I leave it on another hour.