SMSA
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      • Charging
      • What is the "Memory Effect"
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      • How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
    • Build a fly-powered plane
    • Build a Pibros foam model
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    • How does a wing work
    • Install wing servos
    • Lipo balance connectors
    • Make NiMH battery packs
    • Make servo linkages
    • Make silicon hinges
    • Make silicon hinges (alternative)
    • Make silicon hinges (alternative)
    • Make wing bags
    • Run your aerial in your model
    • Spektrum Useful Tips
    • Set-Up a Racing Glider
    • What do thermals look like
  • FAQ
    • How do I join the SMSA and how much does it cost?
    • Do I need insurance to fly?
    • What radio equipment would you recommend for a beginner?
    • When am I likely to meet other SMSA members flying?
    • Can the SMSA help get beginners flying?
    • What models and advice would you recommend for a beginner?
  • AGM
    • AGM Location
    • 2020 December (not held)
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  • Links
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      • Bwlch Blog - Kevin Newton'
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      • Zepsus magnetic switches
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      • BARCS British Association of Radio Control Soarers
      • BMFA British Model Flying Association
      • eSoaring.net
      • RC Groups
      • RCMF (glider section)
      • Scale Soaring
      • Slopehunter

What is the "Memory Effect"by Soperdude Don

NiCad batteries, and to a lesser extent NiMH batteries, suffer from what's called the "memory effect". What this means is that if a battery is continually only partially discharged before re-charging, the battery "forgets" that it has the capacity to further discharge all the way down. To illustrate: If you, on a regular basis, fully charge your battery and then use only 50% of its capacity before the next recharge, eventually the battery will become unaware of its extra 50% capacity which has remained unused. Your battery will remain functional, but only at 50% of its original capacity. The way to avoid the dreaded "memory effect" is to fully cycle (fully charge and then fully discharge) your battery at least once every two to three weeks. Batteries can be discharged by unplugging the device's AC adapter and letting the device run on the battery until it ceases to function. This will insure your battery remains healthy.

Your New Battery Isn't Charging. What's the Deal Don?

New batteries are shipped in a discharged condition and must be charged before use. 
I generally recommend an overnight charge (approximately twelve to Fourteen hours). 
Refer to your Transmitter and Receivers batteries user's manual for charging instructions. Rechargeable batteries should be cycled - fully charged and then fully discharged - 2 to 4 times initially to allow them to reach their full capacity. (Note: it is perfectly normal for a battery to become warm to the touch during charging and discharging).

New batteries are hard for your charging device to charge; they have never been fully charged and are therefore "unformed". Sometimes your device's charger will stop charging a new battery before it is fully charged. If this happens, simply remove the battery from your device and then re-insert it. The charge cycle should begin again. This may happen several times during your first battery charge. Don't worry; it's perfectly normal.

Contact us

  • About
  • Site
  • Club
  • Membership
  • Weather
    • XCWeather
    • Wellesbourne Live
  • Gallery
    • Club Members
    • Club Gliders
    • Golden Oldies
  • How To
    • Automate D-Connectors
    • Batteries >
      • Charging
      • What is the "Memory Effect"
      • How Are Batteries Rated? (What Are Volts and Amps?)
      • How Can I Maximize Battery Performance?
    • Build a fly-powered plane
    • Build a Pibros foam model
    • Build straight & true
    • Cast lead nose weight
    • Crimp servo cable connectors
    • Cut ailerons (or flaps) into moulded wing
    • Design and calculate almost anything
    • Debond CA
    • Digital Camera/RX Interface
    • Digital Photography by Radio Control
    • General Tips for building
    • How does a wing work
    • Install wing servos
    • Lipo balance connectors
    • Make NiMH battery packs
    • Make servo linkages
    • Make silicon hinges
    • Make silicon hinges (alternative)
    • Make silicon hinges (alternative)
    • Make wing bags
    • Run your aerial in your model
    • Spektrum Useful Tips
    • Set-Up a Racing Glider
    • What do thermals look like
  • FAQ
    • How do I join the SMSA and how much does it cost?
    • Do I need insurance to fly?
    • What radio equipment would you recommend for a beginner?
    • When am I likely to meet other SMSA members flying?
    • Can the SMSA help get beginners flying?
    • What models and advice would you recommend for a beginner?
  • AGM
    • AGM Location
    • 2020 December (not held)
    • 2019 December
    • 2019 March
    • 2018 (not held)
    • 2017 (not held)
    • 2016 Minutes
    • 2015 Minutes (not held)
    • 2014 Minutes
    • 2013 Minutes
    • 2012 Minutes
    • 2011 Minutes
    • 2010 Minutes
    • 2009 Minutes
    • 2008 Minutes
    • 2007 Minutes
  • Links
    • RC Glider Blogs >
      • Bwlch Blog - Kevin Newton'
      • Pierre Rondel Glider Reviews >
        • Archived Glider Reviews
        • Current Glider Reviews
      • South Wales Soaring - Steve Houghton'
    • RC Glider Classifieds >
      • BARCS For Sale
      • BMFA Classified Glider Ads
      • eSoaring For Sale
    • RC Glider Clubs >
      • Ivinghoe Soaring Association
      • Leek & Moorland Model Glider Association
      • Long Mynd Soaring Association
      • Malvern Soaring Association
      • South Wales Soaring Association
      • Thames Valley Silent Flyers
    • RC Glider Manufacturers >
      • Aeromod
      • Aero-o-tec Shinto Crossfire
      • Baudis Models
      • Breta Tanga Furio NYX
      • Flightech Optimus
      • JiTom
      • Lesky Pace
      • NAN Models
      • NCFM Models
      • Pace Lesky Composites
      • Pike Samba
      • RCRCM Models
      • RTGModel Rotmilan
      • Sanda Arsen Mach
      • Stinger Dingo
      • Stratair
      • Vampire
      • Vladimir's Models
      • Willow F3F
    • RC Glider Shops >
      • Ace Model
      • Ace Wing Wing Bags
      • Hyperflight
      • Phoenix MP
      • Revoc Bags
      • Soaring USA
      • South Coast Sailplanes
      • T9 Hobby Sport
    • RC Manufacturers >
      • Airtronics Sanwa
      • Frsky
      • Futaba site
      • Hitec Multiplex
      • Hyperion
      • JR
      • KST servos
      • MKS servos
      • Multiplex
      • Overlander Batteries
      • Savox servos
      • Spektrum
    • RC Shops >
      • Align-Trex
      • Al's Hobbies
      • BRC Hobbies
      • Brentford Radio Control
      • Easy Composites
      • Inwood Models
      • Kings Lynn Models
      • Modelfixings.co.uk
      • Model Shop Leeds
      • Nexus Models
      • Plug Molds
      • Servo Shop
      • Slough RC Models
      • Sussex Model Centre
      • West System/Wessex
      • Vapex Tech Batteries
      • Zepsus magnetic switches
    • RC Websites >
      • BARCS British Association of Radio Control Soarers
      • BMFA British Model Flying Association
      • eSoaring.net
      • RC Groups
      • RCMF (glider section)
      • Scale Soaring
      • Slopehunter