Charging batteries that are not designed to be recharged is problematic, and can even
be dangerous. Mike mentioned leakage. That is probably because the battery was
"gassing" during recharge, and without a vent the only place the gas can go would be
through a seal, which probably permanently ruined that seal. Worst case scenario would
be gas buildup until the battery actually exploded. In non-rechargeable batteries,
even "keeping a battery close to fully charged" (known as keeping it at float level)
could cause leakage.
However, some computer batteries **may** be designed to handle a float voltage, which
would be very slightly higher than battery voltage. (I do not know that they are, just
am surmising from other folks mentioning that they thought their computers kept the
batteries charged.)
Finally, another option would be to use 3 NiMH rechargeables in a battery holder, so
that true rechargeables could be use. I would be hesitant to use NiCd rechargeables
since they have .3 volts (each) lower voltage when fully charged than standard
alkaline and NiMH batteries.
Also, be cautious about charging these batteries in place. The only way to charge a
battery is to give it a higher voltage than its rating, so if you go too high, damage
to StarMax circuits may occur.
Mike Ford wrote at 09:41 PM 01/05/2003:
>>I'm afraid I can't agree. A chemical battery has a shelf life--the time
>>its internal connections and chemistry are present and working properly.
>>Trickle charging has almost nothing to do with that. When internal
>
>
>Just a point of reference, I have been selling batteries I bought a couple
>years ago, and I measure each one with a digital meter before packing. At
>the first most measured exactly 4.5v, some 4.51v, and a few 4.49v, now most
>measure 4.49v, with a small number of 4.48v. I don't ship anything less
>than 4.49v, but plan to keep them set aside to see just how long they last
>and to use as I need batteries myself from time to time.
>
>As for recharging alkalines, I bought a Buddy L alkaline recharger a few
>years ago when somebody made a chip that can track the voltage and sort of
>recharge a alkaline battery safely, but after using it a couple years found
>I had a LOT greater amount of leaky batteries, and very little recharging
>occuring. OTOH clearly the best recharge results were in keeping a battery
>"close" to fully charged.
Michael Welch
------------------------
"There never was a good war or a bad revolution."
Edward Abbey
Michael Welch, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Home Power magazine
www.homepower.com
To reach me: 707-822-7884
To reach Home Power: 800-707-6585
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