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NiCad batteries are a great financial and ecological investment if you
know how to use them.
• New NiCad batteries require a few charging and discharging cycles
to come up to full power.First, charge the batteries. Next, allow them to
drain by running them in the CCRadio
plus
until it shuts off and no sound
is heard.Then recharge the batteries fully. This procedure should be
repeated two more times if you want to get the full output of your NiCads
as soon as possible.
• Do not overcharge NiCad batteries.Excessive charging heat can
reduce their life span.It is difficult to overcharge the NiCad batteries with
the Solar Panel because the current is low.If you use the 6 volt adapter
to charge the batteries, it should be disconnected after about 27 hours.
• NiCads slowly lose their charge even without use.It is best to
charge them up for an hour or so once a month if you are keeping them
for emergency use.Uncharged NiCads can be stored indefinitely, but will
need to be reconditioned before use.
• NiCads can develop a “memory”.If they are constantly drained only
half way and then recharged, they will lose some of their capacity.It is
best to fully discharge NiCads a few times a year so the batteries will
retain their full capacity.
• For optimum results, check your batteries with a battery tester twice
a year.Be sure batteries that are low are charged separately until they
equalize with batteries of a naturally higher charge.
• It is best to charge NiCad batteries slowly.You can substantially
reduce the life span of a NiCad battery by consistently charging at a high
rate in a commercial charger.The charge rates for both the AC Adapter
and Solar Panel are relatively low.
The Solar Panel can remain attached to the CCRadio
plus
, as long as
NiCad batteries are installed.This will create an automatic charging cycle
whenever the radio is not in use.For best battery performance, however,
be sure to fully drain and recharge your NiCads about twice per year.
Run Times And Charge Times For NiCad Batteries

CCRadio

plus

with heavy duty NiCad batteries .........Approx. 48 Hrs.

Approx.time to charge NiCad batteries with AC Adapter ......... 27 Hrs.

Approx.time to charge NiCad batteries with Solar Panel ......... 67 Hrs.

Times are approximate.Please read previous page for more radio/light opera-
tional tips.