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handled by the doctor, but if you have several packs, be sure to rotate
them (or maybe buy a few more Dr. NiCad Chargers).
BATTERY REPAIR ??!!
Many times we have older batteries or packs that don’t seem to hold a
charge at all, but they were so expensive that we couldn’t bear to toss them
in the trash. Well, your frugality (some people call it being cheap) has finally
paid off! Most of these extreme memory conditions can be “cycled” right out
of the pack. Simply configure your Dr. NiCad for the proper voltage, install
the pack, and press the discharge button. For best results, if you are
charging a cell greater than 1.5V (these are made up of many 1.5V cells),
charge the first few times on the C/2 (250 mA) setting. Additionally, you
should use the lower discharge setting also. This will give the cells a chance
to equalize their voltages, bringing more life back to the pack. Dr. NiCad will
run your batteries through a discharge/charge cycle. By continuing this
process over and over (the number of times depends on how bad the pack
was to start with) you can gradually build up your batteries capacity to full
strength again. This is probably the most satisfying use of your Dr. NiCad
charger (see, I told you I could fix ‘em)!
If when you initially hook up these “sick” battery packs the front panel
indicator wont let you discharge, don’t worry. The lower current trickle
charger is bringing the pack up to the correct minimum cell voltage to begin
rapid charging. Another method of “jump starting” a very old or abused pack
is to initially open one additional switch in the voltage divider ladder.This will
make the pack voltage appear higher to the charger, so the high current
charge will be initiated. Use caution when doing so, however, and after a few
minutes of charging be sure to reconfigure the switches for the proper
voltage setting. This method is only to be used as a last resort to save a
battery pack.
TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
While we had hoped that it wouldn’t come to this, if you are having trouble
with your charger, here are a few suggestions.
By far the most common source of problems is due to misplaced parts or
poor solder connections. It’s always best to take a break before searching for
bad connections. A good way of checking component placement is to double
check the assembly steps going backwards from the last steps to the the
first. Bright lighting and a magnifying aid can be helpful in identifying
soldering problems. We’ve all made silly mistakes and never been able to
see them ourselves, so have a friend check your work, as well.