MI 3122 Smartec Z Line-Loop / RCD
Battery and charging
9
2.2.1 New battery cells or cells unused for a longer period
Unpredictable chemical processes can occur during charging of new battery cells or cells
that were unused for a longer period (more than 3 months). Ni-MH and Ni-Cd battery cells
are affected to capacity degradation (sometimes called as memory effect). As a result the
instrument operation time can be significantly reduced.
Recommended procedure for recovering battery cells:
Procedure
Notes
Completely
charge
the battery.
At least 14h with in-built charger.
Completely
discharge
the battery.
Use the instrument for normal testing until the
unit displays the “Bat” symbol on screen.
Repeat
the charge / discharge cycle for
at least
twice
.
Four cycles are recommended.
Complete discharge / charge cycle can be performed automatically for each cell using
external intelligent battery charger.
Notes:
The charger in the instrument is a pack cell charger. This means that the battery
cells are connected in series during the charging. The battery cells have to be
equivalent (same charge condition, same type and age).
One different battery cell can cause an improper charging and incorrect discharging
during normal usage of the entire battery pack (it results in heating of the battery
pack, significantly decreased operation time, reversed polarity of defective cell,…).
If no improvement is achieved after several charge / discharge cycles, then each
battery cell should be checked (by comparing battery voltages, testing them in a cell
charger, etc). It is very likely that only some of the battery cells are deteriorated.
The effects described above should not be confused with the normal decrease of
battery capacity over time. Battery also loses some capacity when it is repeatedly
charged / discharged. Actual decreasing of capacity, versus number of charging
cycles, depends on battery type. This information is provided in the technical
specification from battery manufacturer.
