What observed voltage is typical for a "full" battery?
SDS100 Initial Review
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What observed voltage is typical for a "full" battery?
jasonhouk
Member
Exposing the battery to full state-of-charge for an extended time can be stressful on the cell. If the radio is going to be used for a live stream or plugged in for long periods of time, I'd recommend discharging the cell to 3.7v and then disable charging while on.
Same for long-term storage of the battery. Discharge to same voltage then stow away.
Houk
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Same for long-term storage of the battery. Discharge to same voltage then stow away.
Houk
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
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it had been updated,
I don't use RadioShack/GRE or whistler for anything other then trunking here is Kansas City too do to the RF hell.
I do not believe that is true for Lithium. And, if you only charge the cell to 3.7V you are probably only giving it a 20-30% charge.
Charge Process:
1. Charge at a constant 700 mA until the charge voltage reaches 4.2V (which is approximately 60% full).
2. Continue to charge at a constant 4.2V until the charge current reaches 100mA, then stop charging (close to 100% full).
Once charge stops, battery voltage will quickly drop below 4.2V (normal, even if the battery is not being used for power).
Also, once the battery charger detects the battery is fully charged, it disconnects the charger. When the green charger light is lit, the battery is basically disconnected from the scanner and the charging circuit.
Most lithium battery chemistries don't start having issues until the battery reaches 4.30-4.35V.
Most lithium battery chemistries don't start having issues until the battery reaches 4.30-4.35V.
With lithium batteries in general, you don't want to charge or discharge them fully any more than you have to if you want maximum battery life. That's why there are phone apps that warn you when you hit say, 85%, and 35%. Keeping the battery in that charge range will absolutely extend battery life. Storing a lithium battery fully charged is also bad for battery life. Heat and overcharging (charging fully each time) and full charge depletion are the enemies of lithium batteries. A little searching will verify all of this.
Batteries have been getting better, and are less susceptible now than before, but these things still matter if you want maximum battery life. Now personally I'm not going to worry too much about it because at least with the temporary small battery, and how quickly it dies (in hours of use), I will probably just charge it up fully each time and not worry too much. With the upcoming extended battery I might try to be a little nicer too it.
Batteries have been getting better, and are less susceptible now than before, but these things still matter if you want maximum battery life. Now personally I'm not going to worry too much about it because at least with the temporary small battery, and how quickly it dies (in hours of use), I will probably just charge it up fully each time and not worry too much. With the upcoming extended battery I might try to be a little nicer too it.
jasonhouk
Member
I disagree
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
Houk
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Exactly. Squeezing the most life out of a lithium battery takes a little effort. My phone's alarms remind me to plug in and unplug, because my S8+ has a battery that can't be easily replaced, and I don't buy phones every year, so I have to think about battery life. It won't be as crucial on a scanner with a battery you can replace in 20 seconds, but still, money is money.
So, only charging to 4.1V would reduce effective capacity by nearly 15% (reducing run time by 45 minutes).
Another thing to consider is that every battery chemistry has a different capacity/voltage curve. Some flavors of lithium drop almost linearly, while others keep a higher voltage until nearly discharged, then drop precipitously.
Also, I could find nothing in that article that said that storing a fully charged Lithium battery reduces its life.
Their table does confirm that charging only to 3.7V provides only 30% of the capacity (about 96 minutes run time).
jasonhouk
Member
I've been in hobbies with this cell technology for more than ten years. When I first started they were very expressive so I took every precaution to extend there life.
Hoping the external charging solution for these cells actually charge faster than 700mAh. If not I'll have to modify to charge at 1C. I understand the slow charging in the radio as to not hit thermal cutoff.
Houk
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Fast charging shortens the life of lithium batteries due to rapid heat buildup as well. I realize though that there are times when it is needed, so for an external charger I would prefer different charge rate options, so that a slow charge could be used in most situations, with a rapid charge always there if you need it. This is exactly how a lot of newer phones charge, and for the same exact reasons as already stated. On my phone I always try to do a "regular" charge whenever possible, but if I'm in a hurry and I need juice fast, I'll turn on the "fast charge" options (cable or wireless).
Storing a fully charged lithium battery is 100% absolutely positively NOT ideal for maximum battery life, the information is definitely out there, and worth finding and reading.
jasonhouk
Member
Believe me, after having to replace a $100+ packs because my son decided to fully charge during the winter then stow it away. Full charged on Lithium Polymer in storage is a huge no-no. For safety as well.
My 3S lipos in the drone automatically self discharge to 80% capacity 3.7v nominal when stored full after 5 days
Your stating 3.7 plugged in which is not a true voltage reading of said cell. Once disconnected then yes.
Houk
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My 3S lipos in the drone automatically self discharge to 80% capacity 3.7v nominal when stored full after 5 days
Your stating 3.7 plugged in which is not a true voltage reading of said cell. Once disconnected then yes.
Houk
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jasonhouk
Member
Agreed but a 1C charging rate in a controlled 72 degree environment is completely safe and shouldn't generate cell overheat.
Houk
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Houk
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
jasonhouk
Member
Next question how much are the replacement batteries going to cost?
The price of this cell technology should be at an extreme low due to supply/demand.
Houk
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
The price of this cell technology should be at an extreme low due to supply/demand.
Houk
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
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I guess the new SDS100 Wiki needs to be changed as it has the following:
Power Requirements
Lithium Ion battery or use of USB 5V DC ≥300mA.
Excellent Review, Thanks!
Tim-B
Member
Has anyone tested it in areas where you are known to have a scanner go deaf on 700 or 800 MHz due to cellular or LTE transmissions? If so then does the SDS100 still receive these transmissions where other scanners fail?
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For what it is worth I follow the manufacture’s advice for Lithium battery care. I have two large Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion 5 Amp Hour High Capacity batteries for a weed-eater and a leaf blower (I think they are about $200 each).
It is recommended that you have a 2-light of a possible 4-light charge for winter storage (maybe how long it is stored is important) and when the machine stops working to recharge it even though in about 5 minutes you can use it for maybe 10 minutes more but it will not be good for the battery to do so.
The electronics is designed to protect you from this, but it will not remember stopping you once so if you push the button it will obey. I have been told some model actually emit a warning beep before starting to warn you further use is not recommended.
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