Subject:
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Re: ***Nicads in Rcx?***
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Mon, 27 Dec 1999 20:27:46 GMT
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Viewed:
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822 times
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In article <dbaum-2712991423430001@207-229-150-87.d.enteract.com>,
dbaum@spambgoneenteract.com (Dave Baum) wrote:
> In article <0.b3b77e4c.2599133a@aol.com>, BMajik5127@aol.com wrote:
>
> > Hi all,
> > I was wondering about using nicads in my RCX? has anyone had experience using
> > them. Can they be charged in the RCX?
>
> NiCads can be used, but since they have a lower cell voltage than alkaline
> cells you won't get as much power out of the motors. The RCX will not
> charge the cells for you.
>
> > Also will I need to reload the firmware every time I pull the batteries out
> > for a recharge or can I hot swap them while an ac adapter is plugged into the
> > RCX?
>
> You can hot-swap with an AC adapter connected. Another option is to turn
> off the RCX, then swap the batteries. The RCX will be able to retain
> memory for a short time due to the internal capacitance on the power
> rails. Of course if the RCX is turned on when you remove the batteries it
> will drain this excess charge almost instantly.
>
> Dave Baum
One more thing... I use rechargeable alkaline cells (such as Rayovac
Renewal batteries). These provide more power than a NiCad and don't
suffer from memory effects. In fact, they have a longer lifetime if you
charge them frequently rather than deep cycling all of the time. Their
shelf-life is very good too, so you can charge them up and leave them
sitting around for months before using them. I always have at least one
spare set charged and waiting. As soon as my motors start getting a bit
sluggish I swap batteries and charge the old ones.
Dave
--
reply to: dbaum at enteract dot com
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: ***Nicads in Rcx?***
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| (...) NiCads can be used, but since they have a lower cell voltage than alkaline cells you won't get as much power out of the motors. The RCX will not charge the cells for you. (...) You can hot-swap with an AC adapter connected. Another option is (...) (25 years ago, 27-Dec-99, to lugnet.robotics)
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