-=> Quoting Bob F Howard to All <=-
 "The problem with nicads is that they take on a memory if not totally 
  discharged before recharging, and also recharing too long can damage the 
  battery. They work a few times then they die suddenly in the middle of 
  something important." 
 
NiCads, when treated properly, last roughly 600 charges.  Even when
allowed to develop a memory, 200 charges can be expected. (Example;
cordless phones)
 
 "Akalines are good, and die gradually, at least you know when they are 
  about to go." 
  
Alkalines do not die gradually.  Out of all common battery types,   
alkalines have the sharpest voltage drop second only to lithium.  Near
death, they will pin the needle in a meter and minutes later, the voltage
is halved.  
 BFH> The current chargers by Radio Shack for nicads can discharge before
 BFH> recharging but they don't auto cut off when full.
 
All of RS recharger units have a charging cutoff circuit, right down to 
their built in units in the remote control toys.
Jay
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