-> * An ongoing debate between Tom Walker and Ben Ritchey rages on ...

-> BR>> My application consists of two parallel banks of 5 cells each
-> BR>> (single "A" NiMH pulls, probably from older
Laptop packs or
-> BR>> similar) for 6 VDC {at} 6 AH (y each cell is rated 3.5AH so I'm
-> BR>> assuming I can get at least 3 AH each).
-> | TW> Wherw dod yuo locate the "A" cell batteries? I
don't recal seeing that

-> http://www.sciplus.com

www.digikey.com has a HUGE variety of cells as well.

-> I also used a dozen (6 each pack) to rebuild a very old Laptop's battery packs
-> and they are working fine there, too. At $1 each ...

When I make a cell "pack" I always make individual cells 
accessable for individual charging.

When charging in series a single cell with greater internal resistance
gets less of a recharge and with each successive charge less and less
until it fails.

Charging each cell individually avoids this.

My oldest NiCad cells are 15 years old and internal resistances match
*very* closely under load testing.
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5