snip
TW> And NaMH and Li-ion Batteries DO NOT need discharge cycles 
TW> like the NiCads did so they will not go bad.
     snip  end
 
     snip
TW> That is Correct. It is NOT advisable to use the Discharge 
TW> cycling procedure on either NiMH or Li-ion cells.
TW> To start off while they have larger MaH then the NiCad 
TW> they have less Inherent Re-Charge cycles and cost more, 
TW> Significantly more in the case of the Li-ion. And full 
TW> cycling them just Wastes their "Life" with NO
TW> advantage gained.
    snip end
                                                              
 This is what I got off the internet  at  RipVan100.com 
 
   SANYO Rechargeable Batteries     
Q: I thought NiMH didn't have any "memory effect." Shouldn't I
be able to keep my batteries topped off in "trickle-mode"     
indefinitely?                                                 
                                                              
A: "Memory effect" (most notable in NiCd cells) is actually   
more of a battery recharger issue than anything. Using a      
"smart charger," (like the LP4000N,) allows NiCd cells to be  
"short cycled" just like NiMH because the charger shuts off   
when the cycle is finished. (Most older NiCd rechargers blast 
batteries with maximum current as long as they're plugged in.)
This factor alone alleviates most of the problem.             
                                                              
"Trickle charging" within the first 24 hours of a recharge can
actually input about 3-5% more charge capacity. The problem is
when the cells are left in the charger indefinitely that      
problems can occur. The high capacity NiMH are designed to be 
charged and discharged on a regular basis.  Leaving batteries 
in an unnatural "always on" state will ultimately curtail peak
performance. Therefore, we strongly advocate regular          
discharging of cells for their best operating performance.    
                                                              
|| Frequently Asked Questions                   
                                                              
Our personal recommendation is to leave NiMH batteries in your
device until they are depleted, and then recharge them with   
the Battery Conditioner to maximize their charge capacity. It 
is not necessary to discharge batteries only needing to be    
"topped off". Neither is it necessary to discharge them if    
they are not fully depleted. Running down batteries in        
whatever device they are in is the best method for draining   
them naturally. The Battery Conditioner will help keep them   
healthy and in top condition at all times.                    
                                                              
 

--- Maximus 2.02