NiCd cells exhibit the so-called "MEMORY effect". This develops, if often times the batteries will not be discharged under 1.1V per cell before charging. The available capacity then decreases and the battery thereby becomes "incalculable". The effect can be prevented by regular, complete discharge. This method is the only measure that worked satisfactorily reliable with all cells. However, complete discharge of the baterries are not always possible, and in particular, if you live at the mountain, it is rather strenuous. Therefore, the charge controller possesses an automatic discharge function. Plug in the mains cable and press the main switch key briefly. The 21W bulb in the battery case turns on and discharges the battery up to 20V. The charging procedure begins thereafter automatically. In the case of a half-full battery discharging may last up to 4h approximately. If the battery is more than half-full, we advise against the activation of the discharging function, since this will take too much time. If discharging is briefly interrupted (mains disconnected), then the battery charger changes automatically to the charge procedure. Without mains voltage the battery cannot be discharged. |