|
Amperage / Amp Hours (Ah)
Represents the amount of energy a battery can hold. This measurement helps determine
how long the battery will power the equipment it is used in. Generally speaking, the
more 'Ah's' the longer the run time.
Capacity
The amount of energy a battery can store. Measured in Amp Hours or Milliamp Hours,
this is the length of time the battery can supply the required voltage.
Cell
A single battery canister. Usually grouped together with other cells to form battery
packs of different voltages and amperages.
Example: one NiCD cell is 1.20 volts therefore six cells packaged together makes a
7.2 volt battery pack
Charge
The process of putting energy into a battery.
Conditioning A Battery
A process that utilizes a series of heavy discharges and recharges on a battery to
assure optimum performance.
Cycle Life
The amount of times a battery may be charged and discharged. Every time a battery
is charged and discharged it uses one cycle.
Discharge
The release of energy by the battery.
Memory
The term used to describe the capacity loss and subsequent voltage drop in a battery
due to constant or repetitious charging and incomplete discharging. This results in
a loss of run-time.
Milliamp Hours (mAh)
Refers to battery capacity. 1/1000 th of an amp.
Example 1.8Ah = 1800Mah
Rated Capacity
Measured in 'Ah' or 'mAh' capacity is determined by the cell manufacturer. This number
is then used to determine run time and is also in warranty policies.
Self-Discharge
The process of a battery releasing its energy without being used. This can occur by
just sitting on the shelf. Most batteries self-discharge about 1 to 2 percent each
day.
Voltage
Units of measuring electrical current, all batteries are rated in volts DC. (Direct
Current). This determines how much energy is needed to power your equipment. , yet
heavy discharge.
|
|
What is a Standard Battery?
A Standard battery is a battery which has been manufactured to be charged with low
currents. It should be charged using a Standard Charger.
What is a Rapid battery?
A Rapid battery is a battery which has been manufactured to be charged with high currents.
It should be charged using a Rapid Charger.
What is a Battery Insert?
It is a battery pack without the hard case. They come ready to be installed in a hard
case battery pack. Buying a battery insert instead of a complete battery pack represents
a significant savings. Unfortunately, battery inserts are not available for all W
& W battery packs. Please check our catalog or call for information.
What is memory effect?
Also called voltage depression. This phenomenon happens in the Ni-Cd batteries.
The battery “remembers” how much energy was extracted in previous discharges
and try to accept that amount of energy only in the next charge. This
reduces the available capacity of the battery.
Memory effect is actually a gradual change in the crystalline structure of the
battery’s cell plates. This change is often accelerated by repeatedly recharging
before fully discharging. Over time an alloy derivative of nickel and cadmium forms
inside the negative electrode. Because of its chemical composition, this alloy has
a lower voltage potential than the original plate material. If a battery is continually
recharged before being fully discharged, the alloy will continue to develop and will
progressively reduce the level of energy the negative electrode is capable of retaining.
This reduces the available capacity of the battery.
What is formatting a new battery ?
It is the process a new battery has to go through to make sure its electrolyte
can use all its capacity to store energy. This process consists of 3 or 4 charge-fully
discharge cycles. W & W Analyzer has the “Conditioning Mode”, which
can format the battery in less time than other analyzers.
|
|
Nickel Cadmium. (NiCD) NiCd (NiCad or Nickel
Cadmium) batteries are prone to what’s called the “memory affect”
They like to be fully drained before being recharged. When they’re charged often
without being run down first, they develop a “memory” which in time lowers
their charge capacity and ultimately reduces their overall life expectancy. They are
slightly less expensive than NiMH batteries and can be stored for much longer periods
of time on a shelf while maintaining a relatively high charge capacity.
Nickel Metal Hydride. (NiMH) NiMH (Nickel
Metal-Hydride) batteries are not nearly as prone to the “memory affect”
and can therefore be charged at any time. They do not get as many charge cycles in
their lifetime however, but your long-term battery life might still be better if you
typically use NiCD batteries and don't wait until the battery has been drained down
before recharging. NiMH are generally significantly higher in capacity (up to 30%
higher per charge than NiCd batteries of the same physical size), which means they
will last longer per charge, but are not great being stored for periods of time longer
than 3-4 weeks. We recommend using NiMH batteries when available for agencies that
don't have the luxury of running a battery down before recharging (police, fire, EMS,
etc.) but NOT as 'emergency backups' that are left on a shelf until they are needed.
NOTE: While NiMH batteries *can* be charged in a NiCd-ONLY charger, it is
not recommended. NiMH batteries run very hot, and NiCd-ONLY chargers lack the circuitry
to shut down charging on a NiMH battery, which if left unattended for too long a period
of time, the battery could experience melting, venting, bursting or fire. We've never
seen it happen with batteries and chargers that were in good condition, but why take
that chance. (By the way, we sell multi-chemistry chargers if you're interested)
Lithium Ion. (LION) The newest rechargeable
battery chemistry available. Lithium Ion is not affected by the 'Memory Effect'. It
can deliver the same capacity and run time in a smaller, lighter pack. The chemistry
is most popular in cellular and laptop products.
NOTE: If you do not have a charger designed to charge a Li-Ion battery, then
Li-Ion is not even an option for you. Your charger MUST specify that it is a tri-chemistry
charger or that it can specifically charge Li-Ion batteries.
Sealed Lead Acid (aka: Gel-Cell) Primarily found
in emergency lighting and burglar alarm applications. Designed for steady, constant
charging with an infrequent
|
|
What is MasterCharger Ia?
It is W & W Manufacturing Company's rapid charger with one station (for
one battery).
- Can Charge any Nicad and Nickel Metal Hydride Battery from 3.6v to 13.2v
(max 3 amps-Hour).
- Will charge a battery in typically a 1/2 hour to 2 3/4 hours, then automatically
goes into a trickle charge state
- A constant current rapid charger utilizing a Microprocessor based control unit
which uses a negative delta (V) to determine when the battery is fully charged
- AC adapter (115vac or 220vac)
- DC adapter available (cigarette lighter cord)
Note: This product has been discontinued, but will still be supported.
What is a MasterCharger 1ce?
It is W & W Manufacturing Company's rapid charger/exercisor. Has automatic discharge/charge.
- Charges the battery ~ 900 mA
- Discharges the battery at 1 Amp rate down to 1V/cell and then automatically switch
to a charge mode at a rate ~ 900mA.
What is MasterCharger IIa?
It is W & W Manufacturing Company's Standard (Slow) charger with one
station (for one battery).
- Will charge a battery in typically a 8 hours to 14 hours
- Uses a regulated constant current charging circuit
- Works with 115 VAC (included) AC adapter
What is MasterCharger 6?
It is W & W Manufacturing Company's Rapid (Fast) charger with six stations
(for six batteries). MasterCharger 6a can charge six different batteries simultaneously,with
different voltages and capacities, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion....
It does not make a difference. In addition, you decide which battery you wish to charge.
You can charge batteries manufactured by Motorola, Yaesu/Vertex, Kenwood, Icom, Standard
Maxon, Kyodo, Relm, etc. You can mix different manufacturers' batteries and if at
later date, if so desired, you can change one or all six positions to accommodate
other manufacturers' transceivers.
Note: This product has been discontinued, but will still be supported.
What is MasterCharger 5/10?
MasterCharger 5/10 can charge 5 or 10 different batteries simultaneously, with different
voltages and capacities, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion.... It
does not make a difference. In addition, you decide which battery you wish to charge.
You can choose batteries manufactured by Motorola, Yaesu/Vertex, Kenwood, Icom, Standard
Maxon, Kyodo, Relm, etc. You can mix different manufacturers' batteries and if at
later date, if so desired, you can change one or all positions to accommodate other
manufacturers' transceivers.
What is a Rapid Charger?
Also called Fast-Charger. It usually charges the battery in about one hour. Since
it uses a high current to charge the battery, it monitors the battery during charge.
When the battery is fully charged it switches to Trickle charge to compensate
for the self discharge of the battery. The battery can stay on the charger until it
is needed.
What is a Standard Charger?
Also called Slow-Charger. It usually charges the battery overnight (typically 12 to
16 hours). It does not monitor the battery during charge because it applies
a small current to the battery. When battery is fully charged, it should not stay
on the charger more than few days.
What is a Trickle Charge?
It is the phase of the rapid charging process, where the battery is charged with a
small current to compensate the self discharge of the battery. The current rate used
in this phase is called Trickle current. W & W MasterChargers and W &
W Analyzers use a 40 ma, 50 % duty pulse current as Trickle current.
What is a Universal Charger (UC1 and UC6)?
A true universal charger will charge all major radio manufacturers' batteries. If
the radio utilizes all three chemistries, Nicd, Nimh or Li-ion, you will only need
one adapter cup to accomplish charging the various batter chemistries. What makes
the UC SERIES even more unique is that without any tools you can simple replace the
adapter cups and the Charger will then charge another manufacturer's radio batteries.
UC1 can be used in a vehicle with the use of a car cord.
- Can charge all Nickel-based and Lithium ion-based batteries with a single cup
dedicated to a particular product. Batteries from 1.2v to 13.2v (max 3 amps)
- Will charge a battery in typically a 1/2 hours to 2 3/4 hours, then automatically
goes into a trickle charge state
- A constant current rapid charger utilizing a Microprocessor based control unit
which uses a negative delta (V) and delta (T)/delta(t) to determine when the battery
is fully chaged
- Charges 1-12 cells Nichel-based batteries; 1-3 Lithium ion-based batteries
- AC adapter (115vac or 220vac)
- Warranty: One year on parts and labor from date of purchase with copy of original
purchase order. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
|
