How to properly charge and prolong the life of Lithium batteries

[Chri5peed]

Originally Posted by athenaesword

so the usb2.0 runs at a higher voltage than what the Li+ battery is supposed to charge at.. issit not advisable then to charge via usb but use a 4.2V ac charger? or will it charge at 4.2V all the same.

Reply to olden question, but relevant.

Batteries will just suck what they need. Current is involved too, but that muddies the waters and you don't need to know...

[0roo0roo]

Originally Posted by Chri5peed

I knew most of that being an electrician, but certainly very handy. Proper care for my Zen Touch battery has meant its kept its capacity for nearly a year, it nearly lasted all the time I was away on vacation last week, well over 20 hours.

Also its important to know that Li-Ion batteries charge at 4.2Volts per cell and USB2 ports run at 5Volts. So in fact DAPs which charge through the USB port are getting the same level of charge as using the mains.

Also, I didn't know, but USB2 ports stay energised as long as your PC is plugged in, but it doesn't need to be turned on. Li-Ion batteries can't be overcharged so its okay to leave your DAP connected to the USB constantly.

i think they can be over charged, its just that the controller will just stop it from happening.

just keep the thing relatively full and it'll be fine. mp3 players are so low drain they are pretty gentle on their batteries.

[Tinderbox (UK)]

Hi.

First post.

If anybody's interested 3.85 volts equates to 40% charge in a li-ion cell.

A number of different player will show you the battery voltage in the service menu.

Regards

John.

[turtlee]

i had no idea.....thanks for the useful info!

[Stereodude]

Originally Posted by acp6s

be sure not to recharge when relatively full, best way is to drain then recharge then

Not for any Li-Ion chemistry battery. They are best charged early and charged often.

NiMH should be discharged completely occasionally, but isn't needed every time.

[grayeyes]

good info, thanks