In rec.crafts.metalworking Sofie wrote:
Icoe:
Yes, actually.... the Radio Shack #23-405 is only for NiCad and NiMH....
NOT for LITHIUM.

yes, i mis-spoke, thanks for noticing.

and, yes, it is microprocessor controlled and is designed to specifically
sense the unique charging curves of NiCad or NiMH, switch selectable and
will shut off when it achieves full charge as detected by the chip...... or
failing that, it's backup timer will shut it off.
It is a nicely built unit and if used properly should work just fine....
the business about charging only fully discharged cells applies mainly to
NiCad .... by fully discharging them, the "memory effect" is negated. You
really do not want to fully discharge NiMH every time you charge them....
and you don't have to.... there is no memory effect to worry about.....
-- Best Regards, Daniel Sofie Electronics Supply & Repair

do you, or anyone know the cutoff voltage for the charge cycle? was thinking
of testing it by charging some partially discharged alkalines.

i see some newer chargers on-line that have a switch selectable "dis-charge"
then/charge mode. i believe it works for either type battery. Thanks! --Loren
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"lcoe" wrote in message
news:nzxPa.34650$ye4.26674@sccrnsc01...

Ted, or anyone, i bot a RShack "Auto Sensing" model (for ni-cad and
lithium).
the manual and box says, "automatically senses full charge and shuts off".
further, in the manual it says, '`...charge only fully discharged
cells...'

another feature is a "backup" fixed timer, 1.5hr for nicad, 2.0 for lith.
it's RS model 23-405, 50% off recently. it's heavy, brick shaped, but
is it really fully automatic? Thanks! --Loren