FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Problems, Questions, Concerns, Check here for Common Questions

I know that it is not wise to mix different brand/types etc. batteries in the charger. But what about mixing batteries of same type, but different discharge levels? Ie. I have 8 batteries. If 4 of them are discharged and the other 4 fully charged - can I mix them whenn putting them in the charger and expect them to charge correctly?

In most cases you should not. That is because the charger does not distinguished between a fully charged cell or a fully discharged cell. Unlike most manufacturers, QUEST® batteries have 2 distinct advantages. The first one is when using our overnight charger. The batteries are built to handle a continuious charge from this charger for up to 11 months without damage. In most cases, no damage will result from mixing them up.

The second and most distinct advantage of QUEST® batteries, is with the new Q2 Charger. This charger has 4 independent channels. The microprossesor watches each individual battery, rather than just timing it. That way, it charges each battery to its optimal level, rather than overcharging it.

My Digital Camera uses 1.5V "AA" batteries and your NiMH "AA" batteries are 1.2V. Will they still work ?

Yes, you can safely use our NiMH batteries without any problems. They can be used in place of your original batteries in almost all digital cameras , film cameras, flash units as well as most other electronic equipment. Actually when they are fully charged they will measure around 1.4v per cell. NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries are fast becoming the most popular choice of digital camera users, photographers, cellular phone and laptop users, and many others because these batteries have a much higher capacity and are virtually memory free. These batteries do not need to be discharged every time before recharging. NiMH batteries can be damaged from heat by overcharging but this is easily avoided by using a high quality, microprocessor controlled battery charger or a charger designed for NiMH batteries and charging as directed.

Does temperature effect the charging of your NiMH batteries?

Yes, but usually only if charged outside of the optimum temperature range of 0°C to 45°C when Slow Charging and +10°C to 45°C when Fast Charging.

What are the number of charge / discharge cycles I can expect from your NiMH batteries?

Under normal conditions you can expect up to 1,000 charge / discharge cycles from our NiMH batteries. Cycle Life is dependent upon usage conditions and type of charger used.

Do your NiMH batteries lose any capacity during their useful life ?

Yes they do lose some capacity, but it is normally very, very gradual. This is true with all rechargeable batteries, but some have a very high rate loss. Our NiMH batteries are designed to have a much longer cycle life than older generation NiMH batteries. Normally after 300 - 400 cycles, battery capacity will decrease 10 to15%. Keep in mind that this is the amount of charge the Batteries will hold not the quality.

How well will your NiMH Batteries work in Flash Units and Film Cameras?

Our 1300 mAH or 1600 mAH NiMH Batteries will all work very well in flashes, due to their very low internal resistance. They also work very well in standard film cameras also. We have many customers who are professional Photographers and are now using our NiMH Batteries in their equipment in place of standard AA batteries.

I just purchased NiMH batteries. I was told by someone that they should be "conditioned" prior to use so that they have maximum capacity and life. Can you tell me what the voltage and current profile is for the conditioning cycle? Should this be done frequently?

Not true. Conditioning requires a charger that automatically performs this function and is recommended for battery packs mostly. This is actually not totally necessary for individual battery cells.

The main requirement is that you use a charger that is designed for NiMH batteries. Just charge them as your charger recommends and you should have no problems. One thing you will find about NiMH batteries is that as you use them they just keep getting better.

I was removing my NiMH batteries from my charger and I dropped one of them on a concrete floor. Now that battery does not want to take a charge. is it possible that by dropping it I damaged it somehow ?

Yes, by dropping this battery you could have caused internal damage. These batteries are like any rechargeable battery such as your car battery or any other piece of electronic equipment. Dropping can cause severe damage! If you do drop them we recommend replacement.

Can you store NiMH batteries for long periods without use and still charge them fully?

Like any rechargeable battery, even the one in your car, some capacity will be lost after a certain amount of time when rechargeable batteries are stored and not used for extended periods of time. Normally all that is required with most NiMH batteries is to run them through 3 charge / discharge cycles and normally this will revive them to full capacity. Also keep in mind that even when used on a regular basis, some capacity is lost with each cycle, although very small.

However considering how inexpensive NiMH batteries are and how many alkaline batteries they replace this is of little importance.

Are NIMH batteries also good for flashlights? ie AAA & AA size Maglites? Are any chargers available that will charge more than 4 batteries at a time?

The QUEST® NiMH "AA" & "AAA" batteries are excellent for Mag-lite flashlights. As a matter of fact they work well in any flashlight.

Will it hurt the NiMH batteries to run the voltage down to 0 volts? I accidentally left the radio on and ran them down to nothing. They seemed to charge ok although is there any capacity loss when this happens?

Usually no capacity loss occurs, but this could possibly damage the batteries. There is the danger of causing the batteries to reverse voltage, and then they will no longer accept a charge. Since you were able to get them to accept a charge, you may be okay.

Also it is also best to recharge the batteries before they are totally dead. This will extend their useful life considerably.

Don't see your question answered? Contact QUEST® directly by email or call (231) 798-7033.