Do NiCd batteries really have a memory effect?
NiCd batteries do not have a memory effect, but they do suffer from a voltage depletion or voltage depression phenomenon that most people call the memory effect. So practically speaking, NiCd batteries do suffer from a memory effect. If a NiCd battery is repeatedly charged after it has only been partially discharged it will develop a lower voltage and a lower capacity. Fortunately, this effect is reversible by conditioning NiCds. Conditioning is simply fully discharging the battery after charging it. If a full discharge followed by a charge cycle is done several times, a battery suffering from voltage depletion should be restored back to its normal voltage and capacity. If you use NiCd batteries you should be aware that most of the problems experienced by NiCd battery users are not due to a “memory effect” but are due to overcharging or improper storage. Most chargers continue to deliver current to the batteries even after the batteries are full charged. Make sure you try to use a char
Answering this question is a sure way to start a flame war on the internet. The simple answer is: Technically speaking NiCd batteries do not have a memory effect. However, they do suffer from a voltage depletion or voltage depression phenomenon that most people call the memory effect. So practically speaking, NiCd batteries do suffer from a memory effect, even if it is not technically correct to call it that. There is a lot of disagreement in the battery industry over what actually causes voltage depression. The phenomenon itself is very real. If a NiCd battery is repeatedly charged after it has only been partially discharged it will develop a lower voltage and a lower capacity. Fortunately, this effect is reversible by conditioning NiCds. Conditioning is simply fully discharging the battery (down to about 1.0 V per cell) after charging it. If a full discharge followed by a charge cycle is done several times, a battery suffering from voltage depletion (voltage depression, memory effect
