1. Charge the battery to full capacity. 14 hours at the standard C/10 rate (capacity X .10). For “rapid” chargers, allow additional time (2-3 hours) for “topping off” the charge after it switches from “charging” to “complete”.
2. Use the battery soon and use as much of the battery capacity as possible or practical. A battery that is charged and discharged completely will maintain the longest-running time capacity. Also, several charge/discharge cycles are recommended to bring a new battery up to its rated capacity.
3. Store and charge the batteries at room temperature 65˚F to 75˚F. Batteries that have been stored for over a month should be recharged before putting into service due to chemical self-discharge which occurs at a rate of approximately 1% per day. Do not charge cold batteries (40˚F or below).
4. Reduced capacity or “memory effect” may result from repeated identical shallow discharge/full recharge cycles. If such a condition is suspected, run the battery until the instrument loses all power, then fully recharge and discharge again. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times. Full usable capacity then becomes available.