bbs00068@uafcseg.uucp (Joel Kolstad) (11/16/90)
We have a project that is supposed to float around and log temperature for
us. It will contain a bunch of solar cells, a microcontroller, miscellaneous
electronics, and ... a battery!
The idea is that the solar cells slowly charge up the battery, and every
now and then, the main circuit kicks in and does its thing. To give you a few
numbers... generally, the circuit is activated for about 10 seconds every
5 minutes. The circuit draws a maximum of 150ma at 5V. The solar cells could
be configured however was necessary depending on the battery..
... _The Battery_
This is a cycling application if there ever was one. My knowledge of NICad
batteries was that "Try to cycle them and they'll form memories." However,
other sources (the type who sell batteries) say "No way! That was 20 years
ago! NiCads no longer form memories!"
So what gives here? Can I use a NiCad, or will I have to use a gel cell?
The reason that I don't want to use a gel cell is because we only need about
a 1w-hour battery, and I haven't found any gel cells under 6w-hours (6V, 1ah).
Anybody know of smaller gel cells? Or can I use my NiCads and be happy?
Thanks for any input. Please respond to "kolstad@cae.wisc.edu".
---Joel Kolstad