Hi Clint.

Sounds like a unique solution. Probably OK for NiCd or Lead acid.

However, if it's any sort of Lithium technology in those batteries, then deep cycling and a top up charge is definately the wrong way.

For maximum shelf life Lithium batteries need to be kept at 40 - 60% charge, then topped up when needed. Also, for the maximum number of cycles, the battery needs a small depth of discharge not deep cycling.

Your friend is probably using NiCd bats, but I thought I would mention it just in case anyone thought this would be a good idea for Lithium batteries.

Thanks es HNY

David

In a message dated 30/12/2010 19:20:52 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes:

He also performs a "cycling" of his battery pack every 60 days (running the radio until it won't power on, then charging).

After a year-and-a-half of this, his voltage indication is still quite high. When he performs his "cycling," the pack seems to not have lost a bit of capacity.