what is the difference between NiCd and NiHM batteries?

Question

what will work on a cd player

Answer 1

Completely different technolgies. NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) is much better; longer life for the same weight but most important, no "memory" effect that NiCd has. (This is when you charge a NiCd that isn't fully discharged; you think you have a charged battery but it will be discharged when it reaches the charge point that you started with.)

For more technical details see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NiMH
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_cadmium

Answer 2

They are completely different chemistries, but their electrical charge/discharge characteristics are quite similar. An exception is the memory effect that NiCd has. (See other answerer's replies.)

NiCd batteries can be used in NiMH equipment (including chargers) & vice versa. Although I'd avoid mixing batts in cases where the currents are very high, such as rapid rechargers (15 min. or 30 min. rechargers).

NiCd is still popular because the max. current is very high & they are cheap. But the memory problem is a huge drawback, the energy storage is not very good compared to NiMH, and Cd is a toxic heavy metal that should be kept out of waste land-fills. So avoid NiCd if you can.

Answer 3

nicad batteries have a tendancy to form a memory if not completely discharged. the new nickle hibred batteries dont have this problem. i have charged the new hi bred batteries on my nicad charger and it seems to work ok. im not an expert on this but radio shack couldnt give me a correct answer so i experimented myself.seems like new technology keeps gettin better at a fast pace.now that i got all my batteries (nicad) they come out with a new battery-- oh well-- its kinda like tapes-- i use to use good old 8 track tapes and still own some. then i went to casette-- now i have dvd for my music. wonder what the companies will come up with next. i imagine it wont be long before dvd"s are considered primitive