In article , Theo  wrote:   
   > If you have a variable current limit PSU I'd try to trickle charge the   
   > battery.  Set the PSU to 7.6V (3.8v per cell) with the current limit at say   
   > 100mA.  Apply to the + and - terminals of the battery.  Watch the voltage   
   > across the battery rise.  It should rise rapidly and then the rise should   
   > slow down around 7V and gradually rise from there.  This means it's taking   
   > charge and is likely healthy.   
      
   Don't have a variable current limit PSU but have a varistat and wonder   
   about getting the charger and trickle charging with the varistat.   
   Connect through an ammeter and watch while increasing the AC slowly.   
   May also be a way to connect a voltmeter across the charger output   
   while the battery is in.   
      
   > If it starts low but rises to 7.6V rapidly the battery has lost capacity; if   
   > it never rises then something has gone short circuit and it's scrap.   
   >   
   > Keep an eye on it and feel it regularly for anything overheating.  As two   
   > cells in series it's riskier than a single cell because one going short   
   > could cause the other to become overcharged - I might be tempted to do this   
   > outside in case of fire.   
      
   Thanks for the explanation.   
      
   Yes, will work outdoors and watch temperature.   
      
   Thx,              ... P.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
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