Discharging problem/question

[micros_rock]

I hooked up my batts to my discharger and was monitoring the voltage with a voltometer. When it read 5.4v I disconnected the pack, but when I checked the batts with the voltometer it read 7.4v. It seems as soon as a stop discharging the batts it goes back up to 7.4v, even though the voltometer read 5.4v when it was discharging. What's happening? TIA

[highroller]

Rechargable batteries build up or maintain a residual voltage even when discharged below a certain level. They are able to maintain a 1.2 volt even after being discharged below that level, and can except voltage above their rated voltage (1.2 volts) or MAH rating (1500). Individual cell voltage can get has high as 1.70 volts (10+ volts for a pack), and a 1500 MA pack may charge as high as 1700 MA.

[micros_rock]

So should I disconnect the packs once it hits 5.4v, even though it goes back up? TIA

[Grizzbob]

Yes, ALL rechargeable batteries regain their original voltage after discharging, it's completely natural. Don't worry about that, only worry about letting the voltage drop to 0(or letting it go longer after hitting 0). NiMh cells don't like being discharged like that, it could make them reverse(basically short out), but NiCd's can handle it.....:cool:

[micros_rock]

alright, thanks a lot for clearing things up:)