Discharging Nimh question

[uvb]

Hey folks! I'm a newbie. I have some new 3800 Nimh cells, and want to know the best discharge process.

1. Do I use a battery board like Trinity's D-90 to do the trick?

2. Or are boards considered a 'balancing' device to be used to equalized previously discharged packs, and I also need a seperate 'main' discharger to discharge with first?

3. What rate should I discharge at(30A?)?

4. Any suggestions for good dischargers?

5. Any other helpful advice is appreciated.

[highroller]

A string of lightbulbs are used that is close to the load packs sees in use, some trays will not work if pack voltage is too high. Most build their dischargers using 1157 auto taillight bulbs, the number used is close to load pack is subjected to with each bulb rated at 2amp. Racers Edge (available direct or thru Stormer Hobbies) sells a unit in three loads, 20, 24, 30 amp rates in kit or assembled form, with or without the cutoff device, that prevents cells from discharging too low. Some will store the packs discharged to a .90 volt cell level (5.40 volts for 6cell, 3.60 for 4cell) while others will put 90second to 10min charge in pack for storage.
It help the pack to charge better, run better, plus eliminates most of the problems of false peaks if most of the residual voltage is removed before charging for the next use. Pack does need to cool to room temperature without the aid of fan for 1-3 hours depending on ambiant temperature.

Since it was found that NiMH do benefit from discharging a lot of companies have introduced equalizing/discharging trays. Some will not discharge a fully charged pack, some are polarized, some have different load rates, others have adjustable cutoff voltage levels and some require a power source for them to work and other functions. Integy has 3-4 models in different price ranges & loads, the rest make only one model LRP/Quantum, Tekin, Trinity, Novak, Yokomo, Futaba and others. With even the simplist ones, that use a bulb or LED indicator that can be used to judge the cell voltage, it will start to dim as voltage reaches .50 volts usually after 2-5 minutes of bulb or LED going out the voltage is low enough usually about .01 -.05 depending on load rate.
These are approximate loads in use for different areas of use and motors
Bashing 10-20amp Offroad stock 20-24 amp TC Stock 20-25 Oval Stock 25-30 19turn motors are about the same as stock Modified Racing 25-35 with oval in the higher amp ranges.
Discharging above the levels pack is subjected too gets it to develop more voltage or bunch but can shortened the life sooner. Switching between high then low discharge loads confuses the cells -so try to stick with a discharge load that work best for you.