User's Manual

VX 675 BATTERY INFORMATION
Battery
172 VX 675 REFERENCE GUIDE
Light weight
Lithium is the lightest metal. Thus, lithium-ion batteries enable the manufacture of
lightweight devices.
Long Life
Lithium-ion batteries require low maintenance. They do not exhibit memory
effects, thereby eliminating the need for scheduled cycling to prolong the battery
life.
Does Not Require Prolonged Initial Charging
Unlike their nickel-cadmium counterparts, lithium-ion batteries do not require
prolonged initial charging. All that is needed is a regular charge.
Low Self-Discharge Rate
Lithium-ion batteries have a lower self-discharge rate compared to other types of
battery (the self-discharge rate for a lithium-ion battery is less than one-half of that
of a nickel-cadmium battery). This means that once they are charged, they will
retain their charge for a longer time than other types of rechargeable batteries.
Other battery types can lose anywhere from 1-5% of their charge per day,
(depending on the storage temperature) even if they are not installed in a
terminal. Lithium-ion batteries will retain most of their charge even after months of
storage.
High Voltage Capacity
Lithium-ion batteries operate at higher voltages than other rechargeable batteries,
typically about 3.6 volts for lithium-ion versus 1.2 volts for nickel-metal-hydride or
nickel-cadmium batteries. This means a single cell can often be used rather than
multiple metal-hydride or nickel-cadmium cells.
Precautions
Observe the following precautions when handling lithium-ion batteries.
Aging Effects
Battery packs are subject to aging, even when they are not used.
• Aging leads to deterioration in capacity or battery life.
• Batteries typically fail after 2 or 3 years, or approximately 300 charge-
discharge cycles.
• Other chemicals may also affect the aging properties of batteries.
TIP
Storing the battery in a cool environment (25

C or less) at 40% charge reduces
the effects of aging.