🚀 go-pugleaf

> I have a rechargeable Ni-Cad battery. I would like to drain it
> to about 1-2 V (from 10V ) before I recharge it.
> 
> I plan to use a 500K ohm resistor to discharge a battery.
> Is this ok in terms of current and loads ?
> 
> Any other simple, cheap, and effective solutions ?

Sure.  Don't do it at all.

First of all, discharging a battery down to 1-2 V will take the individual
cells in the battery well below recommended minimum levels (usually around
0.9V per cell), and will run the risk of "reverse charging" one or more of
the cells in the battery in the process.  This will drastically reduce the
life of the battery.

Second, I presume that you're doing this to avoid the "dreaded NiCad memory."
No need - "memory" really ISN'T a problem in the VAST majority of NiCad
applications, and discharging the battery only wastes time, energy, and
quite possibly batteries (see above).  If you think you're seeing a problem
with your NiCads, it's probably due to voltage depression, which is caused
by poor *charging* practices - forced discharge won't help a bit if you're
still charging the battery incorrectly.


Bob Myers  KC0EW   Hewlett-Packard Co.      |Opinions expressed here are not
                   User Interface Tech. Div.|those of my employer or any other
myers@fc.hp.com    Fort Collins, Colorado   |sentient life-form on this planet.