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BATTERY QUESTIONS
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Q: What is the difference between Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and LIthium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries?
A:NiMH battery technology is slightly older than Li-Ion battery technology. Nickel Metal Hydride is a primary chemical used in NiMH batteries. These batteries typically have a life span of approximately 500 charge cycles. Li-Ion battery technology is newer than NiMH. Li-Ion batteries are much smaller and more specific when it comes to charging the battery. Their life span is comparable to NiMH batteries. Q: Why am I getting short run times? A: Short run times can be caused by the following: weather during use, battery age. care, and charge times. Riding in cold weather temporarily reduces the battery run time. To counter this, try charging the battery for several minutes right before use to warm up the battery. Short charge times, may not fully charge a battery resulting in shorter run times. Older batteries slowly begin losing hteir capacity over time and should be replaced accordingly. Q: Does cold temperature effect my battery's run time? A: Yes, cold temperatures can reduce run times as much as 60% depending on the temperature. Q: Are older CygoLite batteries compatible with the newer CygoLite lighting systems? A: Not all CygoLite batteries are compatible. Contact CygoLite to confirm which batteries are required for your lighting system. Q: Are Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries better than Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)? A: Li-Ion batteries are not necessarily better. Li-Ion batteries are smaller and lighter however they do not have the higher capacity (which translates to longer run times) that NiMH batteries offer. Q: Can I change from Li-Ion to NiMH batteries on my CygoLite system. A: No, due to the voltage differences in Li-Ion batteries and NiMH batteries you cannot switch between the batteries. To prevent this, the plug sizes on the NiMH and Li-Ion batteries and chargers are made with different sizes. Q: Does a recently purchase battery have to be fully charged? A: Yes, after purchasing your new CygoLite system or battery we recommend giving the battery a full charge before using it for the first time. Q: How do I maximize the life of my battery? A: Battery lifetime can be maximized by making sure the battery always has a charge in it and is never drained completely. If not being used for extensive periods of time (months) we recommend giving the battery a full charge every 3 months it is not being used. NOTE: Using a non-CygoLite charger or battery is not recommended. It will damage the CygoLite headlight system and a replacement will be needed. Q: Battery cables are not listed as a spare part can I get this part if my cable is damaged? A: You must send the battery unit to us so we can make the appropriate cable repairs. LI-ION Q: How do I take care of my Li-Ion battery properly? A: To maintain your Li-Ion battery properly, only use the provided CygoLite charger to charge your battery. Never let the battery completely drain, and store your battery in a dry place and at room temperature when not in use. When storing your battery for extensive periods of time, give the battery a full charge and recharge the battery every 3 months it is not in use. Q: The Li-Ion battery cable is too short to mount to my top tube, where should I mount it.? A: Because of its small size and weight, the Li-Ion battery is designed to mount on top or underneath the handlebar stem. For proper mounting instructions refer to the operation manual that came with your light. NiMH Q: How do I take care of my NiMH battery properly? A: To maintain your NiMH battery properly, only use the provided CygoLite charger to charge your battery. Never let the battery completely drain, and store your battery in a dry place and at room temperature when not in use. When storing your battery for extensive periods of time, give the battery a full charge and recharge the battery every 3 months it is not in use. Q: Do I have to completely drain my NiMH battery and charge it completely to maintain its usual run time? A: No, NiMH can be partial charged and do not have to be drained before recharging. |
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