[Is this the "ideal" NiCad charger, or is it crude?]

Hi Fellas,

I've built this circuit to charge my old 8.4V 7 Cell 80mAH NiCad batteries; http://sv1bsx.50webs.com/charger/charger.html

For the resistor I've used a total of 160 Ohm for a 8mA charging current. I'm using a variable PSU (0-18V 30A) set at 13.5V to supply the circuit.

What I want to know is, is this circuit ideal for NiCad longevity, am I using the right Voltage, is it crude, and are there any better ways to charge my now unobtainable NiCad's for a long lasting service, or is this circuit just the ticket?

I want to look after the pictured batteries the best I can, as they are 20Yrs old and now unobtainable. They are used as the power source for some old radio equipment.

Cheers.

All the best,

Damian

[power led drivers circuits?]

Couldn't a wallwart just be used with a led limiting resistor?