SAT - Hardware questions

[Robert Scott]

Michel Lachance wrote:
>
>I know that NiCad batteries do need a deep discharge in order to last
>longer.  The automatic shut off on SAT's does not help things a lot as
>the battery barely get to its ultimate low charge limit.  Here's my
>question: Is there a critical point where using a discharged battery
>would dammage the device, its good functionning or even affect the
>stored tuning?

   The "memory" effect in Ni-Cads is not the same for all manufacturers.
There are those that claim that Ni-Cads produced today do not have the
"memory" effect.  Besides, even if the SAT does turn off at a certain voltage,
and even if there is a memory effect, this would only cause the Ni-Cads to
be unable to supply power past this point.  But it won't get any worse.
Supposedly the memory effect just limits the battery to supplying
power to the point that it is generally discharged.  Just make sure you
occasionally let the SAT get to this point and you should have no
problem.

   -Bob Scott