The charging method is crucial. Lithium-ion batteries require a dedicated charger that supports lithium-ion battery charging modes, usually indicated on the charger packaging. Many chargers are compatible with both charging modes; when purchasing, pay attention to whether it's automatic recognition or manual setting via a switch. If manual setting is required, it must be correctly configured according to the type of battery being charged.
For nickel-cadmium/nickel-metal hydride batteries, excellent chargers use a charging method with a pull-down negative pulse, which reduces polarization during charging. Ordinary, inexpensive chargers use constant current charging. The battery charging waveform requires an oscilloscope for accurate observation.
