Bluetooth Headphones Tips: Prolonging Li-ion Battery Life

September 29th, 2010

Many bluetooth headphones use the lithium-ion type of rechargeable battery. It is actually the most popular type of rechargeable battery not just among bluetooth headsets but also for other electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones.

One main reason that Li-ion (lithium-ion) batteries are the favorite battery type of a lot of bluetooth headphones is that these kinds of batteries have a bigger energy storage capacity. What this means is that Li-ion batteries have a greater energy-to-material ratio than the other kinds, such as nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. For the same amount of nickel or nickel-cadmium, the lithium-ion battery can hold more power.

The second main reason is that Li-on batteries do not degrade in performance even if you repower them while they are not completely depleted of stored power. Unlike other batteries, the Li-ion battery does not show the so-called memory effect. It also has stronger resistance to severe temperatures and does not self-discharge as fast as the other types when it is in storage.

Much as everyone would like Li-ion batteries to be eternal, the fact is that they have a limited life. When used appropriately and cared for, they can actually provide your bluetooth headsets with power up to about three years. The key here is in knowing how to make your bluetooth earphones’ Li-ion battery packs reach their optimal life span. Here are a few tips.

Do not completely empty your battery of power. Li-ion batteries actually do not need to be fully empty before you need to recharge them. As a matter of fact, you will decrease the life span of your batteries if you frequently let them go empty first before recharging them. However, it is also healthy to completely discharge your Li-ion battery from time to time, say, after every 25 or 30 partial recharge cycles.

Never subject your Li-on battery to high temperature when you recharge them. Not only will the heat be a safety risk but will also shorten your battery’s life and energy capacity.

If you are intending to leave your bluetooth headsets unused for some time, you should make sure that the batteries are at least half-charged. Also, never leave the battery inside your bluetooth earphones if you won’t be using the devices for a long period. If you do, the active material may leak out and corrode and damage your unit. Store the batteries in a cool place. Even the refrigerator will do, but never the freezer.

These practical tips are easy to remember. If you keep them in mind and follow them, you can be sure that your Li-ion battery for your bluetooth headphones will last up to its maximum lifespan.

Using NiCd Batteries for Bluetooth Headphones

September 23rd, 2010

The nickel-cadmium type of rechargeable battery is still one of the popular choices for some bluetooth headphones today. Despite the fact that it is an old invention, this type of battery remains a practicable source of power for electronic devices.

Several bluetooth headphones use NiCd batteries because such batteries are not only rechargeable but also sturdy. The NiCd battery is known to be a good performer even under very hard and severe working conditions. Thus, it is a strong and durable battery type.

However, an NiCd battery should be taken care of with much caution. It just is not the type of battery that you can leave for a long period in its charger dock or cradle. If you do, the battery will degrade both in performance and in lifespan. Moreover, NiCd batteries need to be drained of all power before you recharge them, otherwise, crystals will accumulate on the batterie’s memory plates. This accumulation of crystals on the batteries’ cell plates is the main reason for battery degradation.

Despite relatively being older than the more-recent NiMH and Li-ion battery types, the NiCd battery still holds an edge over the other two. For example, it continues to have a fast charging time despite having been kept for long periods in storage. This simply means it can live a long unused life on the shelf. It retains a higher number of charge and discharge cycles, which essentially translates to a longer lifespan. As a matter of fact, you can charge and discharge an NiCd battery up to about a thousand times.

In addition, the NiCd battery is less sensitive than any other battery type. This makes the NiCd batter very durable. Because of this, it is a commonly used rechargeable battery type for many kinds of electronic equipment, including bluetooth headsets. It is also very cheap when you consider its per cycle cost.

Many people, however, stay away from NiCd batteries because these batteries, despite their durability and power, are not very friendly to the environment. Also, some people get discouraged by the fact that NiCd batteries have a lower energy density, which actually requires the battery to be used frequently in order to avoid deterioration.

If you are considering NiCd batteries as replacement for your headset’s batteries, you might want to read more about the pros and cons of this battery type. You can even explore the possibility of using a different battery type, such as NiMH or Li-ion, for your bluetooth headphones, provided that your replacement is compatible with your electronic device.

Using NiMH Batteries for Bluetooth Headphones

September 22nd, 2010

Batteries are the life blood of bluetooth headphones. Without batteries, your wireless headsets won’t function at all. With several battery types available and compatible with most wireless earphones, which type is most suitable for your unit?

Not needing wires, bluetooth headphones have become a hit among many people today. The absence of wires, either for audio or power, simply equates to convenience and mobility. Being cable-free, these wireless headphones rely on battery power for proper operation. More specifically, they rely on rechargeable batteries.

Disposable batteries usually work, too, but the rechargeable type is more cost-efficient. The rechargeable battery also provides longer power than disposable batteries. One rechargeable battery type commonly used in many bluetooth-powered headsets are the so-called NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries.

Such kinds of batteries are lightweight and compact. These characteristics make them ideal for use in bluetooth headsets. Also, nickel metal hydride batteries have a voltage and power capacity that perfectly fits the needs of compact electronic devices such as bluetooth earphones. They are even great to use with other similar devices.

Though such kinds of batteries often cost a little bit more than the standard, disposable kinds, nickel metal hydride batteries can help you save more in the long run. Provided you store them in the proper condition when you are not using them, they will also not discharge power easily. Moreover, they have a longer lifespan than conventional batteries.

Since bluetooth headsets are commonly used when you are on the go or while doing other things, it is important to have properly and fully loaded batteries so that your work will not be interrupted by low power, especially when you are on a business call with a client or any other important conversation.

When buying batteries for use with your headphones, you should always make sure that it is indeed the right one for your headphones. Double check that the size and voltage are compatible with your unit. NiMH rechargeable batteries are available in many electronic shops, both offline and online. The price may vary from brand to brand and from vendor to vendor. Of course, when you shop online, be wary of very tempting offers, as many scammers can try to fool you into buying low-quality items with absurdly cheap prices.

Before you go out and shop for a NiMH battery for your bluetooth earphones, check first if your unit can take NiMH type of batteries. First place you might want to check is the user manual that came with your device. Or, you can contact the customer support department of the manufacturer. It is of great importance that your battery type is compatible with your bluetooth headphones in order to avoid damaging your electronic gadget.