Hello, I have been in this hobby for 3 years. When I started flying, my questions were much like yours is now. Since then, the electronics part of the hobby can still stump me at times. (I have several questions now in the batteries forum)
Anyway........ I am finding from my experience and procedures, that there are a LOT of variances that can be appied to NiCads and they will still perform very good. EXAMPLE: The first year I discharged my trainer rx battery to 4.4 volts using my loaded voltmeter. I did this 95% of the times I charged it !!!! Now I know that is not necessary. BUT.... this pack is 3 years old now and is the strongest of my 600 mAh packs!!!!
Try this link....... this guy knows his stuff. I built a "custom version" of his loaded digital voltmeter. I mainly use it in my shop as a way to discharge my batteries with a simulated load. ( I installed more than one socket, bought at Radio Shack, to combine bulbs for various mAh drain). I use a timer to "REMIND ME" to watch the pack that it doesn't go below 4 or 4.4 volts. That part is a PIA, but it didn't cost but a few dollars to build.
[link]http://rcbatteryclinic.com/[/link]
I have discharged and charged, just charged what I "took out", etc. (meaning here... if I took a plane out and only flew it 2 times, I may put it on the charger for 4 hours or so when going out next time). A lot of guys will say this is wrong. A lot of the opinions I hear are direct opposites!!! I may not have done things correctly....... but I can fly 4 or 5, 10 minute flights SAFELY, on my 600mAh packs. I have NEVER had a battery failure in the 3 years, and NEVER had to quit flying after a 3rd flight because of a low battery. All this, and I have basically done things "wrong", according to many experts. I feel most of these guys are very educated and ARE CORRECT in their advice. BUT I feel the NiCad batteries today...... are very forgiving and they will tolerate a lot of abuse from guys like me who may make mistakes.
Just try to use common sense in getting advice, (including mine),
Good luck.....lownslo....