Real good advice here. I would also emphasize NOT draining your NiCD packs. If you're of the assumption that the packs will develop a "memory", forget it it's a myth.

When NiCD packs were first developed they were used in lab equipment which discharged the packs to an exact level each time. With long term use there was some evidence of memory, but with our use, no way it's an issue.

If you don't use your packs for a month, then just turn on the Transmitter and Receiver and move the controls for 10 or 15 minutes, then charge them for about 12 hours. They'll be fine. Fully cycling them once a month on a battery cycler will keep them at peak performance, so once you get some money ahead, having a cycler/peak charger is great.

FYI, I didn't cycle my packs for the first 3 or 4 years I was involved in RC, and those packs were still over 90% capacity when I bought my first cycler.
Dennis-