Got this email out of the blue, I didn't even ask the question but the answer is not what I want to hear, unless NiCd have changed and are now better than Nimh.

Dear Customer,

We have noticed that there are some questions in regards to the batteries that are used in the Tanks. In the past we have used 2000 Ni-mh batteries in our tanks.
As of all pre-ordered tanks, and tanks arriving in the future, our tanks will now come equipped with 2000 ni-cd batteries. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We hope this clears things up for customers wondering about the batteries. We thank you for shopping Mato Toys International.

Web Support
Matotoys.com
[email protected]

To me, NiCD batteries are OK since they don't loose their charge as fast as Ni-MH's when you let them sit.

NiCds would be okay for tanks, as the weight isn't as much of an issue as aircraft or race cars. As Richard mentions, they hold their charge longer (Nimh can lose 50% in a handful of days). NiCd can also be charged faster than Nimh.

D.

2000 Mah is 2000 Mah regardless of battery type. As long as you have the proper charger it won't make any difference. The Ni-cds will deliver a higher current load, but at the average load of the HL tanks (5 amps) you'll never see or need it.

Don't Ni-cad's suffer from "memory effect"? If you don't fully discharge the battery before charging it, it will only discharge to the point where it was last charged. Perhaps someone else can explain better. Or maybe it is just a myth.

Hi yes they due need to be discharged to mantain them properly...but for the 2000 that they will be giving us with the tanks they are most lily going to be garbage anyhow so there won't be any need to do mantianance on them...Just use them and have FUN and if they go bad buy a cheap Nimh pack and you won't have to go crazy with it.

Part urban legend, part fact. Yes, they will develop "memory," but not after one or two cycles. It takes repeated partial discharging to the same place then charging the pack for that to happen. Such as four minute car races. Also, this problem was far more likely in the old days with early generation battey technology. Today's batteries are much better and will last darn near forever with proper care.

At the risk of starting a religious war....

http://www.repairfaq.org/ELE/F_NiCd_Memory.html
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-33.htm

D.