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A battery is a chemical storage cell or which outputs the energy in the form of electrical energy. This energy output is measured by voltage (V, Volts) and Amperage (Ah, Amps).
Common voltages: 8.4V, 9.6V, 10.8V, 12V
Common amp ranges: 600mAh - 4000mAh
(units: 1 Amp = 1000 mAh)
There are several popular types of batteries for an airsoft AEG.
Rechargeable battery packs are used in airsoft guns. Buying new batteries every two or three events gets expensive.
(A cycle, as referred to here, means a recharge cycle.)
NiMH -- Nickel Metal Hydride battery is one of the most common types of rechargeable airsoft battery packs. It is similar to Nickel-cadium (NiCd) but uses a different metal for one of the plates. NiMH batteries do NOT have a memory or need to be discharged prior to recharging. The cycle life for a 1700mAh - 2000mAh NiMH is approximately 1000 cycles. For 2500mAh+ the life is around 500 cycles.
NiCd -- Nickel-Cadium battery is less common. The batteries should be discharged before recharging. The standard life is about 1000 cycles. The "memory effect" occurs due to a chemical process inside the battery which can reduce the battery's capacity over time. Discharging the battery before recharge will help maintain the capacity over the battery's life. Due to the discharge necessity and lower capacity versus a similar size NiMH battery, NiCd are not often used.
Li-Poly -- Lithium-ion Polymer battery. This type is becoming more popular. One of the primary reasons is that the self-discharge rate is much lower than in NiCd and NiMH. But Li-Poly are more expensive. Li-Poly does NOT need to be discharged before recharging.
The amount of energy a battery pack holds degrades over time. A full charge is not going to last as long as a fully charged new battery. Batteries will also naturally discharge over time whether they receive use or not, which is known as self-discharge.
Volts
The more volts a battery pack puts out, the higher the power. Thus a high-torque motor will likely need a 9.6V battery. A motor will turn harder and faster when it has more power. A gun that is adequately powered by a 8.4V will put out more bb's per minute with a change to a 9.6V battery. For most AEGs, 8.4V is plenty of power. High-end, high-torque guns may require a 9.6V but often nothing more.
Amps
The more amps a battery pack has, the longer the battery pack will last. A 8.4V 1100mAh battery will power a gun the same as a 8.4V 3600mAh for 2 to 4 hours or better. However, the 3600mAh should last a whole day, through 8 hours or so. More amps usually means more/larger battery cells.
A second battery pack is preferred for long events that last beyond 4 hours or run intensive operations back to back. AEG's are most players' primary weapon; so having a backup power source can be key to keeping one's gun shooting throughout the day.
Chargers
There are two main types, Smart and Standard.
Smart chargers charge batteries quickly and safely without overcharging. Overcharging can reduce the battery's life. A smart charger usually has adaptors to connect to both small and large-type battery connectors as well as optimal charging switches and indicators to signal when the battery is fully charged. When a battery is fully charged, the charger will stop fast-charging. It then enters a very slow trickle-charge that will not overcharge but keep the battery fully charged as long as it is on the charger. A 1100mAh battery can usually be charged in under 90 minutes and a 3000mAh in less than 4 hours.
Standard chargers simply charge batteries slowly for however long the charger is supplied power. A standard charger takes about 6+ hours to fully charge a 1100mAh battery and 10+ hours for a 3000mAh battery. Slow recharging is better for the overall life of a battery. Overcharging is the greatest danger of using a standard charger. Without a sensor of some sort in the circuit, it is simply guess work figuring out when a battery has reached it's peak.
Though most AEG's that come with a battery include a standard charger. A smart charger is a good investment to extend the battery's life and save the headache of having to remove it before it overcharges. Use smart chargers as directed by the accompanying instructions and only with the battery types and sizes it supports.
First charge
The 1st charge is recommended before the 1st use. A battery pack will typically come with some energy because it undergoes a little testing to ensure it is not defective before being shipped from the manufacturer. The amount of initial charge can vary greatly so it is highly recommended that it be charged before first use. If NiCd, discharge first, then recharge.
connectors
Tamiya connectors are standard on most all AEG's, battery packs and chargers. There are two standard sizes: large and small type. A battery pack's type, large or small, is usually the same as it's connector size. Adapters are available to convert between large and small type, male and female connectors. Most all smart chargers will have an adapter to connect to both.
Fuses
Fuses are NOT optional. If fuses were optional, most manufacturers wouldn't build one into the circuitry of an AEG. As it is, they are designed to prevent damage to the circuit. A fuse prevents too much current from traveling through a circuit. Excessive current often leads to burnt wires, electrical components, and sometimes fire. Removing a fuse or replacing it with one higher than the recommended circuitry rating puts not only the rifle but the player at risk. Always replace fuses with the same type and rating.
Brands
Intellect is one of the top of the line. Off brands exist and still function well but may not live up to their stated performance.
Beware of homemade battery packs. This task is not as easy as it seems and often the thin commercial plastic that holds a pack together is needed to fit the batteries in the tight battery compartment in an AEG.
The shape and size of the battery pack is specific to a style or type of rifle. Know these before buying a replacement for an AEG. A pack that won't fit or uses a different type connector is often as good as a battery pack left at home. Common battery types are: large, small, nun-chuck, PEQ box, and custom. Custom types include a large variety of shapes and sizes. Be certain that the battery pack ordered is identical in size and shape to the one needed. Use pictures and ask the retailers questions until sure that it is compatible. Sometimes players buy large battery packs only to find out it won't fit in their rifle or the connector size doesn't match.
Weather and Temperature
Many people have trouble starting their cars in winter. This is because the batteries are often very cold. Electricity travels inside the battery in it's own circuit when not in use. Cold slows down the rate at which electricity traverses inside a circuit. Thus when the arctic airsoft missions arrive, many AEG's don't last as long due to cold battery packs. Cold batteries that have difficultly putting enough power through the circuit to adequately drive the motor. Some players resort to using a handwarmer to keep the battery pack warm. Though manufacturers advise against these sorts of practices, they can be somewhat effective.
Likewise, heat will speed up the rate at which a battery discharges it's energy. When battery packs get too warm, it is best they be swapped out or left to cool down. It is NOT recommended to chill a warm battery pack in a freezer as the contrasting extremes can reduce the life of the battery. If a battery is chilled or cold, it should be allowed to gradually warm to room temperature before use.
Electricity and water DON'T mix. Getting water inside one's AEG is a sure way to short out the circuits, ruin motors, switches and batteries.
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