Why Discharge? — Maximizing the life of your packs

• Before using your new packs cycle them at least 3 times, charging at a 0.1C rate (or less) and then discharging at a 1C rate. If you're using a sensitive peak-detecting charger, you may have to restart the charge several times dues to false peak detection.
• Don't overcharge to help prevent large crystal growth and voltage depression. Use a peak-detection charger at a moderate to high rate, but avoid overheating the pack, over 130ºF.-150ºF. (55ºC.-66ºC.) depending on the cell manufacturer.
• Remember that the cell's temperature is much higher internally, especially if your pack is shrink-wrapped.
• After initial conditioning of the pack, avoid trickle-charging as it encourages large crystal growth (higher internal resistance and lower voltage under load).
• Don't needlessly cycle your packs but do regularly discharge them to approximately 0.9V/cell. This is the perfect time to measure their capacity with a watt-hour meter.
• Don't discharge below 0.8V/cell. The cell is essentially completely discharged at approximately 0.9V/cell to 1.0V/cell. If you do go below 0.8V/cell, immediately start a trickle charge, at a 0.1C rate or lower, until the pack has charged up a bit (at least 0.2AH). Then complete the charge normally and do a standard discharge to 0.8V/cell or higher.
• Keep the discharge current level low enough to prevent overheating whenever you can. Let the temperature of the cells tell you how high a discharge current level they can safely handle.
• As much as possible, cool them with fast moving air as they are being used. Add space between the cells to allow for better air flow.
• If the packs are not being used, cycle (charge/discharge) them 1-2 times every 3-4 weeks.
• Don't store charge, or discharge them above 85ºF. (29ºC.) or below 32ºF. (0ºC.).
• To use the cells after they've been stored, perform a slow 0.1C-rate charge and 1C-rate discharge before charging again normally and using them. If the cells have not been conditioned every 3-4 weeks during storage, you may need to cycle them this way up to 3-5 times before the cells regain their rated capacity.