Rockwell Automation 57RF RFID ICODE Handheld Interface User Manual - Manual (Page 21)

Rockwell Automation Publication 57RF-UM001A-EN-P - September 2011 21
Chapter
4
Operation
Power The RFID ICODE handheld interface comes with a rechargeable Nickel Metal
Hydride (NiMH) battery pack that can provide up to six hours of operating time
on a full charge (depending on power management and use).
You will need to charge the Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery
pack a minimum of three hours prior to first use. Please note that the battery pack
will not attain maximum capacity until it has been charged and discharged
approximately four times. As a result, you may experience shorter than expected
operating time on the first few uses of the product.
NiMH batteries are an extremely stable and dependable source of electrical
energy, but can be sensitive to extreme temperature. If you charge the battery pack
in extreme hot or cold, it will not attain a full charge, and as a result will exhibit
decreased useable time until it recharges again. As a precaution against
overheating, the RFID ICODE handheld interface has built-in temperature
sensors that will suspend the charging process if the battery becomes too warm.
Because the battery pack is an electrical device, you should not expose it to
moisture or wet environments. If the battery becomes wet, wipe it dry and then
allow it to dry thoroughly for several hours before attempting to use or charge it.
Do not leave the battery pack in a fully discharged state for extended periods.
This condition may cause one or more of the cells within the battery pack to fail.
When this occurs and the battery pack is subsequently re-charged, the failed cell
will reduce the total voltage capacity of the battery pack, thus making the battery
appear to discharge faster.
Charging the Unit
The nickel metal hydride battery technology used in the RFID ICODE
handheld interface has exceptional charge life without the “charge memory”
characteristic of conventional nickel cadmium batteries. Partially discharged
batteries or extended periods with the charger left connected will not adversely
affect battery life or performance.
WARNING: Do not enable or utilize the RFID module while charging
the unit. Operation of this nature is likely to cause harmful
interference.