A ? for the electrically inclined

[distancepieman]

A ? for the electrically inclined

So, I have a question, that hopefully someone here can answer.
At my place of employment we use walkie-talkies to keep in contact. We are starting to have problems with the batteries dying too often because people put them back into the chargers without using them up first. My question is: How can I make/where can I buy an inexpensive battery discharger, or could I modify a charger into a discharger? I have limited experience with electrical work, but I would want it to have some sort of LED to indicate that it's discharged, so it doesn't get too low to recharge. Any links/general info would be appreciated.
I don't expect much of a response, but I figured that since such a broad range of people are members here, someone might be able to lend a hand. Thanks for reading.

~Bails

 

[Shade]

Try getting a cheap torch that takes the same kind of batteries and leave it switched on - once the torch stops being lit the batteries are gone.

I'm not an electronics expert so there may be a more appropriate tool that I know nothing about...

 

[distancepieman]

I know dischargers for this purpose do exist, I was just wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of one, or how to make one. This solution would work, but we could also just tape the talk button down to achieve the same result. Thanks for the response thou.

~Bails

 

[Damascus]

Are the batteries removable?

 

[Ezakimak]

I'm not sure what type of radios your using. But have you checked the manufacures website for a discharger? If your using those Motorola talkabout ones that use AA batteries (or what ever standard batteries) you could get a different type of rechargable battery. I'm assuming that you are currently using either nickel caddium (sp?) or nickle metal hydradide (sp?). Nickel caddium is fairly common for the problem you describing, whiled the nickel metal hydride is less common, as it is less likely to get the "memory effect". If you switch to lithium-ion batterys that should just about get rid of the problem completely, although you would have to buy all new batteries and chargers. Ok thats enough rambling from me.

 

[distancepieman]

Yes, batteries are removable, but not AA or anything like that. Think remote control car batteries. Like the 3 put together in the plastic wrapping. I'm blanking on their proper name, and their maker, but thanks for the input.

~Bails