Sony DSC U20 Operating Instructions - Page 13

To the wall outlet (wall socket) Power cord (mains lead) CHARGE lamp 2 , Connect the charger to a wall outlet (wall socket) using the power cord (mains lead). The CHARGE lamp lights up when charging begins, and goes off when charging is completed. It takes about 13 hours to completely charge the batteries. • When charging is finished, disconnect the power cord (mains lead) from the wall outlet (wall socket), and remove the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries from the charger. • Always use the case supplied when transporting the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. If the positive and negative terminals come into contact with metallic material and are shorted, the batteries could overheat or catch fire. Charging the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries • If the poles of the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are dirty, the batteries may not charge properly. Occasionally clean the poles of the batteries and the terminals of the charger by wiping them with a dry cloth. • At the time of purchase, or when the Nickel Metal Hydride batteries haven't been used for a long time, they may not fully charge. This is typical of this type of battery, and is not a malfunction. If this happens, several cycles of using the battery until it is completely drained and then charging the battery fully should correct the problem. • Even when Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are not being used they lose their charge naturally over time. It is recommended that you recharge the batteries just before using them. • If you recharge Nickel Metal Hydride batteries before fully using up the existing charge, the low battery warning may be displayed sooner than expected. This is called the "memory effect."* If this problem occurs, charging the batteries only after using up the existing charge will correct it. * The "memory effect" - the situation in which the capacity of the battery is temporarily lowered. 13 Getting started