Trickle charging NiMH batteries

[stas]

Hi,
I have a green force 4.5 Ah battery pack and the charger that came with them. Recently, I was told (by the guys from Manta) that I can keep the battery connected to the charger constantly and it will just "upkeep" the battery. I have been doing this for a while but recently someone told me that this greatly reduces the life of the battery. Is that the case? Have I damaged my battery by doing this or is this procedure fine? The charger is a NP1-type Ni-Cd/Ni-MH charger (whatever that means)
Thanks, Stas

 

[Nocturnal Lights]

We always advise to take the trickle charger off but it really depends on the charger and the manufacturer. We ask our customers to store the light on a full charge and then re-charge it before each dive.