Charging NiCads thru auto cigarette lighter socket

[Norm]

 Can you charge 10 c-size NiCad cells in series with the voltage from
the cigarette lighter socket ?.....directly or do you need an electronic
gizmo to regulate the voltage?
 I plan on making 3 paks.....2 will have 3cells and 1 will have 4 cells, they would go
in a special holder that would charge all of them in series.
 After they are charged 2 paks will run 2 flashlights and the larger will run a 20 LED
tent light.
  I'll post the project that I'm working on later.....
 Meanwhile....I'll be a pedalin' and charging couple of these batteries.....
 PedGens are Great  saves $$$  !
Norm. 

[dnix71]

Current would be more of a concern than voltage in this case. If you put a string of discharged NiCads directly on the auto socket the surge might blow a fuse or damage the NiCad string. A 100 ohm ceramic resistor would limit charging current to a safe level.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=015-100

Your auto socket voltage also rises and falls some depending on engine rpm and electrical load. You should have a diode to prevent discharge back into the car battery.

[Norm]

Thanks, dnix71 for the reply and the reminder about the diode
almost forgot about that.
Norm