I have the same need as Trouthead. I have used a Maha 9000 since 2008, but I am loosing individual bays.
I have read through a lot of the reviews here and ones referenced here. However, this is a very smart forum and…
I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE SOME ADVICE - a good charger can quickly become a very complex instrument, and I am much more interested in it as a tool than a project in and of itself. I just cannot seem to wade thru and keep track of all the built-in variables.
I want: reliable/accurate charging of Eneloops [1900 mah and 2400 mah] and 18650 3.7V/3500 mah cells. I don't expect to branch out much beyond those two, unless some AA chemistry offers much greater capacity with long storage. I'd like to be able to charge 4 cells at a time, due to the 9-cell capacity of my Mag85 [Borealis]. Since I travel a good deal to remote places, I have tried to stick with AA form factor as much as possible - I have managed to find these for example deep in the jungle in Guyana, all over Africa, and recently in small Central Asian towns.
I would like to be able to measure discharge capacity to at least roughly equalize the cells in my multi-cell applications.
In addition to using Eneloops in a single-cell Zebralight EDC,
I also use them in a Mag85/Borealis [9 cells] and several dual/triple cell instruments [thermometers and the like].
I use unprotected 18650's in a single cell Zebralight 600 I just acquired and am very impressed with so far.
I am not trying for the nth degree of battery life – My original Maha 9000 has me still using Eneloops dated 2006 that show 1700 mah [~90% original capacity] on its still-functioning bays. However, another Maha 9000 leaves me dry re: 18650s.
I have been impressed with the reviews of the SkyRC M3000, but I wonder if price and complexity are beyond any of my needs/desires.
Q: does it really make a difference for my application if my charger does or does not use pulse charging? Some reviewers seem to put a premium on this?
RECOMMENDATIONS, PLEASE. I will take responsibility for my final decision!!