Advice needed on charge/discharge/condidtion

[Jeff D]

I've been looking around for a device that will help me with what I need, and I'm clueless enough to not understand what I should do, so I need some advice.

What I have/need... I'm looking for possibly one unit that I can use with my lead, NiMH, NiCd batteries. Any other formats are fine, but not required at this time. I need the ability to restore the Pb 12v batteries in the kids toys, and figure it would be helpful to get one unit for all my needs, but that's where I'm hitting a wall.

I was looking at the TritonEQ (EQ line because I want AC powered, and I didn't see a need for the extras in the T2EQ), but someone suggested this may be overkill even though it does what I think I need, but I wasn't given any other options. There was also a suggestion of looking at going with two devices, one for the Pb battery needs, Ctek (maybe?); and use somethine else for the NiMH/NiCd, like the LaCrosse or Maha both have devices which would meet my needs.

I'm not looking to spend a lot of money, I see some of the setups used around here are out of my budget. I think my biggest problem is I think I know what I need, but I really have no clue. That's what I'm hoping someone can help with.

 

[Jeff D]

No suggestions on what's a good way to go?

 

[Black Rose]

If you want to go with a single device to handle it all, I think a hobby charger would be the only option.

If you want to go with two devices as you indicated (one for Pb and another for NiCd & NiMh) then the options open up.

If you are only dealing with AA & AAA cells, then something like the Maha MH-C800S with 8 independant charging bays can charge and condition cells.

If you also have C & D cells, then the Maha MH-C808M would be an option.

Without knowing what your budget is, it's hard to point to particular products.

 

[Jeff D]

Thanks for the info. I had been initially interested in the Triton2 or another similar product, so in that price range for the conditioner/charger.

Can you provide an example of what you mean by 'hobby charger'? Is that like the triton or other R/C chargers?


If I did go with a stand alone I was thinking along the same line as the Maha or LaCrosse. But, now that you mention the C & D cells I do have a few of those too, but primarily AA & AAAs.

The thing I didn't see possible with the triton setup, and maybe I'm wrong after looking at pictures of what others have done. Is that I wasn't sure you could work with more than one cell at a time. I've seen pictures were it appeared people have configured a serial chain of cells hooked to the charger. I have no idea how smart that is or how well it would work. So the gang charger like Maha or LaCrosse would be better for charging.

Is there an good and inexpensive device that can do the shock treatment, condition and charge for Pb batteries? I just hate having to buy more of these batteries for kids toys... I want to get better life out of them.

Now I'm rethinking this... I guess the Triton would be better too if I could use it to charge my 18v tools? I'll have to see if that's a tritonEQ or go up to the 2EQ to hit 18v. I can't remember what the EQ tops out at.

Thanks again for the info, I'm having a tough time because I don't know enough about the options and what I could be looking for...