Basics and a battery charger

[ed-battery]

Hi im writing for the first time here, i am interested in a battery charger, I currently have:
4 green batteries Radio Shack AA 2100mAh Ni-MH,
1TekD battery AA 2000mAh Ni-MH(havent used it for a while) and
2 Camelion batteries AAA 1100mAh Ni-MH.
I use them for my digital cameras(AA) and for a mp3 player(AAA)
Now im using a battery charger TekD that came with my A430 canon camera, it have 4 spaces, 2 for AA and 2 for AAA, have 2 red lights to indicate charging. Its current stats : input AC110-220v/50hz-60hz, output AAx2 250mA, AAA x2 250mA, Max 200mA, it charges my AAA in 1 hour or less maybe, and the AA's in 4-6 hours, somehow one side finishes first to charge than the other one.

I consider it a bit rudimentary charger and i want to get a charger that has 4AA's slots and 2 or more AAA's that its reliable and a discharge feature.
I have no determined if my batteries have developed memory or if they have shorter life now, i charge them when my devices cant be turned on.
MY questions is
-what battery charger stats should i look for , here in my country are camelion chargers, BostonTek chargers, some radioshack chargers and sony chargers, there are none MAHA or Lacrosse or ansman etc.
I was thinking getting a sony LCD BCG-34HRMF4
-And IF somehow i travel and get a lacrosse or other regulable battery charger what output and charging time would be best for my batteries.

I thank in advance any help

 

[tabetha]

You could always get one posted, personally I'd get the La Crosse BC 700 or 900.
These have many features, are dead easy to use, have discharge at various rates, you select, but are half the charge rate, have conditioning cycles also, that work wonderfully well.
They did have a dodgy batch but all sorted now, the main difference between the 700 and 900 is the 700 is limited to 700 miliamps charge rate, and therefore 350 ma discharge rate, across all four, but will do 1 2 3 or 4 at a time AA or AAA, with any mode, any current charge discharge that it can do, can also be plugged into fag lighter in car.
The 900 can charge 1 2 3 or 4 at up to 1000 ma, or 1 or 2 at up to 1500ma or 1800ma, so 750/900ma discharge respectively.
tabetha

 

[jerry i h]

The Sony charger you list is excellent, and will surely do the job. However, PLEASE, PLEASE read the instructions. They will tell you about rejuvinating questionable batteries, and when to know when your batteries need changing. I am not familiar with the specific batteries you mention, but they are probably average quality that may require replacement soon.

 

[Bones]

...

I was thinking getting a sony LCD BCG-34HRMF4
-And IF somehow i travel and get a lacrosse or other regulable battery charger what output and charging time would be best for my batteries.

I thank in advance any help

Welcome to CPF ed-battery.

I too think the Sony is a good choice.

It has fully independent channels, so it in can charge any combination of up to four AA and/or AAA cells. It also has independent and individual status displays, an almost flat learning curve and, of course, the vital refresh function.

As well, it has a built in 100/240V power supply, so it doesn't require a 'wall-wart', and it will travel well with the appropriate plug adapter. The Sony brand also carries an attendant assurance of quality.

However, if you're really inclined towards a charger/analyzer, Thomas Distributing will ship internationally, and they currently have the lastest version of the LaCrosse charger on sale for 35.97 USD:

http://www.thomasdistributing.com/shop/la-crosse-bc9009

Here's their international shipping page:

http://www.thomasdistributing.com/ship-inter.htm

Also, you can discount their shipping charges by purchasing certain peripherals:

http://www.thomasdistributing.com/shop/special-offers.php

Insofar as a charging rate is concerned, a good starting rate is .5C. So for an AA cell rated at 2000mAh, you would select a 1000mA charge rate.

 

[TakeTheActive]

...The 900 can charge 1 2 3 or 4 at up to 1000 ma, or 1 or 2 at up to 1500ma or 1800ma, so 750/900ma discharge respectively.

AFAIK, the Discharge function is not available above 500mA. Is your unit different? :thinking:

---snip---
Charge    Current    : 200mA, 500mA, 700mA, 1000mA, 1500mA*, 1800mA* (*limit 2 channels)
Discharge Current    : 100mA, 250mA, 350mA,  500mA,    N/A,     N/A  (Charge Current/2)
Trickle   Current    :  10mA,  25mA,  35mA,   50mA,   75mA*,   90mA* (Charge Current/20)

TTA's NiMH/NiCD Battery Charger Specifications Thread: La Crosse BC-900

 

[TakeTheActive]

The Sony charger you list is excellent, and will surely do the job. However, PLEASE, PLEASE read the instructions...

Do you have DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS (and a LINK for the manual) for the Sony LCD BCG-34HRMF4 Charger?

If so, I'd like to add it to my 'Charger Specifications' thread (or at least to my 'Charger Manuals' list in my Sig Line LINK).

Thanks!

 

[Bones]

Manual:

http://products.sel.sony.com ... BCG-34HRMF4_LCD_Charger ... Manual.pdf

Input:

AC 100/240V

50/60 Hz

Output:

DC 1.2V

1050mA AA x 2 / 525mA AA x 4

640mA AAA x 2 / 320mA AAA x 4

 

[TakeTheActive]

Manual:

http://products.sel.sony.com ... BCG-34HRMF4_LCD_Charger ... Manual.pdf

Thanks! (Sig Line LINKs updated :twothumbs )

 

[tabetha]

AFAIK, the Discharge function is not available above 500mA. Is your unit different? :thinking:

---snip---
Charge    Current    : 200mA, 500mA, 700mA, 1000mA, 1500mA*, 1800mA* (*limit 2 channels)
Discharge Current    : 100mA, 250mA, 350mA,  500mA,    N/A,     N/A  (Charge Current/2)
Trickle   Current    :  10mA,  25mA,  35mA,   50mA,   75mA*,   90mA* (Charge Current/20)

TTA's NiMH/NiCD Battery Charger Specifications Thread: La Crosse BC-900

Don't know for sure, never tried it at that level, but suspect you are right, this is all very new to me.
tabetha