C Crane Still OK?

[jayflash]

Is the C Crane charger still one of the recommended brands to use?

Some questions, too. IIRC it doesn't charge each bay independently, but when measuring charge current it will sometimes vary 50% from cell to cell. Is this due to differences in the cell's internal resistance and state of charge?

Does the charger terminate upon the highest reading, as each cell would be different. I'd imagine using cells close in capacity is best; right?

Thanks for the update on this old unit.

 

[max52]

I have had 2 of them for years. Definitely older technology. The lack of individually controlled charge slots inherently creates lack of predictability concerning the status of an individual cell. I use them on some of my NiCads that can trikle charge for a period of time. I also use them to "bump start" dead batteries. It is also great for discharging. Not a font line charger.

Not a FRONT line charger.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

Mine doesn't look so good anymore! But it still functions fine most of the time.

I mostly use it these days to work with questionable cells. I'm working over an Energizer 2100 right now (it's in the discharge cycle). I've NEVER known it to get cells any more than warm.

Actually I don't use regular NimH all that much now. I charge LSD in an Eneloop 4 place and a Duracell 4 place. I have checked batteries fresh out of those chargers and they terminate at consistent V and don't cook the cells.

And I have a 10 place slow charger that tops off regular nimh.