Can I use a non-Sanyo charger on Eneloops

[Wildcat]

The batteries say to use Sanyo charger only. I just used this charger to charge 3 Eneloops. They were all @ .84v and after charging they were all 1.38v. They stayed cool through the process. I'm assuming it is okay to use this charger. Is my assumption correct?

 

[Marduke]

That charger will not fully charge empty cells.

I recommend getting a modern smart charger, and you will have much better results.

 

[Wildcat]

okie dokie. thanks

 

[Mr Happy]

The charging current of 210 mA for AA and 80 mA for AAA is low enough that it won't damage eneloops. But as Marduke says, 7 hours is not long enough for a full charge. You will want to charge for about 12 hours to get a full charge on empty cells. When you take a fully charged eneloop off the charger it should read about 1.44 V.

Incidentally, there is no way your uncharged eneloops should be reading as low as 0.84 V. An empty cell should read no lower than 1.2 V. You might want to check your voltmeter for accuracy or review how your eneloops got such a low voltage on them. Usually this would indicate the cells are being damaged by overdischarge or are already damaged from previous events.

 

[Foxx510]

You could probably get away with doing 2 charge cycles on that to fully charge them, 210mA is low enough that it won't do major damage in overcharge. So when the timer shuts off for the first time, just remove and reinsert the batteries and do another charge. It's not ideal, but if you don't want to spend money on another charger right now you could get away with it.

 

[davidt1]

No special chargers are needed. Sanyo just wants to sell you their chargers.

 

[RAGE CAGE]

The batteries say to use Sanyo charger only. I just used this charger to charge 3 Eneloops. They were all @ .84v and after charging they were all 1.38v. They stayed cool through the process. I'm assuming it is okay to use this charger. Is my assumption correct?

Hi Wildcat- you used to post on Outdoor Magazine Forum (OMF) that James used to run didn't you? Long time no see. Use a DMM digital multi meter- eneloops/duraloops (on sale at target now for $6.54 4xAA/AAA) white tops- made in japan) usually come out of the package at 1.31 v- just charge them wth what you have for an hour or two- see what t takes to get them to about 1.41 v. Take care!

 

[Wildcat]

yep, i sure did. that was one of my favorite places on the net. sure do miss it.

 

[RAGE CAGE]

yep, i sure did. that was one of my favorite places on the net. sure do miss it.

me too.....did you see that James put the archives out?

http://outdoors.magazine.free.fr/

Schwert posted the link on equipped.org

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=154538

So did you get your eneloop situation squared away?

 

[Wildcat]

yep. i go back to the archives and research every now and them. lots of good info.

i did decide what i'm gonna do. instead of buying a fancy charger and fancy batteries, I bought a new (used) Collins Legitimus 3/4 axe :naughty:and and I'm gonna buy a SONY-BCG-34HRMF4 and be done with it. I'm not a electronics junky worried about volts and megawatts and stuff. (not that there's anything wrong with that) Thought i was gonna try, but came to my senses.