CCrane Quickcharger Deal

[jabajet]

CCrane Co. has their Quickcharger "Orphans" on sale for $29.95 w/ free shipping. Sale

 

[rocketmaninphx]

Thanks, Grabbed one....

 

[RussH]

Good price. That's probably better than the Vanson equivalent (BU1CH?). I have both, and I've been very pleased with them. The Vanson charges a little faster, but the CCrane looks like higher quality. They are probably both made in China & may be the same design. I'll have to take the Vanson appart & compare circuit elements.

 

[Brock]

I believe the ccrane is a single channel charger, while the vanson is a true 4 channel (or is it 6 with the 9v circuits) charger? I believe the ccrane might be a bit smarter?

 

[Empath]

The C.Crane is far different than the Vanson. The C.Crane is unique in that it charges 4 cells in parallel. The parallel charge causes all cells to equalize, and doesn't permit a weaker cell to cause damage to a stronger cell in the same way series charging would. Some chargers that charge the cells in series will suggest a discharge in order to equalize the cells. That's not necessary with parallel charging. It also begins charging with what it calls a "soft start". From there it proceeds to a fast charge, and then a reduced charge until it's topped off with a trickle charge. It also gives you a digital readout of the voltage of the cells.

It will be slower than the Vanson, but that's because it breaks the charging down into stages, which are probably easier on the cells. Intelligent charging of individual cells in such a manner as Vanson's, or parallel like the C.Crane are my preference. I don't really value or trust series chargers.

 

[RussH]

Empath, I agree with everything you said except one thing; if you put partialy charged cells in the CCrane, it will automatically start a discharge routine. It's easily bypassed with a button push, but you need to remember it if you don't want the cells discharged to about 1 volt before charging. I don't think discharging is needed on NiMH, although doing it occasionally won't hurt. It is sometimes helpful with NiCads, and probably does keep them equalized better.
I think some equalizing is likely to occur during the soft start routine, although I'm not sure of that. IIRC, the fast charge put maxs current (300ma) through each cell. I normally rely on a long trickle charge to insure equalizing cells. Getting them as full as possible is the best form of equalizing with matching cells. I'm certainly not going to give away my CCRane - Buy Both! -RussH