charger for eneloops?

[cheapbastard]

Hello CPFers,

I am getting some eneloops and I am not sure if I need to buy a new charger to treat the eneloops right. I had intended to get the eneloop charger (MQN04) that comes with 4 AAs - but after reading some threads here I was disappointed to note that it does not charge the batteries individually and this can be bad for them.

I have an old Energizer NiMH charger (model number: CH1HR-ANZ). According to the product datasheet on the energizer site it charges cells individually and terminates current when charged, it has 4 indicator leds and it does appear to treat the cells individually. At the back it says "OUTPUT 5.6V 2.1A(SIZE AA)/0.95A(SIZE AAA)"

From reading some threads here I realise that Energizer has a very bad reputation for making chargers that abuse batteries. So I am a bit concerned...

I can hear a buzzing sound that changes pitch about once a second (alternating between two pitches) - is this normal or is it a sign of a faulty unit?

I think my one is a one-hour charger - is this too rapid for the eneloops? Will it reduce the lifetime of the cell?

Thank you for your advice

 

[Mr Happy]

Re: Energizer CH1HR charger - okay for eneloops?

That looks like it might be one of the few good chargers Energizer has sold. Unfortunately on the data sheet it says "obsolete" so apparently it can't be obtained any more.

 

[cheapbastard]

thanks for your input. I might look for an alternative charger anyway because I just noticed on the eneloop faq that Sanyo recommends not using a quick charger that charges in less than 2 hours -

Though it is possible to charge an eneloop battery in a "Quick Charger", it is not recommended. We recommend charging eneloop batteries in a NiMh charger that is 2 hours or more. Charging eneloop batteries in a "Quick Charger" can reduce the overall life of the battery. It is strongly recommended to use eneloop, Sanyo or Sanyo NiMh battery chargers. We only warrant eneloop if used with an eneloop, Sanyo or Sanyo NiMh battery charger.

http://www.eneloop.info/home/faq.html

edit:

Now I'm considering the "ANSMANN ENERGY 8" charger, mainly because I can get it from a retail store here in Australia, but it is a bit pricey. And as you can see from these two links, Australians get overcharged a bit (even after accounting for GST and the exchange rate), in order to protect the retail stores:

Aussie price:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3554&CATID=18&form=CAT&SUBCATID=295

US price:
http://www.jaycar.com/productResults.asp?keywords=MB3554&keyform=KEYWORD&SUBMIT.x=25&SUBMIT.y=11

edit 2: hmm now I'm a bit unsure because of a couple of posts in this old thread - http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=93273

Maybe I will go for the Maha C9000 as it seems to be the preferred charger

 

[cheapbastard]

Hmmm the Maha C9000 will cost me about AUD$100 so it may not be economically reasonable for me.

If I use my one hour charger, which I believe would be charging at 2.1 amps (about 1.05C) how much of a reduction in cell lifetime would this cause?

 

[alpg88]

i bought this charger
http://www.batteryspace.com/ultra-smartdccharger10afor24v-144v2-12cellsnimhnicdbatterypack.aspx
a while ago, and i charge every nimh cells i have with it, i charge 12 eneloops in FM holder with it, 4d cell pack, 6aa pack aaa pack,..ect. works great, takes like 3 hours to charge 12 eneloops.

 

[Apollo Cree]

Get a 10 hour trickle charger. You may (MAYBE) get a little shorter lifetime out of your cells, but unless you leave the batteries in the charger for days at a time, it won't be a big deal. Throw the batteries away when they start to fade.

Unless you're recharging very often, or doing something else unusual, a fancy charger doesn't really pay off economically.

Now, if you're anal retentive like the rest of us and obsess over getting the most out of your batteries. If recharging batteries is a hobby in itself, admit it and buy a Maha c9000.

 

[cheapbastard]

If recharging batteries is a hobby in itself, admit it and buy a Maha c9000.

I think I'm heading down this road

 

[digitor]

I think I'm heading down this road

Yep, buy one off Jeff Servaas and get over it - you know it makes sense - I'm Sam Kekovich!

Cheers

 

[K31th]

Now, if you're anal retentive like the rest of us and obsess over getting the most out of your batteries. If recharging batteries is a hobby in itself, admit it and buy a Maha c9000.

+1 on what he said.:twothumbs You will not regret it.