Chargers

[sweetlight]

Sorry if this has been asked but I couldn't find it.

I'm looking to make the switch to nimh batts. I use mostly double A and triple A batteries. Which brand of battery and charger gives the best bang for the buck? Thanx!

 

[Yoda4561]

Eneloops and a good charger, I recommend the maha c9000 but you can use almost anything (avoid the 15-30 minute chargers though)

 

[LED-holic]

The La Crosse BC 700 is an awesome charger for only $22 + shipping.

I strongly encourage you to spend the little amount of cash to get this super smart charger.

And get Eneloop AA/AAA nimh batteries. Lots of them!! They're the best rechargeable batteries I've ever used.

 

[Robocop]

sweetlight you will have much better results from the electronics/battery section and as such I will move this for you.....search around that section and you should find all the information you need.

 

[HeadCSO]

Get a charger with individual charging channels and some Eneloops.

 

[Niconical]

Batteries: Eneloop (AA / AAA)
Charger: Lacrosse BC700 or Maha C9000

 

[TorchBoy]

:welcome: I couldn't say anything better than the recommendations above. CPFers certainly love their Eneloops, and your decision for the charger just depends on your budget.

 

[scottaw]

I know a lot of people here don't like the 15 min chargers, but i love my energizer 15 min. I'm positive it shortens the number of charges before it kills the cell, but nimh's are so cheap right now, who cares? It's so much more convenient and i'll just replace batts as they die....still probably 250 charge cycles or so.

 

[sweetlight]

Thanx, for the info and for moving me.

I just ordered a Sanyo eneloop kit that comes with eight AA, two AAA and four spacers for C and D batts. It comes with a matching charger. The price was right and I figure that the charger made by sanyo for their batts should at least be ok.?

 

[Bones]

I know a lot of people here don't like the 15 min chargers, but i love my energizer 15 min. I'm positive it shortens the number of charges before it kills the cell, but nimh's are so cheap right now, who cares? It's so much more convenient and i'll just replace batts as they die...still probably 250 charge cycles or so.

It's actually much closer to a hundred scottaw, and that's with the Eneloop, which is generally considered the best in its class:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com ... post2517047

http://www.candlepowerforums.com ... post2521843

...
I'm positive it shortens the number of charges before it kills the cell, but nimh's are so cheap right now, who cares?

Wow...

 

[geek4christ]

Thanx, for the info and for moving me.

I just ordered a Sanyo eneloop kit that comes with eight AA, two AAA and four spacers for C and D batts. It comes with a matching charger. The price was right and I figure that the charger made by sanyo for their batts should at least be ok.?

:welcome: sweetlight

Yeah, I think that's a great deal. This is the one I've been recommending to friends who want to switch to rechargeables for household things like xbox controllers and such.

The chargers that come with the Eneloop Power Packs are smart chargers. Just keep in mind, if they're like the one linked above (open charging slots) then they will only allow you to charge cells in pairs.

 

[sweetlight]

:welcome: sweetlight

Yeah, I think that's a great deal. This is the one I've been recommending to friends who want to switch to rechargeables for household things like xbox controllers and such.

Yep, thats the move I made. Thanx gchrist and the others for the good info. This is a very helpful place!

 

[TorchBoy]

... i love my energizer 15 min. I'm positive it shortens the number of charges before it kills the cell, but nimh's are so cheap right now, who cares? It's so much more convenient and i'll just replace batts as they die....still probably 250 charge cycles or so.

I say great! You've made an informed decision (give or take 150 cycles) and have chosen to go for charging convenience rather than cell longevity. Excellent.

 

[scottaw]

I also have the eneloop charger from the power pack, it's nice, but takes about 4 hours or so. My big thing is that i will NOT charge any battery unattended, ever. So having to sit and wait 15 min vs several hours is well worth it for me.