DURACELL INDICATOR CHARGER - SMART OR DUMB?

[TinderBox (UK)]

I just got one of these in the UK for £5.99 , it comes with 2x1700mah AA NI-MH.

What i am asking is when the green battery full indicator comes on does it stop charging, excluding maintenance charge.

So i can leave it and it will not burn my house down

I found the PDF data sheet on the Duracell Website.

http://www.professional.duracell.com/product_data/datasheets/Specialities/06074L4_ChargersEU%20%20(CEF21).pdf

 

[likeguymontag]

I just got one of these in the UK for £5.99 , it comes with 2x1700mah AA NI-MH.

What i am asking is when the green battery full indicator comes on does it stop charging, excluding maintenance charge.

So i can leave it and it will not burn my house down

From the PDF: "Measured both with time and voltage -dv/dt"

So yes, that is a smart charger; it will stop charging once the batteries are full, except for maybe a maintenance charge. Better yet it has "Single cell charging capability," which probably means four independent channels. Unfortunately, it only charges AAs with 400 mA and AAAs with 180 mA, which will be less than the 1C that's generally recommended.

Anyway, that looks like a perfectly good charger, and I would say it's a good value for £6.

Edit: that looks the same as the Duracell "Power Gauge" charger which has been discussed previously on this board.

 

[Mr Happy]

Yes, that seems to be the same as the Duracell Power Gauge charger. I have one and by all appearances it is a good charger. It charges four 2000 mAh cells in 4-5 hours and stops when the green light comes on. One nice feature is the external power cord with the "figure 8" connector. It makes it easy to interchange mains leads according to the local style of mains plug.

£5.99 is a good price, I paid $19.99+tax for mine.

Incidentally, those "1700 mAh" cells often test out to have a capacity closer to 2000 mAh.

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

Thanks for the reply`s , I seems like a good charger cells stay cool due to the slow charge rate, I will have to pick-up a spare one as it`s such a great price.

I have mine plugged into a watt-meter and without battery`s it`s pulls 3 watts and when charging 4 cells it pulls 7-8 watts.

I am waiting to see what the wattage drops too when the green fully charged light comes on, to see if it stops charging.

 

[likeguymontag]

I am waiting to see what the wattage drops too when the green fully charged light comes on, to see if it stops charging.

Do the test if you like.

I assure you that this is a "smart" charger though. It will absolutely, definitely stop charging when the cells are full. It says so right in the PDF datasheet that you linked us to. I think that this charger is just as safe as any other good quality mass-market charger out there. Perhaps you don't trust it because it was so inexpensive?

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

I 100% believe you, it`s just something to do. :twothumbs

I found some FAMEART 2700mah cells they are SANYO rebrands , I tested them with my ANSMANN tester and all 4 show 0% capacity after only a month or so sitting idle. :thinking:

But they seem to be charging alright.

Do the test if you like.

I assure you that this is a "smart" charger though. It will absolutely, definitely stop charging when the cells are full. It says so right in the PDF datasheet that you linked us to. I think that this charger is just as safe as any other good quality mass-market charger out there. Perhaps you don't trust it because it was so inexpensive?

 

[Flying Turtle]

I've used one of these for awhile and like it. I do have some old batteries it didn't like. The charge lights would start flashing. Not sure why, since they still will charge in a dumb charger, but they are pretty well shot. Never had any overheating problems with the Power Gauge.

Geoff

 

[abvidledUK]

I just got one of these in the UK for £5.99 , it comes with 2x1700mah AA NI-MH.

Where from ?

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

Hi.

The store is called "B & M Bargains" , I bought mine from the Jarrow store, I am going to pick another one today if i can.

John.

Where from ?

 

[VidPro]

in that pic up there half way, why does it look like there is a plastic cover over the batteries when it is charging?
most of these chargers with covers on them, its only to cover the thing when not in use, and the manuel usually says to leave the top up when charging? sooos i am askin

 

[Flying Turtle]

There is a hinged cover. I don't recall the instructions saying anything about leaving it up when charging, but you could for better cooling. I usually close mine. There are ventilation slots in the cover.

Geoff

 

[snakebite]

anyone still have the manual.pdf for this?
it seems extinct.

I just got one of these in the UK for £5.99 , it comes with 2x1700mah AA NI-MH.

What i am asking is when the green battery full indicator comes on does it stop charging, excluding maintenance charge.

So i can leave it and it will not burn my house down

I found the PDF data sheet on the Duracell Website.

http://www.professional.duracell.com/product_data/datasheets/Specialities/06074L4_ChargersEU%20%20(CEF21).pdf

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

You might be able to get it from the link below, think you need a facebook account, if you cannot get it, i will have it on my backup hdd somewhere.

edit : it looks like it is just the specs, not the manual

http://www.scribd.com/doc/18655474/06074L4ChargersEU-CEF21

John.

 

[LEDAdd1ct]

Downloaded from scribd and reuploaded for your viewing pleasure:

Link

File name lost in download.

Correct name when saving is

"06074L4ChargersEU-CEF21.pdf"

Here is a second one:

Link

 

[mcnair55]

Hi.

The store is called "B & M Bargains" , I bought mine from the Jarrow store, I am going to pick another one today if i can.

John.

Thanks for the heads up we have a B&M here as well.

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

This thread is years old, they most likely don't sell them anymore.

John.

Thanks for the heads up we have a B&M here as well.