Eneloop Travel Charger Question

[zulu45]

After spending over an hour trying to find this answer, using search, and the "harder" method when that failed to yield an answer, I figure I may as well post this question.

I picked up the Sanyo Eneloop travel charger, with the two batteries. After searching, I've already found out that I can charge when they're at different levels, AND I've found out that it can charge other NiMH batteries. (Please say so if either of these are incorrect) But one question still remains:

It automatically stops when it detects the Eneloop batteries are full. Does it do the same thing with other regular NiMH batteries? I've got some Sony Cybershot batteries for my digital camera that I'm hoping to charge, and really hoping it also detects on non-Eneloops.

 

[Curious_character]

As far as I can tell, Eneloops behave exactly the same as any other NiMH cell except for the low self-discharge rate. They can be charged on any ordinary NiMH charger, and there's no reason other NiMH cells can't be charged on an Eneloop charger.

c_c

 

[zulu45]

I know that much, but my question was concerning the "smart charger" features of the Enloop travel charger. I'm just wondering if it can "detect" when a non-Eneloop battery is fully charged.

For instance, my Energizer travel charger, which I am on the verge of putting away, if this will work good, only automatically shuts off after 8 hours, the time required to fully charge the batteries it was made for. Granted, it works for other batteries, but it came with a chart telling exactly how long to charge it for, making sure to let the user know that it does not automatically shut off.

But with the Eneloop charger being able to handle two batteries at different charge levels, it's light goes off when both batteries are fully charged. But does it do this for other batteries as well? Or does it only work for Eneloops?

 

[adnj]

The answer is 'yes.' The charger is checking the voltage of the cell for variation to determine if full charge is reached. This would work for ANY NiMH battery.

I know that much, but my question was concerning the "smart charger" features of the Enloop travel charger. I'm just wondering if it can "detect" when a non-Eneloop battery is fully charged.

 

[oldvultureface]

But does it do this for other batteries as well?

Yes.

 

[zulu45]

Awesome! This'll probably replace my other chargers, since I don't have to charge often. Thanks for the info!

 

[hank]

Hmmmm. Most of their info isn't in English.

Some found at http://www.sanyo.com/

http://www.sanyo.co.jp/eneloop/index.html --- a "solar charger" -- with a fairly big internal battery (six days of sunshine required to charge that); the internal is used to recharge the Eneloops (sounds like as the internal battery drains, charging takes longer).

News a bit unsettling:

3/19 The director who led the 'Eneloop' and other eco-friendly products resigned.
3/27 Sanyo denies rumors that President of Sanyo Electric has resigned.
3/28 Sanyo Electric announces new President, promoted from Human Relations manager.
4/18 Sanyo announces "eneloop" USB-only-powered Charger