Genuine all-in-one charger?

[uknewbie]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a complete all in one charger that exists that would save me the need for several different chargers?

Looking to charge AAA - AA - C - D NiMH and 18650 - 26500 Li-ion plus maybe some SLA 12V batteries.

I know there are chargers that do SLA, NiCD, NiMH and Li-ion, but not sure about connections for all the multitude of sizes I may buy in future also?

Cost not really an issue within reason, would rather have something of high quality.

Thanks in advance,
Craig.

 

[csshih]

wouldn't a hobby charger be very suitable for your purposes? I heard that the triton chargers are top notch!

 

[45/70]

csshih has a good point about hobby chargers. They are the ultimate solution for charging Li-Ion cells, no doubt about it. Also good for Pb and, as long as you keep your NiMH/NiCd cells in matched sets, they are great for them as well.

If you use your NiMH/NiCd cells rather randomly though, a separate NiMH/NiCd charger with independant channels really works out better, as you can track the performance of individual cells. With a hobby charger, you have to charge multiple nickel cells in series, and without any means to balance charge, there really isn't any way to track individual cell behavior.

Dave

 

[uknewbie]

I have looked at the Triton 2 following the above advice. First big downside I see is that you have to run it from a 12V DC power source, not AC.

I am really looking for an automatic-as-possible charger that will charge most battery types that I can plug into the wall.

I have googled for a while and there seems to be limited choices?

I was planning on buying the Maha C808 for my NiMH cells but as I say then becomes annoying to have numerous chargers for all your batteries.

 

[Jay T]

I have looked at the Triton 2 following the above advice. First big downside I see is that you have to run it from a 12V DC power source, not AC.

I am really looking for an automatic-as-possible charger that will charge most battery types that I can plug into the wall.

I have googled for a while and there seems to be limited choices?

Try googling "Triton 2 AC".

Triton also has their EQ models which run on AC/DC

 

[BigBen]

Hi All,
Great questions.
I was wondering the same thing about charging different types of cells.

I'm new to rechargeable cells and I've also already done a ton of reading on this subject, but I'm still a little unclear, so please forgive my lack of knowledge.


Do most folks utilize a charger for AA/AAA NiMH / NiCD and a separate charger for 18650's?

Any advice on a charger for 18650 cells?

I JUST now found the CPFWiKi page, so I'll peruse that next...

Thank you in advance for your help,
BigBen

 

[SilverFox]

Hello BigBen,

Many people find it simpler to utilize separate chargers for the various chemistry types. This option also tends to be a little less expensive, at least at first, and the instructions for use are less complicated.

On the other hand, the various hobby chargers offer high quality charging of most chemistry types. The problem is that the set up is a little more complicated, and there is a learning curve for using these chargers. Keep in mind that a high quality and high capacity charger is going to cost more than a consumer dedicated charger.

When first starting out, it is probably best to pick up a few consumer chargers, but if you really get into battery charging, the hobby charger is the best way to go. I have a large number of consumer chargers, yet I find that I get a better, faster, and more complete charge using my Schulze hobby charger. It does take a little more effort to set up, but once you have done it a few times, the extra time doesn't amount to much at all.

With NiMh and NiCd cells, hobby chargers are capable of charge large amounts of cells at one time. I believe my Schulze charger is capable of charging over 30 cells at one time. When charging multiple cells with a hobby charger, the cells are in series. If the cells are imbalanced, you have to develop some advanced techniques for charging, however, once you have this worked out, things go rather smoothly. This is part of the learning curve.

Good luck picking out chargers, and remember to read up on all of the safety suggestions for charging.

Tom

 

[qwertyydude]

I bet you have a computer lying around. Right now my computer has a 12v line tapped that runs a multitude of 12v appliances, my hobby charger, 15 minute battery toaster/charger, room exhaust fan, various device chargers, and a 12 volt car cigarette plug for emergency 12v needs. It even has the 5 volt line tapped for even more versatility as a usb power supply and even an electrolytic cell power supply. Yes my computer does it all. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to tap into yours to power just a hobby charger so don't worry about getting one. Unless of course you have only a laptop.

 

[BigBen]

Hello Tom (SilverFox), and QwertyDude,

Thank you very much for such informative posts, you really helped me understand charging much better. :twothumbs
I'm just a bit confused about the computer charging idea(s) though.

Tom, that Schulze product line looks OUTSTANDING! :twothumbs

I'm starting a new job on Monday 12/14
(http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=250999,) and I need reliable lighting solutions for work (as well as at home), and I think I initially know what I want.

A Fenix TK20 Yellow is already on it's way to me, along with a pair of E01's from FlashlightGear.
And I want to buy a Malkoff MD2 EMS Orange w/M60WLF Drop-In, but after reading several "horror stories" about the precautions and possible dangers of using (well, actually mistreating) the 18650's & RCR123's, I'm kind of reluctant to use these types of cells.

Now, being that I'm new to the whole rechargeable cell world (even though I'm 50, and am just now realizing what I have been missing! Ha ha ha...), I guess the way for me to go would be to get a MAHA MH-C9000 for my AA's & AAA's.

I know I could use the CR123's as well, but I'd rather go with rechargeable cells instead.

Should I just "MAN-UP" and not be afraid to utilize the Li Ion's, or the Lithium RCR123's???

If so, which charger would be good?

Thanks again, I really appreciate all of your guidance,
BigBen

 

[vali]

@BigBen

Just wait for the first powerled equipped flashlights came to you. If you are used to "normal" incans or 5mm leds, you will be stunned by the amount of light, the beam itself and the machining of the light.

Then, if you think thats not enough, then you should try the lithium powered ones. In my experience 100 lumens is BRIGHT AS HELL for the average user. Of course, in some situations you will need more, but they are just not the norm.

Maha and NiMH (LSD preferred) is the way to go for a no-hassle gear. With that charger you will see the difference between good and crap cells (as I did) and will understand the praise eneloop got here if you get some (if you add a number in each cell and do a basic tracking).

 

[BigBen]

Thanks Vali.

I was able to pick-up some white-topped AA & AAA "Duraloops" from Costco a few days ago for ~$18.50.
I'm definitely looking forward to receiving those new lights!

BB

 

[Mjolnir]

I bet you have a computer lying around. Right now my computer has a 12v line tapped that runs a multitude of 12v appliances, my hobby charger, 15 minute battery toaster/charger, room exhaust fan, various device chargers, and a 12 volt car cigarette plug for emergency 12v needs. It even has the 5 volt line tapped for even more versatility as a usb power supply and even an electrolytic cell power supply. Yes my computer does it all. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to tap into yours to power just a hobby charger so don't worry about getting one. Unless of course you have only a laptop.

Are you saying that you are all running that on the PSU that is inside your computer? That is not a good idea at all. You shoudn't be running onything on your computer PSU that isn't actually part of your computer. They aren't made to run that many things, especially if some of them are large room fans and battery chargers. The 12 volt rail on the PSU is what supplies the power to your CPU and video card, among other things. If you attach all sorts of unnecessary things to a power supply (especially if it not all that high wattage) you are taxing it unnecessarily, which can lead to overheating or failure.
Buying a PSU and using it outside of a computer could work, but you should not be using the power supply that is powering your computer. They aren't meant for that.
How many watts is this PSU in your computer?