Internet sources ???...

[Steve C]

... for rechargeable AA NiMH cells and compatible chargers?

I was planning to buy from BatterySpace.com, but they were unable to answer my phone query about a specific product (aside from the fact that I could not understand what the guy was saying), and they have not answered a similar e-mail I sent. So I'll spend my money elsewhere.

I could just buy the stuff at Wally World, but their selection isn't the best; at least around here.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Steve,

If you have a specific question, I may be able to point you in a direction...

What are you looking for?

Tom

 

[PhotonBoy]

http://www.batterystation.com

 

[JonSidneyB]

The La Crosse charger is an interesting charger.

 

[Steve C]

Thanks, Photonboy.

Tom, basically just some inexpensive rechargeable NiMH AA cells and a reasonably fast charger for them that has both AC & DC capability. When I first needed this, all Wally World had available around here was 1400 mAh cells. I bought these along with a companion charger. It all works well, but I need more grunt (capacity); like, 2300 mAh minimum.

The afore-mentioned place has exactly what I'm looking for, but they dropped the ball on the other item I was interested in, which makes me wonder about the quality of customer service if I have a problem, etc. We're not talking about a lot of money, but principle still means something to me; and I don't need the heartburn if things go south. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[greenLED]

I've bought from batterystation and Amodotech. Nice experiences with both.

 

[newo]

I've bought various batteries, chargers and related stuff from Amondo Tech, Battery Station, Batteryspace, JS Burly's, and Slavin 4U.

I got what I ordered from all of them.

I got great service from JS Burly's.

I got good service from Amondo, Battery Station and Batteryspace. I came to the conclusion, though, that the folks who run Batteryspace do not speak English as a first language, which may explain your experience with them.

Slavin 4U was really slow, and I had to ping them a couple of times. Ultimately it became apparent that something fell between the cracks, but they fixed it, and eventually they made it good.

I've also bought a whole group of Energizer NiMH 2500s, which came with an inexpensive charger, at Sam's Club. It was 8 batteries, plus a charger, for a shade under $20. There are probably better prices around, but I happened to be stumbling past the battery counter, and there they were. On an impulse, I got a couple packages. I haven't used the chargers, so I don't know how good they are, but the batteries are great. They all test out to well above the advertised 2,500 mAh capacities.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Steve,

After reviewing my limited data on chargers and batteries, I will suggest that you pay a little extra to get a charger with independent channel charging. There are a lot of chargers that charge in pairs that are cheaper, but the advantage of being able to charge a single cells is worthwhile from my point of view.

AC plus 12v plus independent channels weed quite a few chargers out.

I am using the Titanium TG-700 from www.amondotech.com as my field charger. I have been quite happy with it, and can recommend it. I am sure there are others out there, but a quick search did not reveal much. If you don't mind a bit of bulk, the Vanson BC-1HU that AmondoTech sells comes with a 12v adapter as well. My Vanson only came with an AC adapter.

I have tested a small variety of AA batteries. The best performer (so far) has been the Titanium 2400's, with the Titanium 2000's right behind. They are able to maintain a higher voltage than any other brand I have looked at. The Kodak AA's also did quite well.

Energizer 2300's have a bit more capacity, but suffer voltage lag. Stay away from the AA batteries that have a plain green sleeve and the Radio Shack ones. They are the worst performers so far.

I have mixed feelings with the Powerex cells. If you happen to get good ones, they perform quite well. The problem is that the quality is inconsistent. In a pack of four, you might end up with 3 good ones and 1 that underperforms. I have only tested a limited sample of Powerex cells, so have no idea if this problem is widespread or not.

I am not sure if I helped you, or cost you more money... At any rate, that gives you a place to start.

Tom

 

[Lurveleven]

I'm using the Vanson V-6000:
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=225

It is an 1 hour charger (4 times as fast as the Titanium TG-700) with 4 independent charging channels and includes a 12 V DC car adapter (at least the one I bought included this, not bought at Amondotech). I'm very happy with this charger.

Sigbjoern

 

[Glenn]

If you are just starting out with NMh cells you may as well get the RayOVac IC3 15 minute job.
Mine has spoiled me so bad that I bought more IC3 cells and my "regular" cells that take hours to charge are just laying in a drawer.
IT SURE IS NICE TO HAVE FRESHLY CHARGED CELLS IN 15 MINUTES !!
I believe someone on the Board said that the 2000mah IC3s outperformed others 2300s.

Glenn

 

[Steve C]

Silverfox, I have a pair of Litco Alpha 4s that I service my r/c batteries with. Your post made me realize that, with just a little bit of work, I can take a four AA cell battery box from an RTR nitro buggy and charge four NiMH AAs at C-10 rate; slow, but very conducive to good battery life, AND I can keep them on indefinite trickle without hurting them.

The Litcos have four ports each, and I have two of those battery boxes new and unused in the junk box; I put nicad packs in the vehicles they came in. So that's eight at a time. And I just remembered there's a Battery Store just opened up on the south end of town. They should have the bulk-packed individual cells; hope they're not too proud of them.

Thanks to all who responded.

BTW, Tom; the Litco A4 runs off 12V DC; they have a
"wall wart" for use with 120V AC. I've got a power cord with cigarette lighter adapter on one end. Sometimes I charge my models on the way to the flying field.

This will work like a champ.

 

[PhotonBoy]

http://www.batterystation.com/cpf.htm

There are specials for CPF members only on the above page.

 

[wasBlinded]

When Practical Sailor (kind of a Consumer Reports for sailors) tested a bunch of rechargeable cells, they found the Ray-O-Vac IC3 15 minute cells the best all-around performers.

I would guess that they have to have pretty tight QC and robust construction to be safe and effective at those charge rates.