Looking for a "C" NiMH charger and cells

[robk]

Looking for a \"C\" NiMH charger and cells

I've been using quite a few C alkalines lately, usually 3 at a time in a 2D mag body (and I have an Elektrolumens FT-3C coming). I was wondering if anyone knew of an easy solution using NiMH cells. I'd need to charge 3 cells at a time, and the cheap locally available C's are rated at a measly 2200mAh (my worst AA's are 1800 mAh!) MAHA sells high capacity C's , but the chargers are either too expensive, or will only charge "pairs". How do I charge 3 dead cells? Wait until I have 6 and charge in pairs?
Any info appreciated.
Rob

 

[DrJ]

Re: Looking for a

.

 

[Empath]

Re: Looking for a

There are several good chargers that charge and monitor C cells individually, such as the Vanson, C.Crane and the AccuManager 20. You wouldn't need to charge them in multiples of 2.

 

[robk]

Re: Looking for a

Thanks!
I ordered the Vanson charger and 9 4500mAh C cells. The way I read it, I can charge 3 cells.
Rob

 

[LightScene]

Re: Looking for a \"C\" NiMH charger and cells

While reading your post, it occured to me that 2 sets of AA's hold as much of a charge as 1 set of C's. And AA's are the same length as C's. So an AA-to-C adapter (a tube) would work well for those people who already have AA chargers, and who prefer not to spend money on a new charger and C cells.

 

[EvilLithiumMan]

Re: Looking for a \"C\" NiMH charger and cells

I'm a cheap *******. I built my own constant current charger years ago when I was into R/C cars. It has settings of 50, 100, 150, 300, 600 and 1200ma and handles from 1 to 25 cells. Nothing automatic about it however; I could destroy 25 cells at a time just as easily as charging them /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

And yes. I too have an Elektrolumens FT-3C coming.

 

[illumiGeek]

Re: Looking for a

I just found a really nice one at Home Depot. It's a Rayovac PS3. It has 4 individual charging circuits, and will charge any combo of 1-4, AA, C & D cells or a single 9V. (Actually, each channel can hold a single C or D or 2xAA/AAA, so you can charge up to 4xC/D or 8xAA/AAA.)

It can chage NiMh, NiCad or the Rayovac Rechargable alkalines.

And the best part... it was only $19.95!

Aloha, iG

 

[Short Circuit]

Re: Looking for a

I have one on thoses PS3 chargers, an I will no longer use it. Way to slow and it cooked the batteries. I now use the AccuManager charger with wonderfull results.

 

[hank]

Re: Looking for a

I have one of the PS3s too -- it originally got good reviews when it first came out (now I suspect they were press releases, sigh -- I'm Not Cynical Enough Yet)

The batteries do get HOT -- I've read subsequently several comments that this charger does risk losing some battery capacity due to the overheating, each cycle.

It's gone to the 'Emergency use only' shelf.
-------

Anyone know a truly good reliable trickle-charge-forever device that can handle eight or a dozen or more cells? I really would like to rack-and-forget a large handful of batteries that could stay on charge til the lights go out, since I live in earthquake country and will certainly need them sometime.

 

[Rifter]

Re: Looking for a

is there such a thing as a AA to C adaptor? would 2 aa's fit in the same space as a C?

 

[illumiGeek]

Re: Looking for a

There are AA to C adapters, but only for single cells.

2xAA is larger in diameter than a single C.

 

[LightScene]

Re: Looking for a

3 AA's will fit in a 3 C battery tube. All you need is a thin tube to hold the 3 AA's and some foam or something to keep it centered.

There are also 1 AA to 1 C adapters.

 

[illumiGeek]

Re: Looking for a

I'm surprized that others have had such a poor experience with the PS3 charger. Mine seems to work very well. I have a mix of cells on the charger now that has been there for several days, and the batteries are not even warm to the touch. Doesn't seem to be "cooking" the cells at all.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[RussH]

Re: Looking for a

IllumiGeek - I don't have a PS3, but I went to Maha 401FS specifically because several other 'smart' chargers had let the batteries get too hot before switching down to the trickle mode. This is partly a function of how the circuit is set up & how well the charger is made, so YMMV. I don't like my batteries to get very hot at all. I killed a bunch of NiMH when they first came out, wouldn't use them, and didn't quit using NiCad until I got a C Crane charger that wouldn't cook the NiMHs. It's a bit slow, tho, compared to the Maha charger.

 

[lvRN]

Re: Looking for a

look at ccrane for their charger; especially look in the orphans/returns bin. That is what i'm using.

i'm also using rechargeable batteries from harborfreight and tools.

P.S. I don't know how to insert a link into a post how the other do it. ccrane

hmmm. maybe I'm figureing this out