Noob Question: Will Xtar SP2 or WP2II Charge AA?

[ChaosMaster]

Hey guys, simple noob question. I'm looking at grabbing a charger for 18650, looking at the Xtar chargers as they seem reliable compare to feabay, yet quite cheap. Just wondering if they will accept AA's, as I've got a dozen Eneloops, and the charger that came with them is horrid (time based). I'm assuming the Xtar's aren't time based.

 

[madecov]

Hey guys, simple noob question. I'm looking at grabbing a charger for 18650, looking at the Xtar chargers as they seem reliable compare to feabay, yet quite cheap. Just wondering if they will accept AA's, as I've got a dozen Eneloops, and the charger that came with them is horrid (time based). I'm assuming the Xtar's aren't time based.

The Xtar chargers are very nice for Li-Ion type batteries like the 18650 and 16340. They do not work on NiMh batteries

 

[ChaosMaster]

Then is there a charge out there that you recommend that will charge both? Don't really want to pay $60 for a decent AA charger just for my eneloops. Unless there's a cheaper option out there?

 

[madecov]

Sysmax i4 is the only charger that will charge Li-Ion and Ni-Mh There are no others.
Check the marketplace. There are a few vendors there who have it.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?320968-JETBeam-Intellicharge-i4

 

[tandem]

I'm a fan of having separate chargers for NiMH and Li-ion; in a family situation it is nice to be able to hand a NiMH charger to the kids or wife or a neighbour; I don't want to hand them a Li-ion charger in the process. But that's me, I'm Mr. Safety.

There are cheap but decent NiMH chargers. Duracell CEF23 which at times is found bundled with some Duracell "Duraloops" or other rechargeable cells - I think I paid $14 for mine. Not sure how available they are these days. Great for in home and travel use. 4 independent bays, proper charging algorithm. Car cig lighter plug. No wall wart needed.

Search CPF for "independent 4 channel NiMH" and you'll find references to others.

Sanyo made chargers for Eneloops; Some Apple chargers whose model numbers I forget are also decent.