Partial fast charge & finish with slow charge?

[triplem]

Newbie type question. Does anyone partially fast charge AA batteries in a 15 or 30 minute charger (lets say for 1/2 the charging time), and then put them in a slower charger like a LaCross to finish charging?

My goal is to get batteries charged fairly quickly without worrying about damage, shortened life & incomplete charge sometimes associated with the 15 & 30 minute chargers.

Does my thought make sense or am I fooling myself (i.e. fast charging for any length of time will hurt the battery)?

Thanks for the help.

Neal

 

[eluminator]

Why are you in such a rush? Maybe you don't have a spare set of cells on hand?

 

[triplem]

Eluminator, maybe I am in a rush! Charging 9 AA batteries for a Mag85 can be rather time consuming on a 4 battery charger at a low charging current. I'm getting spare cells but I really want to be able to charge a little faster.

I already have a La Crosse charger. I'm trying to decide whether to keep a new 30 minute Energizer charger I just brought home.

Neal

 

[triplem]

I'm a little surprised at the lack of response. I ain't that bright (no pun intended) so I know I'm not the first to think of this.

Anyone?

Thanks,

Neal

 

[koala]

triplem,

You have a two step charge, start high then finish low.

Have a look at this Duratrax IntelliPeak ICE 4-step charging.

I believe it will be more gentle on your batteries.

 

[Doug Owen]

[ QUOTE ]
triplem said:
I ain't that bright (no pun intended) so I know I'm not the first to think of this.



[/ QUOTE ]

I think there may be a clue here......

Since it's no doubt been tried before, if it was a good, safe, idea no doubt some nasty capitolist would be doing it and taking customers from his competition....and getting us all hot and bothered about the idea?

I recommend sticking to using the gear as it's designed to be used.

Doug Owen

 

[enLIGHTenment]

[ QUOTE ]
triplem said:
I'm getting spare cells but I really want to be able to charge a little faster.

[/ QUOTE ]

Switching the cells from one charger to another will work. It will not, however, be good for the cells unless the slow charger charges at C/10 or has the smarts to shut off when the cells are actually charged, rather than merely after a set period.

Your best bet is to get an intelligent charger that can charge all nine cells simultainously. Something like this:
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1098&HS=1

 

[davidra]

That looks like a very good deal. Have you ever come across this one? Any difference in quality?

Charger

 

[enLIGHTenment]

[ QUOTE ]
davidra said:
That looks like a very good deal. Have you ever come across this one? Any difference in quality?


[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry, I can't make any informed comment as I don't have either charger.