Portable NIMH chargers, the best of the best?

[Tweek]

If 12 volt operation is a requirement for you, than only the Nexcell will work out of the three that you picked. The LaCrosse uses a 3V 4A switching power supply (international capable), and the Amondotech unit has an integral supply with flip-out prongs.

I too am curious as to why you ruled out the Maha 401, I have one and really like it. If 12V operation were a requirement, it would be first on my list. Otherwise I'd have to give the recommendation to the LaCrosse with it's more flexible charge rates and discharge capabilities. The LCD readouts are a plus too, for those that like to know everything (aka me!) about their cells while charging/discharging.

Chris

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Fasuto,

If you only put one cell in the Lightning 4000N, the charge indicating LED's will light briefly, then go out. Basically this indicates that nothing is going on.

When you put two cells in, the indicator will indicate charging (or discharging) in a normal fashion.

Tom

 

[Paperdesk]

I too am curious as to why you ruled out the Maha 401, I have one and really like it.

I'm torn, in regard to the Maha 401. It got really bad reviews here on Steve's forums: http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=26609&forum_id=51

I realize it might have been just a bad batch, but seems there were many having the same problems. Also

I love the LaCrosse, but it seems a little larger for travel. I guess my problem is I'm trying to fit a good home charger unit into a travel package! I like the refresh option LaCrosse and others have. I guess the "perfect" charger for me would be this one if it could shrink a little!

I realize many of you have multiple chargers, but I really can't afford that right now. So that's why I'm trying so hard to find one that "does everything"!

 

[Gene]

Hi Ted,
I'd say if you like the 401, go ahead and get it. I've had one for over 2 years and use it at least every other day and it's been solid as a rock. There are hundreds of them being used by CPF members and they have a good reliabilty record. Sure, there's bound to be some defective units like anything but all in all, they're pretty reliable.

 

[Paperdesk]

Thank you for all the great info everyone! For now, I'm going to order the Amondotech 2800, even though it doesn't have 12v input. If I want to use it in the car Ill use an inverter. However, it is compact with no extra cords or bricks to pack around, well featured, and costs about half of some of the other chargers. Probably later I'll invest in the LaCrosse or another charger for home use. Thank you again!


Ted

 

[LowBat]

That's the same charger I ordered (Titanium 2800, ordered from AmondoTech) that hasn't arrived yet. I had one additional requirement, a folding plug for a better storage profile.

SilverFox says the backlighting for the LCD display is a blue electroluminescent... bonus! I hate those cheapy little incandescent bulbs that unevenly light displays.

I'm not sure you can use an inverter. All the inverter directions I've read say they are not to be used for recharging things like shavers and such. I think it has something to do with the wave not being true alternating current. I can't see myself needing to recharge in my vehicle anyway.

 

[CLHC]

Probably. . .I'll invest in. . .another charger for home use.

You've probably looked into these "other" chargers

Triton
Maha C808M (Latest)
Maha C777+

These are priced up there but they're well built. Enjoy!

 

[BEpsilon]

Got some great ideas from you! I'll definately look into the Energizer 15 minute charger. I saw on amazon review just now that it appears to only be 110v though. Not sure yet if it has independant circuits.

I recently bought an Energizer 15 minute charger (pic) in Canada.

The AC wall wart specs are:
Model: CH15MN-ADP-CA
Input: AC 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 85W
Output: DC 16V - 4A

As you can see, it's universal voltage input. Also, because the charger module takes DC 11-16V as input, it can be used in a car if you have/make a cigarette lighter adapter plug.

 

[lrp]

Paperdesk, I think you made a good choice with the 2800. I have the BC-900 and have on the way the Lightning 4000, I'm anxious to see the size of the unit. You won't find better advice than right on chargers, or for that matter, anything related to flashlights, batteries, etc; Good luck!

 

[LuxLuthor]

I love the MAHA 401-C, and use it a lot...I can't imagine bothering with any other model.

 

[LowBat]

Got my TG-2800 in the mail yesterday, just the sort of charger I was hoping for. The clear plastic cover for the LCD display fell off as it wasn't glued in, but I consider this a plus as it needed a blast of air anyway to clean out a few specks. Having a bar scale display for each cell is preferable to the simple red/green status LEDs on other units. I'm very happy with this purchase.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello LowBat,

I ended up taking the cover off. It seemed like it got in the way when using the discharge button, and it allows for better cooling with it off as you have pointed out.

Tom

 

[AdamW]

I have the Sony BCG-34HRMD which charges 1-4 AAA or 1-4 AA NiMh. I can confirm that it will charge individual batteries, and I have also charged 3 batteries. The unit has a little LCD display that lets you gauge how much time is left on each cell.

The Sony charger runs on 120-220VAC, 50/60hz. I have run it in the states, and also here in the middle east. Works well. The power supply cord unplugs form the back of the unit. This is nice. The charger came with a very long cord, so I cut and hearshrinked mine to about 6 inches long. Now the charger, short cord, and batteries all fit into a very small zippered nylon pouch I bought at a backpacking store. Very compact set up!

--------> This appears to be the SAME CHARGER FOR $20, but with the name "Soshine": http://emilionworkshop.com/oscommer...d=301&osCsid=d26a4605597a6a2c4183a4b2805f05f6 <--------

If it is indeed the same charger as the Sony BCG-34HRMD, it is an excellent deal for an excellent charger!

Edit: the BCG-34HRMD does not have an external power supply or wall wart. Just a power cord that unplugs from the charger body.

Adam

 

[AdamThirnis]

If I could only have one I'd keep this Sanyo charger. Not especially quick but has a refresh function and worldwide voltage with no external power brick. It's light as a feather which makes you wonder why the wallwart is deemed necessary by so many manufacturers. Also allows individual cell charging.

 

[LowBat]

If I could only have one I'd keep this Sanyo charger. Not especially quick but has a refresh function and worldwide voltage with no external power brick. It's light as a feather which makes you wonder why the wallwart is deemed necessary by so many manufacturers. Also allows individual cell charging.

Someone did mention having the external transformer reduces heat, but it's anybody’s guess if this is a significant factor. I much prefer having the guts on the inside and better yet no cord to mess with. The folding plug makes this the ideal travel charger for me.

SilverFox, The blast of air I was referring too was to clean out the LCD display. As far as the battery door goes, I could live without it too. The only advantage I see is it prevents the discharge button from accidently being pressed, which is something you say gets in your way.

Now I guess I need to find a home for that sliding compact Energizer timer charger, seems a shame to toss it. Now if Energizer used that shell and added the features of the TG-2800 (space permitting), it would probably be everyone’s must have.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

The Energizer 15 minute charger does seem to charge anything, and pretty well.

Only mistake is if you put in a well charged cell. That puppy will get HOT!

I use a combo of Energizer 15, C Crane Quick Charger and three Maha 2A4 slow chargers to really pack up cells.

I'd like to go for a LaCrosse, but am mostly

 

[balazer]

I'd stay away from chargers that aren't covered in Silverfox's Charger Comparison thread. Many chargers have been shown to charge the cells quite incompletely.

You could also test the charge fullness yourself for any particular charger by putting just-charged cells into the BC-900 on refresh mode. Look at the mAh display after the first discharge cycle ends and before the second discharge cycle starts, and it will tell you how much charge the BC-900 got out of the cells.

 

[fasuto]

--------> This appears to be the SAME CHARGER FOR $20, but with the name "Soshine": http://emilionworkshop.com/oscommer...d=301&osCsid=d26a4605597a6a2c4183a4b2805f05f6 <--------

I noted the same reading this thread a few days ago. I plan to purchase the soshine next week.

The other alternative was the Lightning Pack 4000N, but i need to charge cells individually.

 

[minimig]

I have the Sony BCG-34HRMD which charges 1-4 AAA or 1-4 AA NiMh. I can confirm that it will charge individual batteries, and I have also charged 3 batteries. The unit has a little LCD display that lets you gauge how much time is left on each cell.

The Sony charger runs on 120-220VAC, 50/60hz. I have run it in the states, and also here in the middle east. Works well. The power supply cord unplugs form the back of the unit. This is nice. The charger came with a very long cord, so I cut and hearshrinked mine to about 6 inches long. Now the charger, short cord, and batteries all fit into a very small zippered nylon pouch I bought at a backpacking store. Very compact set up!

...

Adam

Hello,

I have the BCG-34HRD (same as BCG-34HRMD without the lcd, LED instead) and it came with a really short cord only 3 feet. What was that saying about "one man's poison..."?

BTW, wait 1hour after the batteries are FULL before removing them from the charger. I noticed, in my charger, that there's still some action going on for an hour after the last LED goes off.

 

[minimig]

...

Now I guess I need to find a home for that sliding compact Energizer timer charger, seems a shame to toss it. Now if Energizer used that shell and added the features of the TG-2800 (space permitting), it would probably be everyone’s must have.

Hello,

Don't get rid of that Energizer charger just yet. You might be able to use it on brand new batteries - 14 hour initial/first charge.