Rayovac Charger

[dave43]

Marduke,

I have a old PS1 Rayovac charger and was wondering if it had smart technology. Did you ever find what you were looking for in the post below?



Marduke
08-10-2007, 04:32 AM
Sorry to dig up such an old thread, but I am looking to blow the dust off my old Rayovac PS1 charger. Several years ago, I was using this charger with Duracell 2000mAh NiMH, but was annoyed with the rather high self discharge rate, and my digital camera at the time did not like the 1.2 volt output of the cells. My model is one of the later generations which is capable of charging alkaline, Ni-Cad, and NiMH, and looks identical to the one pictured below. It's output is 2V, 200mA x4 (each channel).

I would like to know several things from anyone with knowledge about this charger.

First off, I believe it to be a true smart charger and not simply timed. I think this because you can load anywhere from 1-4 cells, and only each side has to be paired for the same size and type. Also, while charging, each cell's indicator light will go off at a different time, an indication of it sensing when peak capacity has been reached? Supposedly, it even senses which type of cell is inserted (alkaline, Ni-Cad, NiMH). Can someone confirm that is is indeed peak sensing and not just timed?

Second, would this charger be acceptable to use with the new hybrid LSD cells? Most of the cell manufacturers advertise that their cells work in just about any charger, but I don't want to damage them.

Third, this charger was originally advertised that cells can be left on after the charge cycle is completed, and a trickle charge will keep them toped off. Would that be fine for cells like Eneloop, or other hybrids?

Also, I know that this charger is relatively slow, but I don't mind leaving cells on overnight, or even for an entire day. So that is a non-issue for me. Also, would there be any trouble in using newer 2600+ mAh cells with it?

http://www.prosportwatches.com/client/Images/200/rayPS1.jpg

 

[Marduke]

Yes, I requested the data specification sheet from Rayovac, and it confirmed that it was a true smart charger. Except for completely dead high cap cells, it works well with even Duracell 2650's. Although it's a tight fit, most cells work fine if you insert the positive side first. I primarily use it for topping off cells overnight when I'll be using them within the next few days.

 

[dave43]

Yes, I requested the data specification sheet from Rayovac, and it confirmed that it was a true smart charger. Except for completely dead high cap cells, it works well with even Duracell 2650's. Although it's a tight fit, most cells work fine if you insert the positive side first. I primarily use it for topping off cells overnight when I'll be using them within the next few days.

Thanks. Mine is grey with a smoky grey cover. It has PS1 on the back and specifies it charges alkaline as well as NIMH. Can I assume this is the same model as yours? I heard that it comes in alot of different colors. Also does it shut off or does it have a trickle charge?

 

[matrixshaman]

I should probably start a separate thread for this but does anyone know if the Rayovac PS32 is a timed only charger or smart? It seems I've never seen it get to a point where the charge light goes off (which is what the directions say it will do when the battery is fully charged) and after trying some Eneloops in it I wonder if I've got a bad charger as it heated them almost too hot to touch.

 

[Eugene]

I've had a PS1 and a PS4, while they are designed to be smart chargers, they are not very smart. They do terminate the charge like a smart charger but terminate early resulting in a not fully charged battery. I got rid of mine for a decent charger.

 

[lumenal]

I should probably start a separate thread for this but does anyone know if the Rayovac PS32 is a timed only charger or smart?

The PS32 charger comes with the Hybrid combo, and is a timer-based charger that charges cells only in pairs, and is definitely not a smart charger.

Try to avoid this charger and look for an independent channel charger.

Especially if your Eneloops are getting to a finger-scorching "hotter than a baked potato" hot... :sick2:

 

[Marduke]

The PS1 does do a trickle charge

 

[flashnpan]

Has anyone had any experience with the PS3 charger?

 

[matrixshaman]

The PS32 charger comes with the Hybrid combo, and is a timer-based charger that charges cells only in pairs, and is definitely not a smart charger.

Try to avoid this charger and look for an independent channel charger.

Especially if your Eneloops are getting to a finger-scorching "hotter than a baked potato" hot... :sick2:

Ah THANKS! That is what I was beginning to suspect. Too bad they don't tell you that in the manual. I was pulling the batteries out every couple hours to test on a voltmeter and then putting them back in. No wonder they got hot. I hadn't seen any chargers like this in a long time and didn't think they still made them this way.