Smart universal charger

[mleroux]

My questions probably reveal a strong measure of ignorance, but for now please bear with me: Is there a very smart, very universal charger available?

By "very smart" I mean something that can charge and perhaps even discharge cells, (is there something that can automatically 'break in' NiMH's?) and that can cut out when a cell reaches its optimal level. To prevent overcharging, etc.

By "very universal" I mean something that can charge Li-ion and NiMH, in AA, AAA and CR123 format.

The closest I've seen is http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14885, but it only charges one cell and doesn't cut out. Is there anything better available that won't break the bank?

 

[sailah]

My hobby charger from HobbyCity does all you want. I paid about $40 for it shipped but you need to supply a power supply, either from a junk laptop or like I did by scapping a power supply from an old desktop.

It has modes for all Li chemistry, NiCad, NiMh, Pb etc. It will shut off at specified voltages and can discharge cells as well.

I'm by no means an expert but am liking this charger the more I understand how it works and how to use it. There are videos on Youtube on using it as well as calibrating it.

Turnigy Accucell-6 is the one I have. It also has a balancing function for charging multiple Li cells especialy in packs like RC cars use.