Which charger? Maha or an RC Charger?

[hoffner5]

Hello-

I'm in the market for a more versatile battery charger. I'm currently only using a LaCrosse BC-900 for AA/AAAs. My primary impetus is that I need to charge some C and D size NiMH batteries. A secondary goal might be the ability to charge more than 4 AAs at a time, and/or possibly Li-Ion cells.

The two contenders:
Maha MH-C808M
Hyperion EOS 5I DP (although I'm willing to entertain any sub-$250 RC charger)

Pros of the Maha:
Cheaper. Can charge 8 cells simultaneously with separate charging channels. Standard cells can be changed/charged quickly and without any complexities.

Cons of the Maha:
Can't do Li-Ion. Can't do non-standard size NiMH.

Pros of the Hyperion:
Can do up to 14 NiMH cells simultanously (including my FM 3D-9AA holder). Can do Li-Ion. Can do any size battery with appropriate holder.

Cons of the Hyperion:
Only one charging channel. Requires battery holders to do most types of charging.

Since 95% of my charging needs will be primary sizes (AA/C/D), I'm really considering the convenience of the Maha. However, with the appropriate battery holders, I think the Hyperion will only be slightly less convenient, but adds considerable extra functionality in return.

Another concern, which may be large enough for its own thread: Is it better to charge 4 cells in series on a single channel or each on its own? I always assumed that putting each cell on its own channel was the safest and easiest way to get them a full charge.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[tino_ale]

Yes the RC charger will offer more features, but IMO the huge difference is that it has only one channel. When you can it is always better to charge elements separately instead of a whole pack. By doing this you are sure to optimize each element charge and lifespan (don't get overcharged).

 

[NiOOH]

Second that. Unless you are dealing with packs that cannot be separated, charging each cell separately is the way to go. It is easier to keep them balanced and you have the change to catch a weak cell easier.

 

[hoffner5]

Though I realize it is always better to charge each cell separately, the question is how much is really lost if the cells are not (compared with the gains in convenience and added functionality).

For example, my car's tires recommend 32 PSI. Well, if I measured all 4, I doubt they all be 32. Perhaps 29, 30, 31, 33. Does this really affect my performance? Slightly... perhaps a 0.2 MPG loss in fuel efficiency and a 1-2% loss in tire life (maybe less since I rotate). Are these loses large enough that I'm going to check my tires every day? Every week? Heck no.

How can most chargers identify a weak cell? I can't believe that everyone uses either the Maha C9000 or LaCrosse BC900 charger where you see the batteries actual capacity. Most chargers have a red light and green light (perhaps even a flashing green light). How can you really tell if one of your 2800 MAh cells is only charging to 2200?

And how can you tell the capacity if you're using a C/D or Li-Ion cell?

I seem to recall Alin10123 selling quite a few chargers with 1 channel and simple red/green lights, and these were recommended to charge FiveMega's battery packs.

 

[diff_lock2]

What if you charge the pack with a slow charge rate, shouldn't that help balance the pack?

And charging 12 single cells a day becomes a pain.

 

[NiOOH]

Though I realize it is always better to charge each cell separately, the question is how much is really lost if the cells are not (compared with the gains in convenience and added functionality).

For example, my car's tires recommend 32 PSI. Well, if I measured all 4, I doubt they all be 32. Perhaps 29, 30, 31, 33. Does this really affect my performance? Slightly... perhaps a 0.2 MPG loss in fuel efficiency and a 1-2% loss in tire life (maybe less since I rotate). Are these loses large enough that I'm going to check my tires every day? Every week? Heck no.

How can most chargers identify a weak cell? I can't believe that everyone uses either the Maha C9000 or LaCrosse BC900 charger where you see the batteries actual capacity. Most chargers have a red light and green light (perhaps even a flashing green light). How can you really tell if one of your 2800 MAh cells is only charging to 2200?

And how can you tell the capacity if you're using a C/D or Li-Ion cell?

I seem to recall Alin10123 selling quite a few chargers with 1 channel and simple red/green lights, and these were recommended to charge FiveMega's battery packs.

Looks like you've already made your mind. Just to point out that even with a simple LED indication charger if you charge the cells separately, you can still identify weak cells. You may notice that some of your cells finish charging sooner than others, or your charger may even reject cells that have very high internal resistance. I mean, you don't need an analyzer to pinpoint weak cells.
You asked for a recommendation, I give you mine.

 

[hoffner5]

Looks like you've already made your mind. Just to point out that even with a simple LED indication charger if you charge the cells separately, you can still identify weak cells. You may notice that some of your cells finish charging sooner than others, or your charger may even reject cells that have very high internal resistance. I mean, you don't need an analyzer to pinpoint weak cells.
You asked for a recommendation, I give you mine.

And I appreciate your input. I haven't quite made up my mind. I'm just throwing out contrary opinions in an effort to get to the heart of the matter. I suppose I should just buy both chargers, and call it a day.

I'm actually surprised there aren't more threads discussing these issues. Flashaholics spend a lot of money on flashlights and batteries. Now we have the granddaddy of them all, AW's $25 Li-Ion C cells. I see people buying 6-10 of these things at a time. I wonder how many are using $25 chargers for their $250 worth of batteries.

 

[45/70]

I started converting over to rechargeable batteries in the early 80's. At present I'm about 95% rechargeable. I will say, I'm still learning about chargers.

If I were you, I'd go with a multi bay NiMH charger, like the Maha 808M you mentioned, and a Li-Ion charger. The thing about the Triton, Schulze etc., is they are really made specifically for charging packs, ie. where you don't really have a choice such as in the R/C world where the cells are soldered/wielded together. In this situation, they are some of the best, but in the end are still a compromise due to their charging in series.

A while ago, I was looking into Li-Ion chargers. If you look around the R/C places, you can find Li-Ion chargers that are simpler than the expensive ones, and a lot cheaper. The major drawback to them seems to be fewer options and a narrower range of charge rates. If you can find one that fits your specific needs, that'd be the way to go.

Dave

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Hoffner5,

Different chargers for different applications...

If you are using cells in multi cell applications, the hobby chargers are very good, but you have to remember to balance the cells from time to time.

On the other hand, if you have a lot of single cell applications, you are better off with an independent channel charger.

Tom