So, Eneloops killed my AA charger

Batteries and Chargers Chargers
1

I received 4 new Eneloop AAs today, put them in my "Ansmann" charger, LEDs went wild, little "plop" sound and the typical "something just ceased to exist"-smell. Well, that charger was about 8 years old, so I guess its OK.

Now.. a decent AA charger costs about 15-20 bucks here, so I thought I might aswell get a hobby charger so I can retire my 7 buck 18650 charger from dx.

Does this make any sense? Currently, I only charge 18650s and AAs. I might want to do capacity tests.

How does charging multiple cells work? Serial or parallel? Doesnt everyone always say you shouldnt mix cells when voltage isnt matching?

Well, hoping for help :)

2

A hobby charger is not the perfect solution for eneloop (or any NiMH), you can only charger one at a time (To charger more they need to be at the same discharger state).

3

If you do a lot of AA NiMHs, then I would suggest one of the 8 bay smart chargers for AA/AAA, like this one. I've had this one for 6 years now.

4

intellicharger i4 V2 is out. probably a good buy.

5

Or the Imax B6 http://www.dealextreme.com/p/imax-b6-2-5-lcd-rc-lipo-battery-balance-charger-100-240v-us-plug-35190?r=43033281

Review here https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/3487

6

No, I'm not gonna do a lot of AA. I just want to replace most of throw-away batteries.

So all this balanced charging doesnt really work for NiMH?

intellicharger i4 V2 seems nice..

7

No, that is strictly for LiIon.

Probably. I am looking forward to test it.

8

So.. how do I charge my NiMHs then? The original Sanyo-chargers only charge 2 or 4 cells, do those have to match in capacity?

If I wanted to get a hobby charger anyway (as I have only 4 AA rechargables, I could change one after another) what to buy? Imax seems to be fine after replacing some resistor, but what else do I need? Power supply, charger bay..?

When can we expect your test? :) Looking forward to it, just as usual.

9

Bought my Imax B6 here:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5548

10

If you want to analyze your NiMH batteries, get one of these (Maha C9000):

To just charge (many) NiMH batteries, one (or two) of these are perfect (Maha MH-C801D):

Some of the really good hobby chargers are iCharger, but they are much more expensive.

Most hobby chargers need a power supply (A few have it build in), a old PC supply or a laptop supply can usual be used.

The actual test will take around two weeks (I need to do many charges). Depending on shipping it will be a few days to a month before I receive the charger. I.e. it will be at least 3 weeks, but might be more.

11

Thats a little expensive for just a few of AAs. Like two slots for every Eneloop I've got.^^

12

You need more AA/AAA batteries and equipment for them

13

Check the charging spec on the batteries you intend to use.

Example, I use Tenergy "10,000" D cells (actually about 8,000 but they're fairly old).

The spec sheet says: Standard Charge: 15 hours @ 800 mA

Tenergy's D-cell chargers put out 1400 mA

14

You might laugh, but if there was anything really useful (flashlight-wise ofc) at a reasonable price to do with AAs, I'd buy it. :P

Fenix is just too expensive..^^

@hank: Original Sanyo charger puts out 250mA.

15

I do not really agree with you.

1 Thank
16

I think I saw that one on the right in the 'plumber' thread...

Nice lights, there, HKJ!

17

Nice collection, feel my envy! Well, I could afford them, but to me, they are not worth it.

18

I'm really thinking the death of your charger and the arrival of you eneeloops is purely coincidentle.

19

I have this for NiMH/NiCd . . .

Think I paid $20 and it's been a great charger, although I'm not charging NiMH too often these days.

I also have this . . .

And then I have this . . .

Which I've yet to figure out how to use. Anybody have one of these? Is it stupid?

isitstupidFoy

20

@Burro: Possible. My charger usually discharges cells before charging, maybe Eneloops are just too powerful..

@Foy: Same for me.. I'm not doing much AA these days. Mainly remote controls and MiniMags.