Setting Different Charge/Discharge Currents at The Same Time?

Batteries and Chargers Chargers
1

Currently using a LaCrosse BC900 charger for (re)charging my NiHM cells.

I want to charge/discharge two (or more) cells in the BC900 and using different charge/discharge current for each cell (due to variation in cell sizes and capacities). Is it possible to set different charge/discharge currents for each cell in the BC900 when all cells are "processed" at the same time?

I tried setting a different charge and discharge current for a second cell inserted into the BC900 after the first cell (charge/discharge) current was set at 200 mA / 100 mA, but the BC900 did not seem to allow me to set another current for the second cell? And yes, I selected the slot with the second cell to set the charge mode; charge mode selected OK, but current couldn't be selected or changed for the second cell. It appears that the BC900 will not allow changes to current settings for other cells inserted, and will default to presently selected current for the first cell only? Anyone confirm this?

I've also ordered the OPUS BT-C2000 charger as it allows charging of cells that are nearly 100% depleted (apparently). But I am not certain whether this charger allows selecting different currents for each cell or not? Anyone know?

Thanks.

2

BC700 has this stupid limitation that a new slot cannot charge/discharge with a higher current than the highest current in already used slots. If you start with 200mA in one slot you won’t be able to go higher in another slot.

BC900 seems to be a bigger brother of BC700 and probably comes with the same restriction. Check the manual.

The workaround is to start with the highest current, then you will be able to select different (lower) currents for your other cells. But once the slot with the highest current finishes you will be stuck with low currents again.

OPUS BT-C2000 will let you choose different currents for each slot. No problem there.

3

Thanks for the very helpful reply!!

Unfortunately, I’ve misplaced the manual and box etc for the BC900 charger, so I’m trying to get the charger working from memory.

Good workaround! So I must remember to set a highest current charge first, before setting any lower current charges.

And its good to know that the OPUS BT-C2000 allows setting any current per slot/cell without any restriction!