Review: 1412W Charger for less then 10 USD

Batteries and Chargers Chargers
1

I wanted a cheap multicharger so I found this 1412W one on BIC, its on ebay too.
For $8.19 it is pretty cheap but it does charge mostly all kind of batteries, except for 9V Blocks.

There is a switch where you choose the voltage:
Mode 1 is for Ni-MH / NiCad batteries ————————————->1.57V*
Mode 2 is for alkaline (rechargeable ) batteries; ————————> 1.84V*
Mode 3 is for LiFePO batteries; —————————————————> 3.6V*
Mode 4 is for li-ion rechargeable batteries. ———————————> 4.18V*
(* my measurement with a multimeter)

I could not resist to open it - and took some pictures. (Be aware, the springs to hold the batteries are difficult to get back!)

Inside you see the LM339N comparator, I believe it runs the LED of when full charge has accomplished.
I believe the charger does CV = Constant Voltage charging …. with maximum of 1.8A (short circuit tested :wink:
Normally this will give a charge of 0,2-0,3A per battery depending on the battery voltage.
Keep in mind that all batteries are charged in parallel. On bad cell/short circut will surely surge the other cells! DANGEROUS!

There is no 12V input :frowning: But the charger cope with 100-240V AC input. Unfortunately the power plug is US and no adapter included :frowning:

2

Looks like it is overpriced.

It must run all batteries in parallel, maybe with a resistor between.

I also doubt very much that it will turn the current off when the batteries is full.

Is the slot in the circuit board 4mm or more wide?

Are there any safety markings on the blue capacitor?

3

Look at the name I thought it gives “1412 Watt” of power. :open_mouth:

4

>Looks like it is overpriced.
I don’t think you get any as CHEAP charge with will do all the voltages in on! But off course just NiMH/NiCa or just LiIo you get them cheaper.

>It must run all batteries in parallel, maybe with a resistor between.
NO, in parallel! Just made a test …. NiMh + LiIo = 2.8A surge!!!
HM, on the other hand - I charge a 123 and a 18650 now. The 123 has 4.19V/0A the 18650 has 4.0V charging about 0.4A?

>I also doubt very much that it will turn the current off when the batteries is full.
NOPE … It will indicate “full” when it turn of its LED. But the voltage is still on all batteries.

>Is the slot in the circuit board 4mm or more wide?
Looks rather 2mm wide to me = not safe

>Are there any safety markings on the blue capacitor?
blue capacitor? I belive its a transformator. The capacitors on left are both rated 400V the smaller ones on the right 10V
Well I have assembled it back - don’t want to open it again.
I guess it does its chargejob, but one should be careful not to insert faulty batteries with good ones!!!
Then it will BLOW OFF = DANGEROUS. =cheap smelly shitt. A NiteCore-Charges is surely safe but twice the price.

5

Exactly the thing I’m afraid of with universal type charger.

It just takes one lapse of judgement - morning rush, stressfull day etc - and BAM. Battery mixed before you know it.

At best case you lose a couple batteries, at worst case, well, gonna be much worse than just that… :open_mouth:

6

To much money for a charger that does not follow the correct algorithms or anything near.

And maybe is dangerous.

7

I wouldn’t be suprised if that’s what they actually ment. They like to overstate thing a “little bit”. lol

8

The one I am talking are underneath the mains wire.

9

Wow, thanks for taking one for the team :D!

Just look at that solder job - what a “beauty” lol!

And they sell lots of these cheapo chargers that could explode any moment, yet another warning to never leave batteries charging/discharging or charger simply plugged in unattended no matter the brand and price of your equipment!

I guess it would be also dangerous to leave such charger unplugged but with batteries inserted?