Hi all
I am looking for a charger that is reliable and gentle with Eneloops, with the following specs and characteristics:
–8 slots for AA (NiMH)
-Charging current ~500mAh to ~1000mAh
-Moderate (ie not high) heat generation -something that keeps cells rather cool like Maha-Powerex C9000
-Good termination (must not overcharge or undercharge Eneloops. These are mainly used in photographic equipment and flashlights)
-Trickle charge? not sure if this is needed for Eneloops
I must point out that NiMH cells needs to be charged at a similar current to what they are being used at. It has something to do with the size of the crystals forming or being broken up inside the cell. Cameras are high drain devices so a 500mA charging current is not the best for these (your) cells additionally, the lower the charge current, the harder it is to detect a full charge and the greater the chance of ’over charging.
I also support the suggestion of the Enova, 8bay, charger as well as either the Nitecore I4 or D4 chargers.
Would it be easier at all to order from a China based supplier?
Thanks for the suggestions and the info folks
Here is another test of the GYRFalcon All 88 GYRFALCON All 88 Multi Cell Charger - Li-ion LiFePO4 Ni-Mh - YouTube (link is external)
I would prefer not to order from China as it takes ages to arrive in (southern) Europe and if something breaks there is practically no guarantee. It all depends on the product and the price of course.
My primary concern is the “quality” of charging Eneloops as the batteries are used often though, so I am open to suggestions. The quality of the product itself is important too, as it is going to be used approx. every second day.
Edit to answer to Chicken Drumstick: When used often to charge 8 (or 16 or even more) it is easier to plug one (or two) 8x charger(s), insert the batteries and be done with it You have a point though, I haven’t ruled out the use of multiple Panasonic BQ-CC55s, for example.
The Panasonic charger you mentioned above can charge any nihm cell. You said you didn’t know if it could charge other cells. Any nihm rated charger can charger any brand of nihm. Low and high discharge versions.
If you use lithium for flashlights I’d consider a charger or two that does both. I use the opus nihm charger and I’m happy with it. Goes up to 1 amp charging on all 4 higher on the external 2 if needed. Has refresh function for batteries. Discharge capacity testing. But you can set the current on each channel or set all 4 batteries with a couple clicks from 200,400,600,800,1000. Used it about 3-4 times a week for over a year now. But there are 6-8 bay lithium based chargers not to expensive that do nihm charging
I appreciate very much all the info and the suggestions. I already have a Xtar VP2 for lithium. I wouldn’t choose a lithium based charger that does nihm charging per se, unless HKJ rates it “very good” in his tests for both/all chemistries
I have never heard of that before, and my readings on NiMH charging lead me to believe that charging current is irrelevant. I’d like to know where you read that information, as it’s contrary to everything else I’ve read.
The only thing that charging current does is allow the charger to detect the -dV termination signal more easily. If your charger uses this, then it’s probably best to charge at least 0.25C (~500mA with AA cells). With high quality cells (Eneloops), you can safely charge up to 1C (~2000mA).
Hi. I’ve learnt these things years ago when we only had NiMH and NiCad cells for our high powered mods. (joined cpf in 2003. Lol) Will try to find supporting info.
