I acquired this charger as I was looking for something which was better than the charger supplied with my Sanyo 2000 mAh NiMH LSD or Low Self Discharge Eneloops.
(mAh or Milli Amp Hours is a measure of electric charge (it can get VERY mathematical which I'm going to steer clear of). For the purposes of this review it can be seen as a measurement of battery capacity)
After checking out various models, this unit appeared to fit the bill. It seemed to have almost all the functionality of the more expensive offering yet at a much cheaper price.
First impressions were extremely favourable.
The box is substantial to start off with and opens with a precision feel...
What's the box got to do with it?
Well in my experience it's a sign if a product is well packed it's good.
And in this case I'm not wrong.
The unit is substantially made, possesses a clear full info LCD panel and a multi voltage power supply (!).
Even the actual power lead oozes quality and has a ferrite protector to eliminate any stray RF energy.
Rather than just a bog-standard Charge the unit has several modes:
1) CHARGE. AA NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) or NiCd (aka NiCad- Nickel Cadmium) Cells-200,500,700,1000,1500 and 1800 mAh rates can be set. The highest rate can charge 2000mAh cells in just over an hour.
AAA NiMH or NiCd Cells-200,500 or 700mAh rates can be set. Again the highest rate can charge your cells in just over an hour.
I feel it is important to point out that the cells are kept in their best condition if the SLOWEST charge is selected. The fastest charge is useable and can get you sorted when speed is of the essence-just don't expect the "1500 Cycles" the battery manufacturer advertises. The Fastest charge really should only be used in an emergency.
2) DISCHARGE-used to minimise the dreaded "Memory Effect" or "Voltage Depression" which can severely hamper both NiCd and NiMH cells though the latest LSD or Low Self Discharge NiMH cells from manufacturers like Sanyo are considerably better.
3)DISCHARGE-REFRESH-used to bring back cells which have been abused-fast charged and partially discharged etc (NOT Recommended!)By analysing the output voltage of the cells at a given time the charger will initiate one of several pre-programmed charge/discharge cycles (These can literally last DAYS)to enable the cell to recover to full or near full capacity.
Neatly rectifies cells already suffering loss of capacity from "Memory Effect" or "Voltage Depression".
4)TEST FUNCTION-Will give an accurate indication of a cell's actual capacity in mAh.
Well the spec looks good.
Operation is by three main buttons on the front of the unit "MODE", "DISPLAY" and "CURRENT".
Place the cells into the charger as indicated (VERY important to get the polarity ie +ve and -ve correct).
Then plug into the mains.
Hold the MODE button down for 3 seconds
Then select what you want the charger to do.
VERY Simple.
In practice this charger has charged a supposed new set of Energiser 2000 mAh cells, the capacities were all over the place. NONE of those cells were in any way matched at all.
Sanyo Eneloops are by comparison within a whisker of each other.
Proves that you get what you pay for in NiMH AA Cells just like everything else.
There is almost an excess of information here. Mode, Cell voltage, Charge current, Elapsed time in Hrs/Mins and Charged capacity in either mAh or Ah. In all honesty I'm quite gadgety but this aspect had me zonked until I spent some time checking out the manual.
Though in fairness it doesn't get in the way of the operation.
I can state this is easily the most cost-effective charger I've ever come across.
Any faults?
Well I would on reflection have liked a Backlit LCD display.
And the instructions could have been clearer.
An often stated moan is the fact that the unit cannot be programmed for what is effectively a Multi Mode operation. In other words the unit can't be set to charge one cell at 200mAh, discharge another, discharge-refresh another etc. In practice unless you are going way out of your way this function is superfluous. Cells are used more than one at a time in 99.999% of cases so need to be charged/discharged etc all at the same time.
Even so, combine this unit with tip top quality NiMH cells such as the Sanyo Eneloop XX Low Self Discharge 2500mAh cells and you have a formidable set up for all applications requiring AA Cells such as Digital Cameras, Flashguns, MP3 players, Torches (in my case the Fenix TK41).
This charger is just so much more than those supplied with NiMH cells from Duracell,Energiser etc.
And although more expensive, buying high quality NiMH cells and this unit will pay so many more times over.
Your NiMH or NiCd cells will always perform at their best and even old cells can usually be brought back to life.
It could help spell the end of Duracell Alkaline dominance and the resulting landfill issues.
Now the only thing I want is a version which can handle 6-8 'D' NiMH cells.
OUTSTANDING and thoroughly recommended.
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
As certified by
Reducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full life cycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
