Charger for AA Batteries, Mixed, old and new [Archive]

View Full Version : Charger for AA Batteries, Mixed, old and new

Grun

10-02-07, 04:32 PM

So I have two flashlights. One I take on a trip and use for 3 hours. Another light I use for 2hours.

Is there such a charger where I can just put in all the batteries and let the charger charge everything fully, regardless if some batteries are used more than the others?

Sir Bikesalot

10-02-07, 05:45 PM

CameraMan

10-02-07, 05:51 PM

Or just use a cheap i.e. timer based charger, and accept the over charging.
Even high capacity AA NiMH batteries are so cheap now, you can afford to throw a set away after a years abuse.

socalrider

10-02-07, 07:00 PM

I have had many chargers.. This one I like the best, it has been working strong for 2 years +.. It also charges all sizes of batteries.. aa, aaa, c, d and 9 volt.. It is the same charger as listed above but 20.00 cheaper from amondotech.. Amondo also has the best prices on cr123a batteries at 1.00 each if you need them..

http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=277

cr123a batteries: http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=490

varuscelli

10-02-07, 08:25 PM

This is what I'd recommend if you're doing only AA (and/or AAA) batteries.

Maha MH-C9000 Charger at Thomas Distributing (http://www.thomasdistributing.com/maha-mh-c9000-battery-charger.php)

Here's a partial description from the site:

The MH-C9000 Wizard1 Battery Charger & Analyzer. Suitable for the casual consumer users, enthusiast and professionals, the MH-C9000 is capable of charging, conditioning, analyzing, cycling, forming and discharging one to four AA or AAA batteries, all while digitally displaying the battery capacity and voltage. All four slots can be operated independently in different modes and settings. A total of five modes are available.

kmcrawford111

10-03-07, 12:48 AM

dekindy

10-03-07, 07:11 AM

Also look at the Rayovac PS-3 charger. It can handle up to 4 different types of batteries all at the same time. Does AAA, AA, C, D, and 9V, rechargeable alkaline, NiMH, and NiCD. About $30. I'm hoping to sell mine for $20 to a coworker who is also probably going to buy my old camera... if you are interested and he doesn't decide to get it I'm willing to hold it for you. I simply don't need it because all of my rechargeables are AAA and AA and the charger that came with my Brunton Solarport (bought later) handles those.

+1. I have been using one for several years that was a gift from a friend. Ray-O-Vac 1800 and 2000 capacity batteries have worked flawlessly. I have seen several recommendations for 2650? Duracells as giving great performance.

mulchie

10-03-07, 07:36 AM

dekindy

10-03-07, 11:34 AM

Sorry to hitchhike here... but I have roughly the same question +1./
I want to get some rechargeable AA also maybe C batteries (what kind? I don't have a clue) and a charger but know zip about the specs and what to look for. Seemed better to ad on here and get the advice of the wise ones rather than start a whole new thread. (thanks, grun)
I don't want to spend a ton, but I am just don't like constantly throwing out the hardware store batteries any more. Does that make sense? I'm kind of put off by the $ for the chargers, though.

Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish! Look at these numbers from consumer reports. Plus the new hybrid rechargeable batteries hold their charge 4x longer than older type rechargeable batteries when not in use. Ray-O-Vac has these. I am not certain about other manufacturers.

If you get the Ray-O-Vac PS3 you have 4 compartments that can hold either 2 AA or AAA batteries or 1 C or D per compartment on trickle charge ready to go and you can mix battery sizes as long as you keep the same size battery per compartment. You can also charge the batteries that you are replacing while batteries in the other compartments remain on trickle charge. My neighbor gave me a charger as a gift when our son was born. What a savings in battery costs! We use rechargeables primarily in our digital camera and handheld scanners and toys that get constant use. With the new hybrids, you can use them in anything because they will not lose their charge when not in use.. I have 2 bicycle tail lights that I am going to buy some hybrids to use in.

Digital power

To power a digital camera, nothing beats rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. One NiMH rechargeable battery would last at least as long as about 140 disposable lithium cells or 500 disposable alkalines.

Rechargeable NiMH
1.5¢ - cost per 100 photos
$3.50 - cost per battery

Disposable lithium
$1.40 - cost per 100 photos
2.50 - cost per battery

Disposable alkaline
2.20 - cost per 100 photos
1.10 - cost per battery

Rechargeable-battery cost does not include cost of charger.

varuscelli

10-03-07, 11:39 AM

Just don't buy a really cheap charger. For instance, those 4-packs of rechargeable batteries that come with a nearly "free" charger -- when you get home, and take the batteries out of the package and promptly throw the charger in the trash with the packaging. More often than not, they'll charge your batteries and at the same time screw up their potential lifespan with excessive overheating. And rapid chargers...use them sparingly if at all (only when absolutely needed). Just my opinions, though.

In most cases, it's better to buy your charger separate from your batteries, unless of course you buy a good charger that as a perk includes some good batteries. Don't buy batteries that have an "also included" charger.

I think it's better to invest in a better charger that will actually help prolong the life of your batteries, thus saving you money over the long haul. Essentially, this sets you up in a situation where the good quality charger pays for itself by prolonging the battery life that cheap chargers shorten (thus, cheap chargers really cost you more in the long run). But that's another one of those "just my opinion" things... ;) (And with me, it's more than bike lights since I have a lot of camera equipment that uses rechargeable batteries, too -- so, for me a very good charger is as much a business investment as it is useful for my recreational battery needs.)

You really don't have to spend a fortune on a battery charger, but get as good of one as you feel you can afford. (I'm a big fan of the Maha/Powerex stuff.)

dekindy

10-03-07, 11:57 AM

I can second the good charger recommendation. I have a handheld ham radio that came with a nicad battery and walwart charger. I purchased an independent smart charger and a higher capacity nimh battery. The nimh battery turned out to be defective but the smart charger easily doubled the run time on my stock nicad that came with the radio.

Varuscelli - I have seen some mixed reviews on the older model Maha chargers on eham.net product reviews so I went with a W&W charger that is unique to ham radio. A charger is a charger so the "unique to ham radio" comment is only relevant in that the OP could not consider the W&W for his use. I use the Ray-O-Vac charger for "regular" batteries.

varuscelli

10-03-07, 12:16 PM

Varuscelli - I have seen some mixed reviews on the older model Maha chargers on eham.net product reviews so I went with a W&W charger that is unique to ham radio.

I'm not really familiar with the older Maha models, but the newer ones seem to be pretty solid performers based on reviews, recommendations, and my own use.

I've been using a Maha MH-C801D (8-battery capacity for AA or AAA or mix of the two) for close to two years now and just picked up a Maha MH-C9000 a couple of weeks ago.

The Maha MH-C9000 is much more complex in its functions so it takes a bit of getting accustomed to (and does only 4 batteries at a time), but man does it do a lot -- and seems to do it very well, based on my limited use thus far. It's been amazing at analyzing old batteries so I know where I stand with them (knowing what their true capacity is, especially so I can weed out the poor performers and even try to bring some new life back into them -- something I'm experimenting with using this new charger).

mulchie

10-03-07, 01:01 PM

Ahem.... could somebody please really spell this out for me?
Maha MH-C9000? w/ what kind of batteries? Available online? Any place you recommend?
This is just greek to me.

varuscelli

10-03-07, 01:25 PM

Ahem.... could somebody please really spell this out for me?
Maha MH-C9000? w/ what kind of batteries? Available online? Any place you recommend?
This is just greek to me.

Look back up to post number 5, above. I saw the future, anticipated your question, and answered it yesterday. :D

mulchie

10-04-07, 09:16 AM

Oh, you're good. Thanks.

flipped4bikes

10-05-07, 06:19 AM

varuscelli

10-05-07, 07:51 AM

Anybody have any experience using the LaCrosse BC-900? Or is the Maha MH-C9000 a better charger? I want to upgrade from my cheapie Energizer charger but don't want to get all techie. I just want the charger to charge my batteries without killing them!

There are lots of people who love the LaCrosse BC-900. It's supposed to be one of the best around and when I was debating over which one to get, I almost got the BC-900 rather than the Maha MH-C9000.

However...I was a bit alarmed by some of the reports of problems that I read about with the BC-900 and occasional "meltdowns" that were occurring with the charger. Statistically speaking, I don't know what the overall significance is (frequency of occurrence, etc.), but I couldn't help but have it in the back of my mind when I was ready to make a purchase. From what I understand, the problem has been addressed by the manufacturer, but I don't have any in-depth knowledge about the fix or if the problem is recurring in current models at all (firmware fix?). And there is likely a lot more to the story that I don't know about (perhaps the issue is overrated as a true "issue," I dunno).

Do a Google search on "LaCrosse BC-900 problems" or "LaCrosse BC-900 melt" (or your own logical/creative search) and see what you get. But remember, these could all be past problems that don't apply to the latest release/most current model (again, I don't really know).

Here are some links to where the problem has been discussed:

Steve's Digicams La Crosse BC-900 Charger Warning (http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=79311&forum_id=51)

DPReview LaCrosse BC-900 hotest charger (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1023&message=20344052&changemode=1)

Rechargeable Battery Review: LaCrosse Technology BC900 Charger Overheating (http://www.rechargeable-battery-review.com/component/option,com_joomlaboard/Itemid,52/func,view/id,5/catid,14/)

spencejm

10-05-07, 02:23 PM

For multiple sizes, try this:
http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/-maha-mhc808m-aa-aaa-c-d-battery-chargerbrdeluxe-8-cell-professional-battery-chargerfull-lcd-displaybrspecial-price-8997-p-517.html?SP_id=&osCsid=6274a21fa486b70dff297a32270517af

I've ordered several chargers from these guys and they are top notch. Maha chargers are just about the best.

Joe

Ziemas

10-05-07, 09:32 PM

I was searching for a charger to do this exact thing and found this among others:

http://www.greenbatteries.com/unsmbachandc.html

Definitely not the only option. There are many smart charger options from other manufacturers--maha, etc.

I use that charger (re-branded as a Varta) and can say it works as advertised. I can charge different sized batteries at the same time and each has it's own smart charger circuit, so when a battery is full it cuts off the juice to that battery. All in all it's a quite good charger.

Zero_Enigma

10-06-07, 04:45 AM

Sorry to hitchhike here... but I have roughly the same question +1./
I want to get some rechargeable AA also maybe C batteries (what kind? I don't have a clue) and a charger but know zip about the specs and what to look for. Seemed better to ad on here and get the advice of the wise ones rather than start a whole new thread. (thanks, grun)
I don't want to spend a ton, but I am just don't like constantly throwing out the hardware store batteries any more. Does that make sense? I'm kind of put off by the $ for the chargers, though.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACC1.HTM

Read the reviews here. It's an independent review site and I like their format. The features you want are 'smart' charging, trickle charge, discharge (handy aand optional), and somethign witha ready light at the bare minimum.

Sanyo Enloops can be recharged on any charger and do not need a special charger. They are next generation batteries and hold power long. A fully charged Enloop should have 85% charge left in about 6 or 12 months. To be safe I'll say 6 months as I forgot. Normal NIMH cells will be probably out of charge by then. NIMH can lose as much as 1-3%/day. In my experienceI always charge up all my cells for a rainly day or so they're at the ready then put on the charger again to top up the power then use them that day.

I echo Varus's comments on the good charger. I'm on the budget side right now and can't spring it but if I could I'd get the Lacrosse BC-900 (get the new firmware 3.xx something) which comes with a case, battery adaptors, and a set of AA/AAA batteries or the MAHA 9000. Maha is pretty much king of the field from what I see when it comes to chargers. I've been following thier products from about the 2000. Thier algorithyms (sp) and advances in the chargers are currently (if memory is correct) in the 7th generation of products so I would say they know thier stuff well.

If you want to go cheap then buy the cheap batteries but if you have a cheap charger that always cooks the cells (ie. HOT enough that you can't put on your lap while rolling the cell) you'r wasting your money. Get a good charger first. Everything else is secondary. If you can't afford a better charger now and still using a cheap charger that has smart features in it then keep a fan close by and run it on slow or on to keep the cells cool.

mulchie

10-06-07, 06:29 AM

I'm closing in. And VERY convinced by the stats above on cost per use. Thanks for all that, guys, and for the great links. But one last question if you'll bear with me....

Unlike a couple of you pros out there, I don't require the Star Wars version recharger (only use mars 3.0 and need a a small hand-held flashlight for dog walking) and so I'm thinking of one of the maha 204ws or (cheaper!) going to amondtech (which is having a significant sale )for a charger and a 3 watt LED flashlight. At amondteck I can get a charger, batteries and light for less than one top-o-de-line fenix which is probably overkill for my needs anyway.
I care about saving money here but I don't want to go *cheap* and pay in the long term. So.... When it gets right down to it is the maha worth the extra bucks? I presume if I bundle up with amondtech I can save on shipping, too.
HELP>?..
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/maha-powerex-mh-c204w (http://www.thomas-distributing.com/maha-powerex-mh-c204w-nimh-battery-charger-buy.php3)
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=277
THANKS

varuscelli

10-06-07, 08:08 AM

Yet I'm lost re what is the best type of battery. Nimh? Sanyo or Maha? Maybe I'm totally over thinking this but I just want to get set up right and then forget about it. This is my last expenditure.

On socalrider's advice, I picked up some of the Duracell 2650mAh rechargeable batteries maybe a month ago. I got them at a Target store on sale at maybe around $9 for four of them. I like them as probably just about the best readily available, consumer off-the-shelf rechargeable batteries out there (that is, easy to find anywhere). BUT -- "easy to find anywhere" has much less meaning with good rechargeable batteries because you won't need to replace them regularly. To me, the source is not a big deal since you don't usually need rechargeables "RIGHT NOW." If you find a set of rechargeables is no longer performing up to par, you can re-order your favorites (if you have to get them off the internet) and wait a handful of days for them to arrive (still using your available rechargeables or alkalines in their place, if need be).

I also bought a set of eight Powerex 2700mAh batteries from Thomas Distributing for about $25. I'm loving them, too. Here's link to those (mulchie, I know you already likely know where this page is):

Powerex Batteries at Thomas Distributing (http://www.thomasdistributing.com/maha_2700_rechargeable_batteries.php)

For use with one flashlight that runs on two AA batteries, a four-pack would be perfect. Mulchie, my guess is that you use alkalines in your Mars 3.0 and rechargeables only in your Fenix, so a four-pack of really good rechargeables might be all you'd really need (again, just guessing).

Another thought is this (on purchasing rechargeable batteries after your first set is more or less used up). You might never purchase the same set of batteries twice, unless you're needs are like mine and you have LOTS of devices that run on rechargeables. If you use them in only one or two devices, by the time those batteries are no longer functioning at the high level they once were, the next generation of batteries will likely be available -- and your choice might not even be to go with the same brand that thrilled you with its high capacity a couple of years earlier. (Case in point, a couple of years ago, my choice was for Energizer 2500mAh rechargeable batteries. Now, even though those are still available, there are better batteries out there like the Duracells and Powerex. So, it's doubtful that for my uses I'd ever buy the Energizers again -- at least not the 2500mAh versions).

Grun

10-06-07, 12:18 PM

On socalrider's advice, I picked up some of the Duracell 2650mAh rechargeable batteries maybe a month ago.

snip

Gonna be going Maha, but combining the Eneloops from Sanyo.

How's riding with your daughter? Safe? Bright enough lights?

varuscelli

10-06-07, 12:33 PM

Gonna be going Maha, but combining the Eneloops from Sanyo.

Now that sounds like a pretty smart combination. I like the sound of those Eneloops from the little I've read. That ability to retain a charge sounds great, if I'm understanding correctly. I've never actually done the research on them but I think I need to take a closer look.

How's riding with your daughter? Safe? Bright enough lights?

Although I don't ride much with her after dark except occasionally on sidewalk "trails" in our neighborhood, I fixed her up with a temporary helmet light the other night (one of the Fenix lights) and a handlebar light. She made for one lean, mean, 5-year-old night-ridin' machine. ;)

Zero_Enigma

10-07-07, 02:05 AM

Now that sounds like a pretty smart combination. I like the sound of those Eneloops from the little I've read. That ability to retain a charge sounds great, if I'm understanding correctly. I've never actually done the research on them but I think I need to take a closer look.

Although I don't ride much with her after dark except occasionally on sidewalk "trails" in our neighborhood, I fixed her up with a temporary helmet light the other night (one of the Fenix lights) and a handlebar light. She made for one lean, mean, 5-year-old night-ridin' machine. ;)

Varus,

You should get some pics of you and your daughter riding. I want to check out her 'pimped' out ride. LOL. Sorry for using that word. It's so over used now a days. See if she'll let you wrap the LED rope around the bike and then clamp a battery onto her bike. Try and convince her with something like it'll help TinkerBell find her :D so she'll keep it on and give you more peace of mind that people will see her while riding seeing how she is a smaller size on the road.

This is probably what you want to checkout. http://www.eneloop.info/218.html

Quick info for those that don't want to click the link basically in 6 months you get ~90% life left. 1yr you get ~85% life left.

This batter can be charged in any charger. Personally I'd charge it in a Maha charger. Sold as 2/4/8 sets. The AA's are 2000mA and the AAA are 800mA.

More info here (http://www.eneloop.info/208.html) to check thier specs.

varuscelli

10-07-07, 01:34 PM

Varus,

You should get some pics of you and your daughter riding. I want to check out her 'pimped' out ride. LOL. Sorry for using that word. It's so over used now a days. See if she'll let you wrap the LED rope around the bike and then clamp a battery onto her bike. Try and convince her with something like it'll help TinkerBell find her :D so she'll keep it on and give you more peace of mind that people will see her while riding seeing how she is a smaller size on the road.

I definitely need to get some shots of her on her ride with the helmet light, handlebar light, and tail light going (with lights on at around dusk, so you can see her, the bike, and the lights all at once. That little Raleigh retro of hers is pretty well fixed up (small water bottle/cage, Incredibell, front basket, headlights and tail light). With her helmet light on she looks like a miniature version of...well...of one of us. ;)

This is probably what you want to checkout. http://www.eneloop.info/218.html

Quick info for those that don't want to click the link basically in 6 months you get ~90% life left. 1yr you get ~85% life left.

This batter can be charged in any charger. Personally I'd charge it in a Maha charger. Sold as 2/4/8 sets. The AA's are 2000mA and the AAA are 800mA.

More info here (http://www.eneloop.info/208.html) to check thier specs.

Thanks for the Eneloops. I definitely think there are a couple of devices I'd like to use those with -- and to have a rechargeable that I know will have some shelf life...lots of applications for those things potentially. Great stuff... ;)

varuscelli

10-08-07, 05:47 PM

Varus,

You should get some pics of you and your daughter riding. I want to check out her 'pimped' out ride.

The ride's not fully pimped out here, but it's close. (You can't see the tail light or the kid-sized water bottle and cage.)

And, OK, to keep the photo on topic -- she tells me she uses a Maha C9000 to keep the batteries charged... :p

http://www.ruscelli.com/images/Biking/071008-002a.jpg

Dogbait

10-08-07, 06:31 PM

Now that sounds like a pretty smart combination. I like the sound of those Eneloops from the little I've read. That ability to retain a charge sounds great, if I'm understanding correctly. I've never actually done the research on them but I think I need to take a closer look.

.......................................................

I have been using Eneloop batteries for about 6 months in my Sandisk mp3 player and Canon A620 camera. Both of these devices will typically sit for a week or two without being used and the batteries (Energizer NIMH 2500 mAh) will be depleted in that time. the spares I carry in my camera bag will often be dead, or nearly so when I switch them out. The Eneloops do hold their charge, as advertised. They are only 2000 mAh (AA) but a 2k battery at 85-90% charge is a lot better than a dead 2.5k battery.

The 800 mAh AAA batteries will typically last for 4-5 hours in the mp3 player, which takes a single battery.

I use the MAHA C800s (http://www.thomasdistributing.com/maha-mh-c800s-battery-charger.htm) charger.

Zero_Enigma

10-09-07, 01:12 AM

Dogbait,

Thanks for the hands on info. I think I may be getting some of those Eneloops when they are on sale just to keep around for the camera bag or black outs or spares in the bike bag should my normal NIMH not be charged in thier rotation and I need reuseable batteries with power then, then using disposibles.

kmcrawford111

10-12-07, 04:01 PM

I've been buying the Rayovac Hybrid batteries. Same features as Eneloops, but have slightly more capacity (at least in the AA size).

dekindy

11-08-07, 07:38 AM

There are lots of people who love the LaCrosse BC-900. It's supposed to be one of the best around and when I was debating over which one to get, I almost got the BC-900 rather than the Maha MH-C9000.

However...I was a bit alarmed by some of the reports of problems that I read about with the BC-900 and occasional "meltdowns" that were occurring with the charger. Statistically speaking, I don't know what the overall significance is (frequency of occurrence, etc.), but I couldn't help but have it in the back of my mind when I was ready to make a purchase. From what I understand, the problem has been addressed by the manufacturer, but I don't have any in-depth knowledge about the fix or if the problem is recurring in current models at all (firmware fix?). And there is likely a lot more to the story that I don't know about (perhaps the issue is overrated as a true "issue," I dunno).

Do a Google search on "LaCrosse BC-900 problems" or "LaCrosse BC-900 melt" (or your own logical/creative search) and see what you get. But remember, these could all be past problems that don't apply to the latest release/most current model (again, I don't really know).

Here are some links to where the problem has been discussed:

Steve's Digicams La Crosse BC-900 Charger Warning (http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=79311&forum_id=51)

DPReview LaCrosse BC-900 hotest charger (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1023&message=20344052&changemode=1)

Rechargeable Battery Review: LaCrosse Technology BC900 Charger Overheating (http://www.rechargeable-battery-review.com/component/option,com_joomlaboard/Itemid,52/func,view/id,5/catid,14/)

Did you do a feature comparison between the LaCrosse BC-900 and the Maha MH-C9000?

The LaCrosse is on sale through November 15th.
http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=147_148_266&products_id=539&SP_id=41&osCsid=4aaea117aa4abb528a376e2f7908a057

Is the Powerex model that is sold at BatteriesPlus exactly the same as the Maha?
http://www.batteriesplus.com/p-36362-wizard-one-charger-analyzer-powerex-mh-c9000.aspx

flipped4bikes

11-08-07, 07:46 AM

I recommend the La Crosse BC-900. Very simple to use, and that is what others have said in comparison to the Maha. And that price at Thomas Distributing is a steal! I bought mine at Amazon for $50. Still worth it.

flipped4bikes

11-08-07, 07:48 AM

Did you do a feature comparison between the LaCrosse BC-900 and the Maha MH-C9000?

Look at the reviews for the La Crosse on Amazon. Someone owned that and the Maha, and wrote a comparison review. Very informative, and convinced me to get the La Crosse. It had to do with pressing so many buttons...

dekindy

11-08-07, 07:56 AM

Look at the reviews for the La Crosse on Amazon. Someone owned that and the Maha, and wrote a comparison review. Very informative, and convinced me to get the La Crosse. It had to do with pressing so many buttons...

I just found it and am reporting back that I have answered my own question. Does anyone disagree with this assessment?

Showdown: Maha MH-C9000 vs. La Crosse BC-900, September 16, 2007
By NLee the Engineer (Nashua, NH) - See all my reviews

I have a La Crosse Technology BC-900 AlphaPower Battery Charger since nearly two years ago, and I'm very happy with it. When the Maha Powerex MH-C9000 WizardOne Charger-Analyzer was announced, its looked even better on paper than the BC-900. So I also bought the C9000 one month ago. Here is my assessment for those two chargers:

First, let's get the similarities out of the way. Both the BC-900 and the C9000 are powerful battery analyzers/conditioners which can also be used as your everyday battery chargers. Both chargers accept one to four AA or AAA cells with independent charging currents. Both come with universal (100-240V AC) adapter.

Next, the differences:

1. SIZE:
First thing you'll notice is that the Maha C9000 is HUGE for a 4-AA-cell charger. It is about twice as large as the BC-900 (see my Customer Image for size comparison).

Larger size makes the C9000 less suitable as a travel charger. However, as a home charger this is actually an advantage. Extra spacing between cells allows better cooling, and also makes it easier to remove individual cell.

2. CHARGING CURRENT:
The BC-900 can provide charging current from 200 to 1000mA for 4 cells, or up to 1800mA for two cells. The C9000 can charge from 200 to 2000mA for all four cells. So if you routinely need to charge cells in a hurry, the C9000 is better.

However, due to the complicated key sequences involved (for example, to charge 4 cells at 2000mA, you need to punch in 48 key strokes!), most sane people will probably leave the C9000 at its default current of 1000mA.

3. DISPLAY:
The BC-900 has a 4-column LCD panel that shows the status (capacity, voltage, current, or time) of all four cells either simultaneously, or individually. The C9000 sports a LCD display with back-light. It is BIG, it is BRIGHT, and it works really well - as a NIGHT LIGHT!

The biggest problem with the C9000's display is that it can only show one status for one cell at any one time. It constantly toggles from one status to another, then from one cell to the next. If you have 4 cells in the charger, it takes 48 seconds or more (depending on the current activity) for the display to cycle through all 4 cells. There is also no way to pause the display. So if you missed one reading, you have to wait for it to cycle through again.

4. ANALYZING / CONDITIONING FUNCTIONS:
The BC-900 has an easy-to-use 'DISCHARGE/REFRESH' function that can be used to recondition old cells. The C9000 has a similar function called 'CYCLE', but it is very tedious to use (see the USER INTERFACE section for details).

In addition, the C9000 also has a 'BREAK-IN' mode which supposedly should be applied to new cells before first use, or to really old cells that have not been charged for years. Beware that this operation takes at least 39 hours to complete, so I doubt many people would actually use it.

5. DEAD CELL DETECTION:
If a cell is completely drained (battery terminal voltage drops below 0.9V), the BC-900 thinks it is shorted and therefore refuses to charge it. This has caused a lot of frustrations among users, but there is a way to work around it (see my BC-900 Customer Image for details). The C9000 is smarter in this aspect. If the battery terminal voltage is too low, it automatically starts charging at 125mA until the voltage rises above 1V, then it continues with the programmed charging current.

The C9000 also measures battery internal resistance when a cell is first inserted. If the user inserts an alkaline cell (which has much higher internal resistance), the C9000 displays 'HIGH' and refuses to charge it. This is a good safety feature, except that it also incorrectly rejected most of my NiMH cells bought four or five years ago. So I cannot use the C9000 to charge or recondition those old cells, even though the BC-900 reports that they still have around 1000mAh of capacity left.

6. USER INTERFACE:
With the BC-900, you can select the operation and current for all cells simultaneously, or you can change them indivdually by using the cell-selection buttons. The only limitation is that once the charging current is fixed, you cannot subsequently select a larger current without removing all cells.

The C9000 has four completely independent charging circuits that can be programmed to different currents. This may sound great at first, but in practice it soon becomes a burden, because you often need to press dozens of key stokes to program all four cells.

For example: If you want to recondition four cells on the BC-900, you'll go through the following sequence:
- insert in all 4 cells at once
- press MODE to select DISCHARGE/REFRESH (2 keystrokes*)
- press CURRENT to select charging current (2-3 keystrokes)
* Note: need to press and hold MODE for 1 second for the first keystroke

On the C9000, you can insert in all 4 cells at once, but you have to program them one at a time. Which means:
- press UP/DOWN to select 'CYCLE', then 'ENTER' (2-5 key strokes)
- press UP/DOWN to select charging current, ENTER (1-11 key strokes)
- press UP/DOWN to select discharging current, ENTER (1-6 key strokes)
- press UP/DOWN to select number of cycles, ENTER (1-13 key strokes)
Congratulations! You just finished programming the first cell. Now repeat that for the other three cells.

BOTTOM LINE:
The Maha MH-C9000 is, without a doubt, the most powerful NiMH AA battery analyzer/charger in the consumer market. However, certain design issues (such as a single-status LCD panel and ridiculously long programming sequences) make it difficult to use for multiple cells. For most of my routine charging and maintenance of NiMH cells, I'll continue to use my old La Crosse BC-900.

Nevertheless, I don't regret buying the C9000, because it was a lot of fun for me to try out all its functions. Plus I now have a really cool (but expensive) night light.

curveship

11-08-07, 09:02 AM

flipped4bikes

11-08-07, 09:05 AM

^^^^What he said. V33 firmware eliminates the meltdown issue.

dekindy

11-08-07, 09:27 AM

I just ordered the BC-900 from Amazon and went for the free shipping. Thanks.