Battery chargers

[surenj]

Hi everyone,

I need a good battery charger for AA and AAA. I am planning to get some imedions or eneloops for my flashes and whatnot.

Which MAHA charger is a bettery buy interms of safely charging your batteries. I don't need anything fancy as I just want it to charge the batteries as best as possible etc. Protog has some bundles which are good value and I will probably grab one of those.

MH-C204W Travel
http://protog.com.au/maha-powerex-mhc204w-travel-aaaaa-battery-charger-p-28.html

MH-C401FS AA/AAA
http://protog.com.au/maha-powerex-mhc401fs-aaaaa-battery-charger-12v-adaptor-p-38.html

Many thanks!

[Mr Darcy]

I have the Maha C204W and the LaCrosse BC900.
Each is excellent for my intended use of it.
The BC900 will charge and refresh 1 to 4 batteries in any combination. It also has test and Discharge modes, but I never use them. The way I use it, it charges an AA in about 8 hours, though it will work faster if requested. Refresh takes days, so I use it rarely.
This is the charger I use at home.
Disadvantages:
A US style plugback, so it only works with a converter (The voltage is OK, but the pins need to be changed)
Will not charge a battery if it is COMPLETELY flat. It simply doesn't recognise it.
If I was buying again, I would probably get the Maha C9000

The Maha 204 charges 2 or 4 batteries i.e. it only charges in pairs. Not good if you have a single battery device, or a 3 battery device. (I have both). It charges in about an hour, but the batteries get noticeably hot. Not sure what it will do to the lifespan of the batteries.
It is very compact however & uses a standard figure-8 cord and will resurrect a completely flat pair of batteries. This is the one I take travelling.

[Remorhaz]

I know it's not exactly what you asked for but if it helps I recently bought the following:

From Protog:
The Maha MH-C9000 (awesome charger - can charge different individual cells and lets me analyse and condition batteries (I've used the function quite a few times but as mentioned the condition mode takes days to run)
http://protog.com.au/maha-powerex-mhc90 ... -p-52.html
Plus a set of 4xAA and 4xAAA Imedions

From DSE:
Their USB twin battery charger with 2xAA Eneloops (I did some research and it appears this is one of the few eneloop chargers that has independant cell charging - and I wanted something I could chuck in my laptop bag in case of emergencies). I got it on special for about $10
http://dicksmith.com.au/product/S4460/e ... -batteries

From Apple:
The apple charger + 6xAA's (rebadged Eneloops) - not for the charger but for the batteries because it was a cheap way to get 6 cells

[gstark]

From Apple:

...

but for the batteries because it was a cheap way to get 6 cells

Point of order, sir: You've just used the word "cheap" and Apple together. That does not compute.

[Matt. K]

Take care because there are known to be some Eneloop forgeries about. If you pay les than $18.00 for 4 AAs then you should be suspiciou.s

[aim54x]

I own and use a C9000, but the 204 is a good travel charger.

[Mr Darcy]

I took the time to read the specs of your shortlist chargers.
I'd be inclined to go for the 204 if you only need to do pairs of batteries, but if you need to do odd numbers, or need to use it in a car & don't have an inverter (I do) then go for the 401

[colin_12]

Is there a need to go for a charger that is 12v capable or is really portable?

If not then I have the http://protog.com.au/maha-powerex-mhc800s-eight-aaaaa-smart-charger-p-50.html and it is great. You can do any number of batteries up to 8 which is handy as most flashes take 4. It does both AA and AAA battery types, at the same time if you like, which is also handy.

[surenj]

Thanks everyone for pointing out the subtleties of each charger. I have pressed the button on the 401fs with 8 batteries for $91 which I think is a bargain. This system seems to be nicely balanced for travel as well as general use at home.'

Rodney, that Apple charger is a great bargain even if you didn't use the charger component...

[aim54x]

Thanks everyone for pointing out the subtleties of each charger. I have pressed the button on the 401fs with 8 batteries for $91 which I think is a bargain. This system seems to be nicely balanced for travel as well as general use at home.'

You must be using a lot more batteries than I do. But I am sure you will enjoy the charger Suren

[radar]

I know you have made your buying decision but I also use the Maha C204W and it is a great little charger and very compact for travel.

[surenj]

 LOL @ Cameron. Mainly in my flash (which is used quite a bit) but I am always out of batteries when I need, hence the reason for the imedions.

Andre, if this charger is absolutely huge and heavy, I may return it for the 204.

[aim54x]

LOL @ Cameron. Mainly in my flash (which is used quite a bit) but I am always out of batteries when I need, hence the reason for the imedions.

Andre, if this charger is absolutely huge and heavy, I may return it for the 204.

I guess I have more batteries...and less flash usage (4x flashes)