Recharging 3 Eneloops at a time?

[aussieman]

Dumb question... I got some AA and AAA Eneloops for my Zebralight and other head lamps etc. (and zowee, what great batteries )

All my AAA devices use 3 batteries, but the charger can only recharge 2 or 4 at a time.

I got 6 batteries, one set spare/charging, one in use. I presume if I put the fully charged 4th one in, it will be damaged over time.

What do people do here? Just buy more spares?

[Syph007]

Im not an expert on these, but I was in the same boat as you as my charger only did 2 at a time.  So I ended up buying a fancier charger that can charge 1,2,3 or 4 at a time.  It was nice to just be able to charge as many as I want.

[captain spaulding]

Why not just charge 4 then the 2 and you have 6 fresh batteries. Use three then the other three and charge again?

Maybe i'm not reading your post correctly or understanding your needs exactly. 

[aussieman]

That would mean that after using both sets I have no fully charged set of three  for 12 hours while I am charging 2.



The thought of having dead light for that long is simply horrific to my tiny mind. 

I think the simplest thing is to just get another set of 2. Sadly I can't find any locally, I cleaned out my supplier, which is why I was asking.

Unless anyone can recommend a good individual AA/AAA charger that is not pricey.

[captain spaulding]

Ah ok I see the issue now. I think the best bet would be to buy a few more if possible. You could also get some alkaline or lithium non rechargeable to use for those 12 hours in between having your Eneloops charged. 

[dks]

These are designed for charging two batteries which are equally "flat" and have the same capacity... For example when  using two same batteries in a two-battery torch.

As far as I know they charge both batteries in series so the charging current will flow through both batteries equally irrespective of whether one is charged already or not, until they both appear charged. in theory, at least, one of the batteries may get damaged.


Slower smart chargers that charge each battery individually are about the same cost as a 4 pack of eneloops so they are the solution. (make sure that it says that they have individual charging channels)

Also, if you have 6 similarly flat batteries, what the Captain suggested will also work, if you do not want to buy a new charger.

[dks]

you people post too fast 

GP makes some decent chargers. The slower, (4 hours +) ones are usually cheap.

Also Lidl, ALDI shops etc. have a few

There is thread on batteries and chagers too.


http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,37555.msg875621.html#msg875621

[aussieman]

Thanks for the advice guys.

That thread was awesome - I might end up going for a decent charger, and go rechargeable for the whole house, not just my lights. I added up all the battery devices in the house and realised that this will pay for itself easily.

[gregozedobe]

Good idea.  I am very happy with my Maha C9000 - it cost a bit but it has lots of functionality to "revive" batteries that have been misused.  Along with std (not high capacity) eneloops I run everything that uses AAA or AA batteries on my rechargeable batteries.

[enki_ck]

Yes, rechargables all the way.

I replaced all my battery operated stuff in the house whit eneloops a year or two ago. Clocks, remotes, door bells, ... everything. I use Eneloops Lite for those, cheaper, more charging cycles and in such devices I don't really need lots of mAh. Bought 20x AA and 20x AAA Eneloops for cheap in a bulk order.

[aussieman]

Got the C9000 and loving it. THANKS for the recommendations.

Resurrecting ancient sets of Energizer rechargeables - about one in 6 were dead, and now I can see which! Matching sets...

Eneloops for the good stuff, old Energizers for the toys.

And all of it paid for in savings, cleaner with no waste. 

[gregozedobe]

Got the C9000 and loving it. THANKS for the recommendations.

Resurrecting ancient sets of Energizer rechargeables - about one in 6 were dead, and now I can see which! Matching sets...

Eneloops for the good stuff, old Energizers for the toys.

And all of it paid for in savings, cleaner with no waste. 

As that annoying ad on TV goes:  "Smarter, cheaper,    WINNER !"