I'm going through batteries like the clappers and its getting quite expensive. I use AA and AAA mostly.

Can anyone recommend a good battery charger?

I did search and came up with this thread which recommends the Rezap RBC883. Can anyone comment on this brand/model?

There is also this thread here which talks about rechargeable batteries. Not sure if it helps you.

Any of the fast ones should be fine.. ive got a rayovac 1hour one, that was about $100 - does nicad and nmhi aa and aaa and the 9v ones.. also has a heap of 'protection' circuit etc oh and a car ciggy lighter adapter too for traveling..

DSE have one for $19 by the look of it on the website - unsure of the bells/whistles but might do the job

Make sure its a fast one - the slow ones take overnight...

Cheers,
Bitey

I believe Aldi is selling one from this Thursday for $9.99!

I own the old version of the ReZap.. it works well but some alkalines start leaking and those things are corrosive..

Now I'm using the Maha 808... But I've only used it once to charge some AAs and C cells, it's a quick charger and so far so good...

Do you mean this Tevion one? Hmmm i have a feeling it might be a bit cheaper than the others we've been discussing...

The Rezap one went for $20 +ph on catch of the day but it looks like that was a couple of years ago...

I will be keeping my eye out for either of these two brands as they look to be the best value for money.

Making a battery charger probably isn't too difficult. Making a good quality one, that will look after the batteries correctly, and last well, will most likely cost a few dollars.

That probably accounts for some of the difference in pricing between the cheap ones and the more expensive ones.

Yep, and I hear Aldi will take back the product no questions asked if you aren't happy.

Juliashmoolia,

I have a rezap surplus to my requirements you can have for $30 (+p&H) its quite heavy though so not sure how much postage would cost.

The thing with battery chargers is the cheap ones are time based. If you use it on a partly charged cell then it still gives it the full whack, which isn't good for them. The more expensive ones (rezap included) have inbuild logic and smarts to analyze the battery as it charges. From memory the rezap also has a mode to resurrect old batteries.

One of the rezaps big selling features it recharges normal batteries. While this does work, i wouldn't put them in anything valuable as they so have a tendency to leak.

In regard to batteries. Most people are best off with the new range of low discharge batteries. They cost more but drain very slowly. You may be surprised how quickly standard rechargeable batteries discharge when stored (or put in devices that draw minimal current). These makes them inappropriate for things like remote controls, console controllers, kids toys that arent used that often.

The LD ones are much better in these case. I used the Sanyo Eneloops, but there are other options too (imedions).

My wife is sure that I should attend rechargeables anonymous, so I have used a fair few rechargers.

Currently I use an (Ansmann 2 in 1) - it sells for $137, Caters for up to 6 x AAA or AA cells, up to 4 x C or D cells in addition to 1 or 2 x 9V block batteries. Features a capacity quick test of inserted cells and an auto-diagnosis with automatic start of a refreshing process, if required. Damaged cells are detected and discharged before fast charging.

Delta V charging cycle
Individual supervision of each cell position
Faulty cell detection
Clear indicators and controls for each charging position
Switchmode power supply for worldwide use
Capacity measurement in 10% steps
Tests the following battery types:

- 3V Lithium Button Cells: CR1025 / CR1216 / CR1220 / CR1616 / CR1620 / CR2016 / CR2025 / CR2032 / CR2320 / CR2430 / CR2450
- Lithium Camera Batteries: CR2 / CR123A / CR-V3 / CR-P2 / 2CR 5
- Alkaline Button Cells: LR43 / LR44 / LR45 / LR54 / LR55 / LR59 / LR60 / LR66
- Zinc-Air Button cells: V675 / V13 / V312
- Alkaline Batteries: A23 (12V) / AAA / AA / C / D / 9V
- Ni-Cd and Ni-MH cells: AAA / AA / C / D

The battery testing feature (which gives a % charge) is good, as it has helped me weed out dying rechargeables (which only hold their charge for a day or so) - this stops one having a digital camera die after a few photos because of a defective battery.

It should be noted that the first one I received died within 1 hour of use, but it was returned and repaired promptly - and has since given me no trouble at all.

The batteries never get particularly hot, yet charge very effeciently.

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I also have a :

MAHA 8 cell universal charger - this has gradually lost each cell over 2 years and is essentially not working at all.

Energiser 4 cell aa/aaa charger - good for in the car / on holidays

Varta 4 cell rapid charger - this works well with Varta batteries (use a proprietary extreme rapid charge system) but it literally cooks other batteries. Varta rapidcharge batteries are great for rapid charging (ie 15 minute recharge), but their life cycle is very short - most have died within 1-1.5 years.

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As an aside, I am slowly coming to think that rechargeable batteries are a con. I find that most need replacing in 2-3 years as they begin to hold a charge for a short period of time. The extra cost of a rechargeable is many times that of an alkaline battery, and having them run out of charge is very frustrating when you are using a high drain device (such as a digital camera). The main advantage is landfill prevention - and one would need to weigh up the relative toxicity of an alkaline/lithium vs rechargeable (and energy cost of manufacture). The cost benefit is not as good as is suggested unless you are using them every few days.

J.

Good post..


I saw that before... It looks really complicated to use....


Oh oh. I juz bought that as well, the 808?


I have that as well mainly for my Wii... I don't like this product.. In fact I can't find any references off the Varta sites or buy any 15min quick charge cells in WA anymore.. Must have some serious issues ....


I agree too... Alkalines batts are so cheap now it makes little sense in dollars and cents to use rechargables (factor in cost of chargers too)... Although regular batts are mecury free now I still hope recharables are more environmetally friendly.... I hope i'm not being conned...

I bought a Jaytech mb-3509 fast NI-MH charger from Jaycar and 4 blue aa rechargeable batteries at the same time for our cordless computer mouse which ate aa alkaline batteries like there was no tomorrow. The charger was around $30 from memory and has worked faultlessly for 3-4 years.
Takes around 4-5 hours to charge. I can only recommend it; its saved me a fortune in aa batteries.

I use a Swallow AC/DC (12Vdc or 240Vac line voltage) charger which is actually a charger meant for the RC hobbyist (go to a hobby store or for a cheaper price check out ebay).

You need to be prepared to rig up a battery holder, some leads and change a few settings depending on what battery type etc you are working with. It uses peak voltage detection and is of course fully adjustable for everything charge current/battery type/discharge rate (for Ni cad) etc. Sounds complex but after a small amount of research you can get your head around the settings.

Also great for the kids RC toys that typically come with a plug pack that just supplies fixed current at a fixed voltage.

Edit: $119 + $8 shipping on ebay look here

I have used some green jaycar 2300 AA batteries and been disappointed in them. I bought quite a few, and they have all leaked.
I bought some purple 2400 AA batteries as a replacement, and have not had the same problem - at least not yet.

this charger is pretty good

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Fast-AA-AAA-D-C-9v-...1QQcmdZViewItem

also bought this one , very good too..

http://www.thebatterywizard.com/prod61.htm

as for batteries i buy them from ebay sellers in hong kong . i got 24 AAA 1000mah nimh batteries for $12 . they are very good quality too..