12 Channel Smart AA, AAA and 9V Battery Charger with Discharge Function
Written by Vlad on March 19, 2011 – 10:12 pm - 3,945 views
This is a microprocessor-controlled battery charger that can charge up to 10 x AA/AAA batteries and 2 x 9V batteries. It supports both NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium) and NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) simultaneously. Each battery is independently monitored and charged, and a multi-colour LED above each battery indicates the charging status.
There is a discharge function that drains all the batteries completely before commencing a charging cycle, which is useful for rectifying “memory effects” and other common battery problems. It employs several mechanisms to ensure that batteries are completely charged, but not overcharged.
It comes with both a 12V DC power adapter that operates worldwide on mains voltages between 100-240V as well as a lead that plugs into a car cigarette lighter socket so you can charge batteries when you’re on the road.
I purchased this from Jaycar electronics, who call it 12VDC & 240VAC Smart Battery Charger Ni-Cd & Ni-MH. I have seen similar smart chargers on eBay, but most are 10-channel chargers with support for only AA and AAA batteries.
Why I bought the Smart AA & AAA battery charger
Tags: battery, charger, NiCad, NiMH, recharger
Posted in Consumer Electronics | 2 Comments »
USB Solar Battery Charger Keeps Your Mobile Phone Running When You Are On The Move
Written by Vlad on December 23, 2010 – 10:31 am - 1,885 views
Do you hate it when the battery runs out when you’re on your mobile phone and you don’t have a PC or charger on hand? If you have a power hungry smartphone, like an iPhone, Google Nexus or HTC Desire, you will know this experience all too well. You may also have an iPod, Digital Camera, Bluetooth Headset or other portable devices that need to be topped up. If they support USB charging, the Solar Battery Charger can help you out.
The USB Solar Battery charger lets you recharge any of these devices when you are on the go. It is small and light enough to carry with you everywhere, measuring 43 x 110 x 12mm and weighing less than 70 grams. It comes in black and white.
I paid about $10 on eBay for the model with 1000mAh battery capacity.
How the USB Solar Charger Works
Tags: battery, charger, iphone, photovoltaic, solar cell, USB
Posted in Computer Hardware, Mobile Phones | 1 Comment »
