[Noisebridge-discuss] Multi-chemistry battery charger (was: A box full of rechargeable batteries on the hack shelf.)

[Michael Shiloh]

Speaking of chargers, I've been thinking of getting this one. Seems 
extremely versatile for about $100. Any comments?

The Maha MH-C777 Plus from Maha Energy:

http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/item.asp?idproduct=185

"It will properly charge just about any battery pack: range of 1.2V to 
14.4V (1 to 12 cells) for NiMH & NiCD, and 3.6V to 14.4V (1  to 4 cells) 
for Lithium Ion.

In addition to battery packs, you can also charge 1 to 12 cells of AA, 
AAA rechargeable battery cells. "

Andy Isaacson wrote:
> On Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 02:50:13PM -0800, Martin Bogomolni wrote:
>> It's a generic liPO charger available from a number of hobby stores.
>> It has charge control circuitry, costs ~$150
>>
>> http://www.tmenet.com/xtrema.htm
> 
> Lithium Polymer and Lithium Ion batteries are interesting beasts.  I
> have a charger at 83c as well and am interested in discussing how to
> best use them with other Noisebridgers.
> 
> In particular, they get very unhappy if you short them ("sparks and
> fire" levels of unhappy), and if you drain the cell below its minimum
> voltage, it'll never come back.  So a LiPo "manager" circuit is a good
> idea; for example,
> 
> http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=V426371
> 
> They're definitely not a simple drop-in replacement for AA, more's the
> pity.
> 
> -andy
>