12 replies to this topic

[Weiry]

Hi just bought a couple of Z240's and eneloops just wondering if there is a difference in eneloop 'battery charger' quality/charge speed?
Is there a particular charger I should buy or do they all do the same job?

Also noticed Sanyo new eneloop DoubleX -XX 2500mAh battery. Anyone using these in Z240?

cheers Weiry

Edited by Weiry, 21 September 2012 - 06:01 PM.

[JimSwims]

Hi Weiry,

avoid fast chargers as they deteriorate the cells and shorten their life and capacity. Slow chargers are best, Maha Powerex
make some great chargers as well as the Imedion cells. I have the MH-C800S which is a good value unit that takes 8 cells at
once, reasonably light too so good for any travel. Both the Enloop and Imedion are good cells to use with the Inons, they hold
charge well and don't heat up like traditional NiMH batteries do.

Cheers,
Jim.

[Weiry]

Hi Weiry,

avoid fast chargers as they deteriorate the cells and shorten their life and capacity. Slow chargers are best, Maha Powerex
make some great chargers as well as the Imedion cells. I have the MH-C800S which is a good value unit that takes 8 cells at
once, reasonably light too so good for any travel. Both the Enloop and Imedion are good cells to use with the Inons, they hold
charge well and don't heat up like traditional NiMH batteries do.

Cheers,
Jim.

Thanks for the reply Jim and the links as well.
Are you using the Imedion batteries... I noticed they are rated 2400mAh whereas the Inon recommended Sanyo eneloop rated 2000mAh have they been ok?

Edited by Weiry, 21 September 2012 - 09:38 PM.

[JimSwims]

Yes I'm using the Imedion 2400mAh cells as are many of my buddies down here with Inon Z240 strobes.

They have perfect with zero issues.

Cheers,
Jim.

[bvanant]

Hi Weiry,

avoid fast chargers as they deteriorate the cells and shorten their life and capacity. Slow chargers are best, Maha Powerex
make some great chargers as well as the Imedion cells. I have the MH-C800S which is a good value unit that takes 8 cells at
once, reasonably light too so good for any travel. Both the Enloop and Imedion are good cells to use with the Inons, they hold
charge well and don't heat up like traditional NiMH batteries do.

Cheers,
Jim.

I would make the investment in one of the LaCrosse battery chargers. They have adjustable charging power modes and a very nifty battery refresh capability.
http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Technology-Battery-Charger/dp/B000RSOV50/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348347498&sr=8-1&keywords=la+crosse+battery+charger

For travel I use the Maha 4 cell charger but at home I have several of the La Crosse

Bill

[JimSwims]

I would make the investment in one of the LaCrosse battery chargers. They have adjustable charging power modes and a very nifty battery refresh capability.
http://www.amazon.co...battery charger

For travel I use the Maha 4 cell charger but at home I have several of the La Crosse

Bill

The La Crosse is a good looking unit although it can only do 4 cells at a time. The Maha MH-C800S fits 8 cells, has a Soft charge mode
and also a Refresh mode, so I can't see the advantage of the La Crosse over it. Also the OP is in Australia and I've yet to find an Australian
distributor for the La Crosse. When I was looking for a top self 4 cell charger I got the Maha Powerex MH-C9000 Wizard One. However since
I bought one of the 8 cell chargers I only use the Wizard One to break in new cells or do deep reconditioning of old cells.

Cheers,
Jim.

[johnjvv]

Hey Jim

Any qualms with the oem Sanyo charger that comes with the batteries (other than only doing 4 at a time)?

Cheers
John

[JimSwims]

Hi John,

The Sanyo charger would be a Fast charger I assume and if so will deteriorate the cells quicker. You can borrow
my Wizard One charger to analyse and recondition your cells if you like. If you need any new cells or a spare set let
me know as I'm going to get some more(Imedions) soon and we can save on postage together.

Cheers,
Jim.

[johnjvv]

Just had a look at my charger and the Sanyo website. They have a few different types but pedominantly split between quick and overnight...

Quick:
DC 1.2V: 4 x AA: 560mA taking 220 mins

Overnight:
300mA @ 450 mins

http://www.eneloop.i...s/chargers.html

When i bought them i had no idea but it seems like i have the overnight one.

I will test my batterries and see if they are alright with your machine before buying new ones....

Cheers
John

[Weiry]

The La Crosse is a good looking unit although it can only do 4 cells at a time. The Maha MH-C800S fits 8 cells, has a Soft charge mode
and also a Refresh mode, so I can't see the advantage of the La Crosse over it. Also the OP is in Australia and I've yet to find an Australian
distributor for the La Crosse. When I was looking for a top self 4 cell charger I got the Maha Powerex MH-C9000 Wizard One. However since
I bought one of the 8 cell chargers I only use the Wizard One to break in new cells or do deep reconditioning of old cells.

Cheers,
Jim.

Thanks for the replies guys.
I looked at the La Crosse looks great but as you say Jim I have 2strobes/8 cells etc. 1 charger less hassles for travelling.
I got from your Protog link, they have package charger with 8 imedion cells [and a man bag].
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
cheers
Weiry

Edited by Weiry, 22 September 2012 - 06:57 PM.

[Alastair]

interesting article. For my eneloops i have both types of charger.... i have just placed an order for the 8 cell Maha unit

[howeikwok]

I been using the Maha 8 Cell charger for a number of years. Just changed a new charger last year as the old one had some internal corrosion. Watch out those bringing out on LOBs or areas which get salt spray!!

Batteries i started with the maha 2700mah ones but now i'm using a Sanyo Harmolattice which looks similar to the XX series. 2500mah eneloop style. I also have the Maha imedion 2400mah. Both work well without any issue and hold the charge well.

[bvanant]

The La Crosse is a good looking unit although it can only do 4 cells at a time. The Maha MH-C800S fits 8 cells, has a Soft charge mode
and also a Refresh mode, so I can't see the advantage of the La Crosse over it. Also the OP is in Australia and I've yet to find an Australian
distributor for the La Crosse. When I was looking for a top self 4 cell charger I got the Maha Powerex MH-C9000 Wizard One. However since
I bought one of the 8 cell chargers I only use the Wizard One to break in new cells or do deep reconditioning of old cells.

Cheers,
Jim.

I think the LaCrosse in Australia is actually a Technoline. I have one of the 8-cell Maha chargers that I use at home but in my tests, the LaCrosse never missed a termination at low charge and the Maha missed (very occasionally) . For travel I always think that 2 4-cell chargers is a better idea than 1 8-cell charger since if the 8 cell one fails the blue-smoke test you are in trouble. That being said, we take 5 chargers with us (for two users), I suppose we could take 1 8-cell and three four cell chargers. The other issue I have is the power supply, I like the Maha 4-cell charger for travel since there is no power supply brick.
Bill