Comments on: New Energizer 15 Minute NiMH Charger http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html The Guide To Efficient Living Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:10:20 +0000 hourly 1 By: Henry http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-171687 Henry Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:39:56 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-171687 Hi I've just bought the 15 min Energizer charger. I have a few rechargable batteries that are 2,000 mAh and could not be charged with the Energizer. The red light blinks constantly. Do I need a specific type of charger for this 2000 mAh batteries or is the batteries defective as I had them for about 3 years. Thanks Hi
I’ve just bought the 15 min Energizer charger. I have a few rechargable batteries that are 2,000 mAh and could not be charged with the Energizer. The red light blinks constantly. Do I need a specific type of charger for this 2000 mAh batteries or is the batteries defective as I had them for about 3 years.
Thanks

]]> By: Mark Feldman http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-141566 Mark Feldman Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:17:53 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-141566 Hi. I also have two of these chargers, and I did also experience dead Energizer cells after a few charges. Let me say, however, that I think I really loaded the batteries in the application I used them in - they were being used in high power photo flashes - and at the end of a session, they feel REALLY hot. So the damage may have been done there, and not in the charger. I think that two things may affect how viable the 15 min charging idea is: 1. how full the battery is when you put it IN the charger and start it 2. how heavily you load the batteries up (current drain) in the time of use after being charged. The unit has a fan, and although the batteries get warm, they certainly dont get HOT. Hi. I also have two of these chargers, and I did also experience dead Energizer cells after a few charges. Let me say, however, that I think I really loaded the batteries in the application I used them in – they were being used in high power photo flashes – and at the end of a session, they feel REALLY hot. So the damage may have been done there, and not in the charger.
I think that two things may affect how viable the 15 min charging idea is:
1. how full the battery is when you put it IN the charger and start it
2. how heavily you load the batteries up (current drain) in the time of use after being charged.
The unit has a fan, and although the batteries get warm, they certainly dont get HOT.

]]> By: CorbinKale http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-112974 CorbinKale Sat, 15 May 2010 18:29:14 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-112974 I have been using this charger for more than two years. In conjunction with our Neighborhood Watch, I have two GMRS/FRS hand-held radios from Radio Shack that I rotate, always having one switched on with the other in reserve, ready to go. These radios use 4x AAA cells, each. My system has been to maintain each group of cells in segregated groups, each group assigned to its own device. Using this system, I have not had a single issue recharging. I have been so impressed with this quick charger that a year ago I purchased two more as backups. If this charger last another year, I'll probably pick up two more. To do the math, that is 8x AAA cells. Recharging alternating 4 cell groups, on average, every day and a half for two years...that is 243 charges per group, and getting close to 500 total charges, not counting the AA cells I use in a couple of flashlights. I expect that I will wear out my NiMHs faster in a quick charger, but they seem to be going strong, so far. Best case scenario is about 700 recharges for these cells, so if I get another 100 charges from them, I will be VERY happy. I have been using this charger for more than two years. In conjunction with our Neighborhood Watch, I have two GMRS/FRS hand-held radios from Radio Shack that I rotate, always having one switched on with the other in reserve, ready to go. These radios use 4x AAA cells, each. My system has been to maintain each group of cells in segregated groups, each group assigned to its own device. Using this system, I have not had a single issue recharging. I have been so impressed with this quick charger that a year ago I purchased two more as backups. If this charger last another year, I’ll probably pick up two more.

To do the math, that is 8x AAA cells. Recharging alternating 4 cell groups, on average, every day and a half for two years…that is 243 charges per group, and getting close to 500 total charges, not counting the AA cells I use in a couple of flashlights. I expect that I will wear out my NiMHs faster in a quick charger, but they seem to be going strong, so far. Best case scenario is about 700 recharges for these cells, so if I get another 100 charges from them, I will be VERY happy.

]]> By: Best Rechargeable Batteries http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-100854 Best Rechargeable Batteries Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:34:06 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-100854 @sushant - I can't confirm it conclusively, but I think the problem you're having may be an inherent problem with the principle of 15 minute charging. There have been several studies on NiMh rechargeables as well as other types which show that higher levels of heat cause exponentially higher strain on the cell as it is being charged. At higher heat levels, this can cause gradual damage to the cell, resulting in reduced performance from all angles. By charging batteries in 15 minutes, you're putting a lot of power in a short amount of time, and that creates heat. I've never used this product, but I would assume the batteries get fairly warm while charging. This means that each time you charge them, their overall integrity is reduced slightly. Over time, it may damage the batteries. That being said, perhaps the technology has been evolved in this charger which reduces the heat of the cell, but I doubt that. If you're interested, check out my new website at www.batteryblaster.com. Cheers! Jamie @sushant – I can’t confirm it conclusively, but I think the problem you’re having may be an inherent problem with the principle of 15 minute charging. There have been several studies on NiMh rechargeables as well as other types which show that higher levels of heat cause exponentially higher strain on the cell as it is being charged. At higher heat levels, this can cause gradual damage to the cell, resulting in reduced performance from all angles. By charging batteries in 15 minutes, you’re putting a lot of power in a short amount of time, and that creates heat.

I’ve never used this product, but I would assume the batteries get fairly warm while charging. This means that each time you charge them, their overall integrity is reduced slightly. Over time, it may damage the batteries. That being said, perhaps the technology has been evolved in this charger which reduces the heat of the cell, but I doubt that.

If you’re interested, check out my new website at http://www.batteryblaster.com.

Cheers!
Jamie

]]> By: Kimmie http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-89781 Kimmie Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:54:36 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-89781 I have the EXACT same problem! Energizer NiMH Batteries that are supposed be able to be charged dozens of times will only charge 3 or 4 times, before I get the dreaded "blinking red light." My question remains: is it the battery or the charger? I contacted Energizer and they sent me a nice letter and instructions for obtaining coverage if a battery damaged a device... nothing to do with what I asked them about... I'm considering getting another charger, just to see where the problem is located. I have the EXACT same problem! Energizer NiMH Batteries that are supposed be able to be charged dozens of times will only charge 3 or 4 times, before I get the dreaded “blinking red light.” My question remains: is it the battery or the charger? I contacted Energizer and they sent me a nice letter and instructions for obtaining coverage if a battery damaged a device… nothing to do with what I asked them about… I’m considering getting another charger, just to see where the problem is located.

]]> By: sushant http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-88915 sushant Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:28:53 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-88915 i have been using the 15 min charger with energizer nimh batteries and it has become a pain to charge the batteries...i have like 8 batteries which i need to charge...but almost half of them(different everytime) refuse to get charged. As soon as put it in the charger, the charger starts blinking red and charging for those batteries doesnt start. I have to like remove it and put it 10 times to finally make it work.Now i ahve atleast 2 batteries which the charger just woudnt charge. I haope the charger was little less smart and would just charge whatever i put in it.ANy idea?i guess there might be problems with internal resistance, but 5 out of 10 cells? i have been using the 15 min charger with energizer nimh batteries and it has become a pain to charge the batteries…i have like 8 batteries which i need to charge…but almost half of them(different everytime) refuse to get charged. As soon as put it in the charger, the charger starts blinking red and charging for those batteries doesnt start. I have to like remove it and put it 10 times to finally make it work.Now i ahve atleast 2 batteries which the charger just woudnt charge. I haope the charger was little less smart and would just charge whatever i put in it.ANy idea?i guess there might be problems with internal resistance, but 5 out of 10 cells?

]]> By: Luke http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-56157 Luke Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:20:02 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-56157 Dear Homer Simpson, I believe Allan was commenting about the advantages of RECHARGEABLE batteries in general, not specifically AA or AAA batteries :). He must be one of those people who have only recently discovered the advantages of rechargeable batteries over ordinary dry cells (alkaline or the even cheaper non-rechargeables you use for your TV remote control) Dear Homer Simpson, I believe Allan was commenting about the advantages of RECHARGEABLE batteries in general, not specifically AA or AAA batteries :) . He must be one of those people who have only recently discovered the advantages of rechargeable batteries over ordinary dry cells (alkaline or the even cheaper non-rechargeables you use for your TV remote control)

]]> By: Homer Simpson http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-13086 Homer Simpson Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:24:18 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-13086 Allan please don't try to stick AA or AAA batteries into that PSP, if you want it to work :) Allan please don’t try to stick AA or AAA batteries into that PSP, if you want it to work :)

]]> By: Cowboy http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-6661 Cowboy Mon, 24 Mar 2008 01:11:59 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-6661 In response to Allan, NIMH batteries do not develop memory, only Nickel Cadmium. It's a great charger, works very well. I like being able to charge them quickly and get back to using them! In response to Allan, NIMH batteries do not develop memory, only Nickel Cadmium.

It’s a great charger, works very well. I like being able to charge them quickly and get back to using them!

]]> By: Allan from Springfield, Il. http://www.metaefficient.com/rechargeable-batteries/new-energizer-15-minute-nimh-charger.html/comment-page-1#comment-2971 Allan from Springfield, Il. Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:48:07 +0000 http://s31669.gridserver.com/?p=243#comment-2971 I have been using rechargable batteries for over 4 years now. Everyday usage to in the digital camera and they work perfectly. Kids toys..ie, game boys, psp, remotes controlled toys and the such work just fine as well. For those having problems with their rechargeable batteries and chargers, maybe reading the directions before placing batteries in backwards and not charging the batteries to the fullest would work better, and don't use the batteries for an hour and then throw them into the charger, deplete the batteries so the battery will charge to the fullest. Batteries do develope memories. I have been using rechargable batteries for over 4 years now. Everyday usage to in the digital camera and they work perfectly. Kids toys..ie, game boys, psp, remotes controlled toys and the such work just fine as well. For those having problems with their rechargeable batteries and chargers, maybe reading the directions before placing batteries in backwards and not charging the batteries to the fullest would work better, and don’t use the batteries for an hour and then throw them into the charger, deplete the batteries so the battery will charge to the fullest. Batteries do develope memories.

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