Reduce the amount of batteries purchased and discarded in the waste bin with this multitasking battery charger from La Crosse. Designed for use exclusively with rechargeable NiCad and NiMH batteries, the 100 to 240-volt charger accommodates up to four AA or AAA batteries. Each battery charges in its own compartment, so the user can charge an AA NiCad battery and three AAA NiMH batteries, or any other combination, at once.
For each compartment, the user selects one of the charger’s four modes: charge; discharge; refresh; and test. Different modes can be engaged concurrently in each battery compartment for flexibility. In the discharge mode, the charger removes all charge from the battery to reduce the memory effect and then recharges the battery to reach a more advantageous capacity. The refresh mode is ideal for older rechargeable batteries, cycling between discharging and charging the battery until obtaining optimal capacity. To measure a battery’s capacity in the test mode, the battery is fully charged and then discharged. The charger offers three charging rates: 200 mA, 500 mA, and 700 mA. While the 700 mA rate charges an AA battery in approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes, charging the battery at the 200 mA rate, with its estimated 13-hour charge time, is recommended for prolonging the battery’s life. Each compartment features its own LCD display indicating the selected mode and rate, elapsed charging time, the battery’s full capacity and voltage, and when charging is complete. To ensure safety, the charger stops charging when it senses an overheated battery, and it won’t charge defective batteries. Unplug when not in use and remove any batteries. A limited one-year warranty covers this item. The charger measures 3 inches wide by 5 inches long by 3 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches high.
