[WheresWaldo]

While you will get a lot of recommendations on the LaCrosse BC-900 I prefer the Maha/Powerex MH-C9000. Here is the list of features:

• LCD Size: 3.5 " x 1.5", very large text and digits display
• LCD Back light: Ultra bright white LED back light
• Average Charge Time for 4 AA batteries: 1 Hour
• MH-C9000 Operation Modes:
  • Charge
  • Discharge
  • Analyze & Refresh (Charge > Discharge > Charge)
  • Break-In (new battery forming)
  • Cycle (stores capacity for 12 cycles)
• New "Battery Forming Mode" : You can input the rated battery capacity for special forming charge (suitable for new batteries - which may help provide longer battery life and optimum performance)
• 10 Selectable Charging Currents: 0.2A, 0.4A, 0.6A, 0.8A, 1.0A, 1.2A, 1.4A, 1.6A, 1.8A, 2.0A ( 2.0A is the same as 2000mA, 0.2A same as 200mA, etc..)
• 10 Selectable Discharging Currents: 0.1A, 0.2A, 0.3A, 0.4A, 0.5A, 0.6A, 0.7A, 0.8A, 0.9A, 1.0A
• Accuracy (Capacity): 1% - The capacity is determined by continuously integrating the measured current (actual current not set point) over time.
• High accuracy is achieved by using a precision shunt-resistor coupled with a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital converter as well as a quartz oscillator timebase.
• Time Base: Quartz Clock (100ppm)
• Stores battery capacity: Yes, up to 12 times in Cycle mode
• Special Heat Management System: Protects your batteries from overheating
• Trickle Charge -- Approx. 10mA when charging AA rechargeable batteries using modulated pulse trickle charge,
• Number of keys: 4 for ease of use - One for each Battery Slot. No complicated key press combinations required
• Charger Dimensions: 6.5" (16.50cm) L x 4.33" (11.00cm)W x 1.69" (4.30cm) H
• Adapter Dimensions: 3.66" (9.30cm) L x 2.36" (6.00cm)W x 1.97" (5.00cm) H
• 100~240V AC Lightweight Worldwide power Adapter Included. Weight: 170gr (6oz)
• Optional 12V Car Power Cord is also available for 12V Operation.
• RoHS & WEEE Compliant

It does cost a few dollars more than the LaCrosse but I do believe it is better built and can do more with your cells.

[res3567]

While you will get a lot of recommendations on the LaCrosse BC-900 I prefer the Maha/Powerex MH-C9000. Here is the list of features:

• LCD Size: 3.5 " x 1.5", very large text and digits display
• LCD Back light: Ultra bright white LED back light
• Average Charge Time for 4 AA batteries: 1 Hour
• MH-C9000 Operation Modes:
  • Charge
  • Discharge
  • Analyze & Refresh (Charge > Discharge > Charge)
  • Break-In (new battery forming)
  • Cycle (stores capacity for 12 cycles)
• New "Battery Forming Mode" : You can input the rated battery capacity for special forming charge (suitable for new batteries - which may help provide longer battery life and optimum performance)
• 10 Selectable Charging Currents: 0.2A, 0.4A, 0.6A, 0.8A, 1.0A, 1.2A, 1.4A, 1.6A, 1.8A, 2.0A ( 2.0A is the same as 2000mA, 0.2A same as 200mA, etc..)
• 10 Selectable Discharging Currents: 0.1A, 0.2A, 0.3A, 0.4A, 0.5A, 0.6A, 0.7A, 0.8A, 0.9A, 1.0A
• Accuracy (Capacity): 1% - The capacity is determined by continuously integrating the measured current (actual current not set point) over time.
• High accuracy is achieved by using a precision shunt-resistor coupled with a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital converter as well as a quartz oscillator timebase.
• Time Base: Quartz Clock (100ppm)
• Stores battery capacity: Yes, up to 12 times in Cycle mode
• Special Heat Management System: Protects your batteries from overheating
• Trickle Charge -- Approx. 10mA when charging AA rechargeable batteries using modulated pulse trickle charge,
• Number of keys: 4 for ease of use - One for each Battery Slot. No complicated key press combinations required
• Charger Dimensions: 6.5" (16.50cm) L x 4.33" (11.00cm)W x 1.69" (4.30cm) H
• Adapter Dimensions: 3.66" (9.30cm) L x 2.36" (6.00cm)W x 1.97" (5.00cm) H
• 100~240V AC Lightweight Worldwide power Adapter Included. Weight: 170gr (6oz)
• Optional 12V Car Power Cord is also available for 12V Operation.
• RoHS & WEEE Compliant

It does cost a few dollars more than the LaCrosse but I do believe it is better built and can do more with your cells.

Thanks Waldo! You are the expert IMO!

[res3567]

Ok Waldo, I recieved my Sanyo 2700mAH and my Ansmann 2850 mAH batteries.

The Sanyo came with a charger, but it is very slow(13hrs to charge the batts.)

I have a dual pod Energizer charger. My question to you is this: is that charger ok for the Ansmann? I am going to get the charger you recommended later, next payday.

Here is the charger alongside my camera charger. It has two pods that automatically charge after each other.

[WheresWaldo]

Res, I am not familiar with that Energizer charger. If you really want to learn more about batteries than anyone should know go to candelpowerforums, they have a complete section on batteries and chargers.

[res3567]

Res, I am not familiar with that Energizer charger. If you really want to learn more about batteries than anyone should know go to candelpowerforums, they have a complete section on batteries and chargers.

Ok Waldo. Thanks to you I am excited about my new batteries! Your take on the Powerex the MH-C801D.

[WheresWaldo]

Ok Waldo. Thanks to you I am excited about my new batteries! Your take on the Powerex the MH-C801D.

I like the 801D but if you are only charging AA or AAA the MH-C9000 is much better.

[res3567]

I like the 801D but if you are only charging AA or AAA the MH-C9000 is much better.

Does it have a "fast charge" mode for like emergencies?

[res3567]

I like the 801D but if you are only charging AA or AAA the MH-C9000 is much better.

Just charged the Ansmanns in the Energizer rechareger. The Sanyos are still charging. I will test them out. Next I will get the charger you recommended. Then I will recharge both sets in that charger and give a review of the two battery sets and the charger. Titled "High discharge batteries for flash use". This will be in conjuction with my wireless trigger review elswere in this forum.

I

[WheresWaldo]

Does it have a "fast charge" mode for like emergencies?

It can charge up to 2A (see specs above), which would be approximately 1C for eneloops or most LSD batteries, about 1 hour or just a bit more or less depending on the particular cell. I usually charge mine at .5C

FYI: C is equal to the rated capacity and most cells will allow charging from .2C to 1C without major problems. 1C charging does result in very hot cells and too much heat can damage a cell permanently. I don't use 1C unless I have a fan blowing directly on the cells/charger.