7dayshop AA and AAA Smart NiMH DS-SC1000 FAST Battery Charger Multi Mode LCD Display

Although basic older 'universal chargers' are owned and some often used, a couple have the annoying ability to apparently dramatically reduce the working life of some batteries. Rather than the estimated 300-1000 recharge cycles different manufacturers claim for their Ni-MH batteries, a few died after about 50 cycles. Where possible, some were replaced by Lithium-ion versions but not all devices are suited to the more modern types.This is a multi-function intelligent charger that offers a range of functions in addition to the immediately obvious. The charger also includes an LCD display panel that can provide an indication of the battery's state of charge in voltage and A/mA terms as relevant. The charger is limited to AA and AAA types only, which for most, are those most often used. If you use the 9v flat ones, or C and D cells you will need another means to recharge them. This charger is mains-powered and a UK plug is fitted; USB connection is not an option.The charger offers several options under Display including voltage, mAh, elapsed time and charge rate. The Current button alows a choice from several fixed levels and the mode button allows for charge, refresh, discharge and test modes. In all, there are sufficient options to satisfy any technically-minded user. The charger will display FULL once the appropriate level of charge/voltage is achieved, which will usually be after several hours. Because of its available options, it can be set to best match different types and capacities of battery.Visually identical models are available elsewhere although at prices that are 50% or more above and beyond 7DayShop's current price. The seller has been the source of several previous purchases and is known to be reliable and usually very fast with their despatches, mostly same day.If you still use Ni-MH cells and the older NiCad types, and there are a great many devices that either accept or require them, this may help extend their life. It may not provide the fastest recharge possible but too high a charge rate associated with shorter charge times can damage them.

This is an excellent little charger, ideal for both charging and maintaining NiCd or NiMh batteries.It's worth mentioning that there seem to be several versions of this charger on Amazon: there are alternatives by both Youshiko and Uniross, and all three appear to be effectively the same unit (though with different branding, obviously). Since this is the cheapest of the three, I went with this one.The charger provides charging of 1-4 batteries, and unlike many chargers, is quite happy to charge a single one rather than insisting on pairs. There are various options for charge current: 200mA, 500mA and 1000mA. If you're not in a hurry for your batteries (e.g. you can leave them charging overnight) then go with one of the slower charges; if you need batteries ASAP, then you have the option of a much faster charge, but some batteries don't like being repeatedly fast charged - in the long term it can have a knock-on effect on lifespan, and some batteries can get rather hot when fast charged.Unless I'm in a desperate hurry, I tend to use 500mA for most of my charging needs: I've tested various brands (Sanyo and Panasonic Eneloops, Jessops' own brand, and Ansmann) - I've never found the batteries to get more than a few degrees above room temperature at this charging rate.The charger also offers a couple of other useful options: Discharge and Test. Discharge is useful with older NiCd batteries to avoid the 'memory effect', but Test is the real gem on this charger: it'll fully charge, then fully discharge, then fully recharge a battery, and give you a readout of that battery's actual capacity (in mAh). This is great with older batteries - you'll get an idea of how much they've deteriorated from the rating on the label. It's also great with new batteries: you can make sure the label is telling the truth. :-)

Arrived on Tim reasonably packed ..Nice solid feel to to unit. Conectin cable is a nice snug for & the charger plug end is nice & weighty feels good quality all round feels cool.when.charging .My only moan which isn't really a moan .As I'm getting on a bit the instructions & display at a bit small.to read easily Even with new glasses .so I've reprinted the instructions & use a magnifying glass for the unit .I've topped up 20 new pre charged high output cells within 30 minutes & 4 old cell that havnt been charged for 2 years in an hour from 0.4 to0.7 volts . I'll.be more impressed when I can see the readout properly haha.

This has been fantastic for charging AA and AAA NiMH batteries in the mountains off-grid. I plug it into a tiny 12V solar power system, and have a handful of things that run off AA and AAA batteries - they tend to have good battery life (compared to Li-Ion rechargeable things) so great for trekking, and this complements them wonderfully.

Bought this as a back up to my present charger to enable me to charge two sets of batteries at one time. All the different functions seemed appealing though in the end of the day I wish I'd just stuck to my present charger which was half the price. The HQ Multi Mode Charger display is poor - you can hardly see it given it's black on grey, unlike my present machine which has a vivid red on black, and a system that shows progress very clearly. It's also difficult to get the batteries out once charged - the first time I had to leaver one out with a small screwdriver. It also takes a longer time to charge the batteries. Not a great buy really - I've given it a 3 star as it does work, looks the part, but in truth it falls short of the mark. At £20 it's well over priced.