 |
Panasonic BQ390A/2PK NiMH Battery and Charger by Panasonic
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Panasonic Model: BQ390A/2PK Product features: - 2 NiMH Rechargeable AA Batteries
- Each battery has a 1950mAH power endurance rating
- Smart Charger holds 4 AA batteries and fully charges them within 2 hours
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Panasonic BQ390A/2PK NiMH Battery and ChargerCustomer Review: Panasonic AA charger - small, light, worldwide charger. Summary: 5 Stars
This 4 AA cell charger is the smallest and lightest charger I have seen. It slips easily into a camera bag pocket. It has built-in fold out AC plug prongs, thus, no cord or power brick.
This is not clearly documented, but I have tested the fact it will operate on 120 or 240V.. all you need is a travel adapter, no foreign converter needed. Just make sure it states, 'FOREIGN AC100-240V' on the label underneath before you use it overseas. This charger is not a 'dumb' transformer based constant voltage device, but a smart charger using active electronics. No heavy transformer!
The charger will charge 4 cells in 3 to 4 hours, depending on cell capacity and state of charge. This is a 'smart' charger. It will charge at higher current, getting the cells moderately warm, not dangerously so. When it detects near maximum charge, it switches to trickle mode, evidenced by the fact that the cells stay just barely warm, even several hours after the charge is 'complete.' When first plugged in, the green LED blinks to indicate regular charging, then changes to solid green when charged, and in trickle mode. I don't like leaving cells on trickle charge longer than overnight, so I unplug it. When I'm ready to use the batteries, I plug the charger back in, and the charge tops off after a few minutes (LED blinks for a few minutes, then goes solid when charger detects full charge).
Note that Panasonic states in the instructions, and on the charger label, to "Only use Panasonic batteries, other types may burst." In defiance of this statement, I am using Energizer 2100 mAH cells with perfect results.
I'm sure this is a marketing ploy to sell more Panasonic batteries, as any reasonable person knows that all NiMH batteries are basically the same. In fact, its charging current of 550mA is similar to other fast chargers on the market. Also, the instruction sheet states you can charge regular NiCD as well as NiMH, and gives a chart of charge times for each type and capacity.
I recommend this charger.
Description of Panasonic BQ390A/2PK NiMH Battery and Charger2 AA Nickel Metal Hydride Rechargeable Batteries / 1950mAH Each Battery / Smart Charger Charges Batteries in 2 Hours
Batteries
|
 |
|
|
|