As the OzBargain family loves eneloops, I was wondering if there are any recommendations for a USB connected charger rather than another 240v connector?
Are There Any Decent USB Chargers for Eneloops
01011010 on 11/08/2024 - 15:00
Last edited 11/08/2024 - 18:15 by 1 other user
Last edited 11/08/2024 - 18:15 by 1 other user
Comments
Not really. To charge NiMH and reliably detect the delta time/temperature dip that signals coming to the end of the charge cycle, you need to be charging moderately fast- i.e. at 0.5C or above.
The wimpy 500mA from the USB A spec isn't going to cut it with a 2000mAH AA cell, you're going to be charging at 0.25C.
I mean, some chargers might do okay, but it's not what I would call 'decent' when it comes to using the right measurement technique.
I could be wrong on this, maybe NiMH charging tech has come a long way since I last looked. But the delta temp/time dip is a key measure for nickle charging unless you intend to trickle charge for umpeen hours.
iirc xtar and Nitecore do make USB powered chargers- that's what the market wants.
I have an older model LiitoKala Lii-100 and it works off a micro usb connector.
There are plenty of usb powered Ni-Mh chargers.
Just ensure they are type c and not micro usb as some are trying to save a few cents by still using micro usb connector.
I thought most of the recent ozb recommended chargers have USB input (either usb-c or micro as shown above).
afaik this means they don’t have to include AC cable and no power supply needed in the box so it saves costs. the recent chargers with usb are only around $29 too so yeah makes sense.
some have the round DC input + usb.
I was recommended nitecore D4 back when asking ozb so have been using that for my eneloops. it has round DC + AC cable input. no usb but it’s one of the older chargers.
Late to the conversation, but in case anyone else is looking.
I purchased the LiitoKala Lii 402 off aliexpress for around $15 (Normal options such as Amazon want closer to $50) a couple years ago, and it works great. It is USB A to micro USB which is annoying but it comes with a cable so it wasn't a deal breaker for me. Can charge a range of Lithium cells as well, not just eneloops.
Maybe the Xtar VC4 plus
I have an older model, likely the VC4, which, which uses USB to a barrel connector. I've used that without issue for a few years.