eneloop vs old charger I would like to know if i can use this panasonic charger , model BQ-390 quick charger for eneloop batteries or similar products
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The eneloop (and other low-self-discharge cells) can be charged using any 'smart' charger, such as the Panasonic BQ-390.
163123
As a general rule, all fast charger (meaning charge time less than 4 hours) has to be 'smart', while most slow chargers (charge time longer than 6 hours) are 'dumb'. This is because NiMH can be safely over-charged at lower rate (0.1C to 0.2C) without immediate danger, although the damage will build up over time. On the other hand, over-charging at higher rate such as 1C will lead to rapid heating, which can be dangerous. Therefore a fast charger must have circuits to monitor battery status, and stop charging when the end-of-charge signal is detected (negative dV/dt, delta-temperature rise, etc) As a general rule, all fast charger (meaning charge time less than 4 hours) has to be 'smart', while most slow chargers (charge time longer than 6 hours) are 'dumb'. This is because NiMH can be safely over-charged at lower rate (0.1C to 0.2C) without immediate danger, although the damage will build up over time. On the other hand, over-charging at higher rate such as 1C will lead to rapid heating, which can be dangerous. Therefore a fast charger must have circuits to monitor battery status, and stop charging when the end-of-charge signal is detected (negative dV/dt, delta-temperature rise,... » Read More As a general rule, all fast charger (meaning charge time less than 4 hours) has to be 'smart', while most slow chargers (charge time longer than 6 hours) are 'dumb'. This is because NiMH can be safely over-charged at lower rate (0.1C to 0.2C) without immediate danger, although the damage will build up over time. On the other hand, over-charging at higher rate such as 1C will lead to rapid heating, which can be dangerous. Therefore a fast charger must have circuits to monitor battery status, and stop charging when the end-of-charge signal is detected (negative dV/dt, delta-temperature rise, etc) « Show Less
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NLee, I think Amazon should pay you for providing such great info on their site! :-) Thanks.
163125
Yeah, I almost balked at the 'must charge in pairs' requirement when I made the buy a few weeks ago, but the price was right, and 2 out of my 3 uses for the batteries will be in pairs. The third device uses 3 AA, so I'll have to figure that one out. Thanks, again for the info!
163126
I have an old VTech model ev2653.The original batteries supplied with the handsets were rated 1.2v, 600mAh and werethree individual AAA batteries.As I recall, the manual said to charge the batteries for a minimum of 12 hours prior to using the handsets.I'm wondering if the eneloop batteries would be able to be charged and used in thissystem.
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High Flyer,I looked up the user manual for EV2653 cordless phone system. The manual says to charge the included 600mAh AAA cells for 12 hours prior to first use, but subsequent maintenance charge only takes 8 hours. Base on this info, I can safely conclude that it is a dumb charger with a constant current of 75mA.You should be able to use the eneloop 800mAh AAA cells in the handset just fine. However, since the handset is being charged daily, you don't really need low-self-discharge cells in it. Ordinary 1000mAh NiMH cells may actually do better since they can provide longer talk time for the women in the house... No wait, just stick to the eneloop cells in that case. High Flyer,I looked up the user manual for EV2653 cordless phone system. The manual says to charge the included 600mAh AAA cells for 12 hours prior to first use, but subsequent maintenance charge only takes 8 hours. Base on this info, I can safely conclude that it is a dumb charger with a constant current of 75mA.You should be able to use the eneloop 800mAh AAA cells in the handset just fine. However, since the handset is being charged daily, you don't really need low-self-discharge cells in it. Ordinary 1000mAh NiMH cells may actually do better since they can provide... » Read More High Flyer,I looked up the user manual for EV2653 cordless phone system. The manual says to charge the included 600mAh AAA cells for 12 hours prior to first use, but subsequent maintenance charge only takes 8 hours. Base on this info, I can safely conclude that it is a dumb charger with a constant current of 75mA.You should be able to use the eneloop 800mAh AAA cells in the handset just fine. However, since the handset is being charged daily, you don't really need low-self-discharge cells in it. Ordinary 1000mAh NiMH cells may actually do better since they can provide longer talk time for the women in the house... No wait, just stick to the eneloop cells in that case. « Show Less
1005070
Thanks, I already ordered the eneloop charger anyway because I just wasn't sure. At least this way I'll know I have two capable chargers. Jim
1923917
i'm using one with eneloop rechargeablesand another one with amazon basic rechargeablesboth work well
122138
I've been using them (the original eneloop batteries) in my Fuji semi-pro HD camera (photos and movies) for past two years and they appear to last slightly longer than the alkaline Duracell copper top batteries. Currently, testing Panasonic eneloop batteries in my Panasonic pro camera and first usage is better than original eneloop batteries. Note: My Panasonic camera is not HD.
1016582
Yes, the eneloop charger can be used with any NiMH rechargeable batteries, however, they must be charged in pairs.
2262230
I checked the back of one of my chargers that came with the Eneloop AA/AAA combo pack. It says "INPUT: 100-240v ~ 50-60Hz". I think that means it's OK, but not positive what the Hz part of the quote means.
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Besides the change to the name (Panasonic bought Sanyo) and changed the name from XX to Pro as well as the packaging, the only real change is to the number of charge cycles the batteries are rated for (up to 500) and the milliamp (2550 versus 2500 - a bit longer run time between charges). Yes, you can still charge these batteries with your charger or any fast NiMH charger. Tammie Thomas Distributing
1332542
You may want to check the Panasonic web site for info on alternative chargers but the charger that came with mine was a simply a small base unit with a US 110v plug built into the back so the small cradle plugs directly into the outlet - the only thing that I really did not like about the unit. I would have preferred a base that sat on the counter with a wire running up to the outlet.
153064
There are chargers that will do any number, most of them are smart chargers but you can get the Panasonic Advanced Individual Cell Battery Charger with eneloop AA 2100 Cycle Rechargeable Batteries (White, Pack of 4) charger which is a pretty good buy. I highly recommend you get one with an individual charger as when you charge them in pairs one battery might have more charge than the other and would undercharge the other battery. Plus it would be ideal for you since you need an odd number of batteries.
66853
I don't think so. read the specs for eneloop and see if you can use that charger with these batteries. The batteries are ni-mh. does the charge say that also?
2032071
I can give you my limited experience with chargers. My previous charger destroyed my batteries because I didn't take them out when they were through charging. Maybe my mistake, but who wants to be stuck waiting for the charger to finish? I have used this charger quite a bit lately and love it!! I have AA and AAA batteries in many many devices around the house. I charge Eneloop batteries in this La Crosse and it has functioned perfectly. Yes, I spent a lot of money on batteries and this charger. Has it been worth it to me? YES.
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According to Sanyo eneloop web site: "Eneloop batteries are not limited to Eneloop chargers or any special proprietory charging technology and can be charged using other quality non-Eneloop Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery chargers." As long as you have a good quality "smart" charger (meaning that it charges each cell individually and stops whenever each cell is full), you can charge the eneloop cells with it. Personally, I would avoid those 15-minute Super-Fast chargers.
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I have had issues using non-Eneloop NiMH cells in this charger. For example, I've tried Ray-o-Vac and La Crosse NiMH AA's and this charger blinks the green LED indicating an error (the same NiMH AA cells work perfectly in the La Crosse charger). I think this charger may require cells with higher internal impedance. Panasonic doesn't claim compatibility with any other brand NiMH batteries. (I know this question was asked a long time ago, but this info may benefit others asking the same question.)
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The Sanyo "low leakage" Eneloops will work in this charger, but a lower current unit (around 200 or 250 mA) will result in a longer total life (more charge/discharge cycles). This Sony does heat up the batteries which will reduce their ultimate life. I have (12) AA Eneloops that I use in Canon 580EX flash heads (very high high peak discharge current) and they seem to be holding up much better than other brands using the LaCrosse BC-900 charger set to 200mA. The Sanyo capacity when new was around 2100 mAH, but has not dropped off as other (higher initial capacity) batteries (LaCrosse and Eveready) have with heavy use. The Sanyo "low leakage" Eneloops will work in this charger, but a lower current unit (around 200 or 250 mA) will result in a longer total life (more charge/discharge cycles). This Sony does heat up the batteries which will reduce their ultimate life. I have (12) AA Eneloops that I use in Canon 580EX flash heads (very high high peak discharge current) and they seem to be holding up much better than other brands using the LaCrosse BC-900 charger set to 200mA. The Sanyo capacity when new was around 2100 mAH, but has not dropped off as other (higher initial capacity) batteries... » Read More The Sanyo "low leakage" Eneloops will work in this charger, but a lower current unit (around 200 or 250 mA) will result in a longer total life (more charge/discharge cycles). This Sony does heat up the batteries which will reduce their ultimate life. I have (12) AA Eneloops that I use in Canon 580EX flash heads (very high high peak discharge current) and they seem to be holding up much better than other brands using the LaCrosse BC-900 charger set to 200mA. The Sanyo capacity when new was around 2100 mAH, but has not dropped off as other (higher initial capacity) batteries (LaCrosse and Eveready) have with heavy use. « Show Less
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If your Amazon cells are the black labeled, that could be why they drain fast considering those cells i believe are made in China. Eneloops on the other hand will stay charged and work well just like Panasonic advertises.
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Sorry for the first "short" answer. These batteries are so crappy that the best charger in the world won't do better to make up for their less than advertised capacity (in my experience) and poor performance in a small digital camera. If your going to spend more money get eneloops.
1879487
I had poor results with regular, non-rechargeable, batteries. However, I switched to Panasonic eneloop, rechargeable batteries, and they seem to be working much better for me.