Eneloops: what charger do I need? (info and discussion thead)

[Kouryu]

What does that mean? Is there a switch to go from 100 volts to 110(usa)?

it auto detects mains voltage and switches automatically to match the input voltage.... literally, there's nothing to do other than flipping the plug out, then plugging it in
The packaging says "Worldwide voltage" in Japanese too... they want to make this travel friendly, so in our case, it makes this easy to import and use, without needing a step down transformer

The BQ-CC16 is the same way... it is also auto switching voltage, the euro or UK plugs and be removed by unclipping it, which exposes the US style plug.... you don't need a step up transformer for those either, just plug it in!

 

[recDNA]

Ok thanks. This is the charger I need then. Too bad it doesn't come with pros but you can't have everything

 

[Kouryu]

It does come with pros! But it's more expensive, since pros are more expensive cells...
http://panasonic.jp/battery/charge/p-db/category/eneloop-high-3-set/lineup.html
only available with AAs, no AAA charger + cell sets (although AAA packs are available)
This black charger originally came with this pro set, all the normal eneloop sets come with white chargers... it's only the forest tones sets comes with the black charger

my original advice was only suggesting the simplest/cheapest way to get the BQ-CC21 charger... but since you want pros, then:
K-KJ21HCC40... about $40 on Amazon USA.... $37 on ebay USA... I'd go the ebay route, since either option involves Japanese sellers anyway, so delivery time will be pretty much the same... at $37, it's not much difference in price between paying $25 for a white BQ-CC21 charger + $15ish for 4 eneloop pros

 

[recDNA]

That link is in Japanese. I only read English. I will search that number though. I prefer Amazon but that's just me

 

[Kouryu]

It's in Japanese because the BQ-CC21 and its battery sets are Japan only, it's not officially sold anywhere else! There is no language choice here. If you want to read it in English, use Google Translate. Otherwise, the rest of this thread may have answers you are looking for.

Any English pages will be for the CC16, CC17, CC18, CC51 chargers, which are sold everywhere but Japan.

 

[recDNA]

It's in Japanese because the BQ-CC21 and its battery sets are Japan only, it's not officially sold anywhere else! There is no language choice here. If you want to read it in English, use Google Translate. Otherwise, the rest of this thread may have answers you are looking for.

Any English pages will be for the CC16, CC17, CC18, CC51 chargers, which are sold everywhere but Japan.

Well Amazon has it in English right? Not much detail but it is there. I wonder if the reason is the charger fails to pass USA safety regs?

 

[hatman]

It does come with pros! But it's more expensive, since pros are more expensive cells...
http://panasonic.jp/battery/charge/p-db/category/eneloop-high-3-set/lineup.html
only available with AAs, no AAA charger + cell sets (although AAA packs are available)
This black charger originally came with this pro set, all the normal eneloop sets come with white chargers... it's only the forest tones sets comes with the black charger

my original advice was only suggesting the simplest/cheapest way to get the BQ-CC21 charger... but since you want pros, then:
K-KJ21HCC40... about $40 on Amazon USA.... $37 on ebay USA... I'd go the ebay route, since either option involves Japanese sellers anyway, so delivery time will be pretty much the same... at $37, it's not much difference in price between paying $25 for a white BQ-CC21 charger + $15ish for 4 eneloop pros

I really appreciate this advice - thanks.

For those who want to keep it even more simple and worry-free, check out the little Maha Powerex MH 401FS charger mentioned in post 101 -- it was just $36 with excellent user ratings last I checked on Amazon.

 

[singapore.mo.b]

Hi! Can I use a Hitachi Maxell quick charger for eneloops? Input: AC 100 ~ 240V, 50/60Hz, 7W Output: DC 1.2V. 1050mA (AA x 2), 525mA (AA x 4), 600mA (AAA x 2), 300mA (AAA x 4)

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Hi! Can I use a Hitachi Maxell quick charger for eneloops? Input: AC 100 ~ 240V, 50/60Hz, 7W Output: DC 1.2V. 1050mA (AA x 2), 525mA (AA x 4), 600mA (AAA x 2), 300mA (AAA x 4)

Sure you can. 1A for 2 Eneloops is fine and 1A is what a lot of us charge them up at. 525mA for four might be a tad low, but not too low. For AAAs, both charging rates are acceptable. I charge my AAA Eneloops at 400mA, but 600mA for two, while a bit high for my tastes, is fine.

Chris

 

[Kouryu]

Just released in Japan:
BQ-CC57... 4 bay smart charger with USB output
BQ-CC55... replaces BQ-CC21... no more plastic lid, looks similar to BQ-CC16, but has LED light strip at the top instead of hidden LEDs at bottom
BQ-CC53... replaces BQ-CC22... no more plastic lid, looks similar to BQ-CC17, but has LED light strip at the top instead of hidden LEDs at bottom

 

[djdawg]

All this talk is Rocket science to me ..................lol
I just bought a Nitecore D-4 ............I hope this one is good enough.
Yah ? Nay ??

 

[rjking]

Just released in Japan:
BQ-CC57... 4 bay smart charger with USB output
BQ-CC55... replaces BQ-CC21... no more plastic lid, looks similar to BQ-CC16, but has LED light strip at the top instead of hidden LEDs at bottom
BQ-CC53... replaces BQ-CC22... no more plastic lid, looks similar to BQ-CC17, but has LED light strip at the top instead of hidden LEDs at bottom

BQ CC57 looks sweet.

 

[recDNA]

Re: Eneloops: what charger do I need?

No, the BQ-CC17 is definitely a smart charger as well. I don't know what algorithm it uses to terminate, but it does so reliably and does it for individual cells in all 4 slots. It's just slow: 300mA for AA and 150mA for AAA.

I personally like the MQH03, because it charges so much faster (and is also single-channel). But the BQ-CC17 is a good charger too, if you don't mind waiting. Having 4 separate LEDs to indicate charge is a nice feature. (The MQH03 lacks this.)

Can the BQCC17 charge 4 cells at different stating voltages and battery types? Like 1 eneloop AAA one duraloop AAA one panasonic AA and one energizer AA

 

[recDNA]

I have read conflicting info on the b1cc16. The guy who sells them on ebay says it won't work in America without some sort of converter. I read a review that said there is an American plug behind the European plug and you just need to remove the European plug with "tools?". Anybody in America got the 16? Could you explain?

 

[HKJ]

I have read conflicting info on the b1cc16. The guy who sells them on ebay says it won't work in America without some sort of converter. I read a review that said there is an American plug behind the European plug and you just need to remove the European plug with "tools?". Anybody in America got the 16? Could you explain?

You could start by checking my review: http://lygte-info.dk/review/Review Charger Panasonic BQ-CC16 UK.html

 

[recDNA]

it auto detects mains voltage and switches automatically to match the input voltage.... literally, there's nothing to do other than flipping the plug out, then plugging it in
The packaging says "Worldwide voltage" in Japanese too... they want to make this travel friendly, so in our case, it makes this easy to import and use, without needing a step down transformer

The BQ-CC16 is the same way... it is also auto switching voltage, the euro or UK plugs and be removed by unclipping it, which exposes the US style plug.... you don't need a step up transformer for those either, just plug it in!

How do I unplug the European plug? The guy selling them in Japan says it only has European plug.

 

[recDNA]

You could start by checking my review: http://lygte-info.dk/review/Review Charger Panasonic BQ-CC16 UK.html

I did. Youn mentioned need tools to remove European plug but no directions. I have very few tools and no idea how to do it nor what tools I would need. It isn't worth it if I need to buy some special tool or need common sense to figure out how to do it. I have no common sense nor mechanical aptitude.

Also the plug in the second photo looks pointed not American. Maybe just the angle?

Amazon listing says..
Condition and notes:
New
Panasonic Eneloop Smart & Quick Charger BQ-CC16 + 1x4 AA [Chargeur - universel]. Within 5 business days is required for the shipment of your order. Professional seller. Fast delivery and careful from France.


Our electronic products have french plug needing an adaptater for your country.

 

[HKJ]

I did. Youn mentioned need tools to remove European plug but no directions. I have very few tools and no idea how to do it nor what tools I would need. It isn't worth it if I need to buy some special tool or need common sense to figure out how to do it. I have no common sense nor mechanical aptitude.

The tool is anything with a point, a screw driver works fine. If you have look pointy nails that may be enough.

Here is a close-up of the locking mechanism, the latch I have marked in red must be pushed down:

Also the plug in the second photo looks pointed not American. Maybe just the angle?

I do not remember the plug any more, but it looked like it would fit a US socket.

 

[recDNA]

Thanks for the explanation but the explicit warnings that it doesn't work in America concern me. I would have no excuse to return it and your picture of the plug underneath doesn't look American.
Do any Americans here have one?

 

[TinderBox (UK)]

40 slot eneloop charger is what you need

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoPE0mVIapk

John.