The first warning sign is that: Would You Believe this charger can only charge in pairs? That is, it cannot handle 1 or 3 cells. A real smart charger has to monitor and charge cells individually, because this is the only way to ensure that each cell is not over-charged or under-charged.
The next thing I found out is that: the so-called 'countdown timer' is mostly for show. It's The Old "2-bit counter in a 7-segment display" Trick. The display always start from '8' (eight hours) when a pair of depleted cells is inserted, regardless of the actual remaining charge time. As the batteries are being charged up, the counter simply decrements through '6', '4', '2' and finally '0', even though the actual charge time may turn out to be just five hours.
The 'Fuel Gauge' on this charger is marginally useful. It shows 1-4 bars, based on the combined voltage of one battery pair. If two pairs of batteries were inserted, the fuel gauge is for the pair with the lower voltage. It soon dawned upon me that both 'countdown timer' and 'fuel gauge' are based on the same information. For examples:
2.2V = 1 bar = 8 hours,
2.4V = 2 bars = 6 hours, and so on.
By the time the combined voltage of two cells reaches 3.0V approximately, the charging is terminated. If the two cells have different capacities, then the lesser one is inevitably over-charged.
One problem with this single 'fuel gauge' is that: it does not tell you which cell is at what status. In comparison, other chargers in this price range may contain four individual status indicators. For examples:
The same problem applies to the four bad-battery indicators. If you insert one good cell with a bad one to the left two slots, for example, both indicators light up in red. But you still can't tell which cell is bad.
The four rechargeable AA cells included in this package are the . Note that their capacity is lower than that of previous generation (2500mAh), but they are not advertised as 'Pre Charged' or 'Low Self Discharge'. My own testing, using the charger/analyzer, indicated that those are indeed traditional NiMH cells. That makes me suspect that Energizer simply rolled back its rechargeable battery technology to circa 2004, instead of moving forward like other battery companies.
To be positive, I should thank Energizer for NOT making yet another timer-based dumb charger, or another '15-minute' battery roaster. But in calling the CHP41US a 'Smart' charger, Mr. Energizer Bunny just Missed It By THAT Much! I had the same problem as a previous reviewer. This charger indicates all batteries are bad, including the batteries that came with it. I bought it new and locally for $9.99, which is what the batteries alone would have cost me, so it wasn't worth returing. Hopefully it actually charges the batteries and it's just a screwed up indicator. Still, it should do what it's ADVERTISED to do. I was skeptical of buying rechargeable batteries because some are duds. However, I bought my oldest boy an Xbox 360 and I did not want to continuously pay money for batteries. Therefore, I decided to buy this charger. It works great. The game is played a ton. Still, the batteries last about three weeks, prior to needing re-charging. Initially, you will have to charge the batteries for eight hours for a full charge. The countdown timer indicates how much time is left for a full charge. Once the counter reaches 0, the batteries are fully charged. Since the charging duration is long, I would suggest keeping two batteries charged, at all times. Therefore, when the other two batteries run out, they can be switched with two charged batteries. I don't know what the issue is with other reviewers of this product. All I can say is I got my money's worth. Not to mention, I am saving money by not continuously paying money for batteries. That can be very expensive. Pretty good charger. Was impressed with how well you can see the display. Batteries took about 4 hours to charge. Another thing I really liked about this charger is that the electrical plug on the back folds in to make it even that much smaller. Fits in my camera case without any problems. Great to take along on a trip and save money not buying expensive batteries. Thanks Dom for buying this for me. Would recommend. Well i needed a new way to find out how to keep my Xbox 360 controller alive,without having to go to Gamestop,or Wal-mart.Well i saw most of the review's on this item,and i didn't know if i should buy it or not,but i had no time to look for another one,so i said what the heck.Well i am happy i took that chance,i was a little bit worry,because of all the bad review's.But when i got it,it worked perfectly fine for me.Never been more happy,and the charge time goes super quick,it state's 8 hour's for full charge,but mine only take's about 4 to 5 hour's top's.I do recommend this product.Hope this help's anyone that's looking for a good charger,for a good priceThis is really good, because now I don't have to constantly buy batteries now. It's very easy to use too, because all I got to so is plug in the charger in an outlet with the dead batteries. We are a large family with enough battery operated stuff to singly support Energizer for the next decade. Digital cameras, toys, radios, games, office equipment, flashlights....the list is almost endless. With the ability to recharge and reuse I am already seeing savings. No more bulk packs of AA batteries for us.
The charger is simple and easy to use. It has a very nice easy-to-read display that can be seen from halfway across the room so you know when the batteries are charged.
My Jr. High daughter thinks we are the coolest because we are going green and I think we are the smartest because we are saving greenIt's true that it can recharge both AA and AAA.If you want to charge AAA push it all the way back, it will stay in place. Nice display. Purchased from my local Wal-mart two months ago. Over half the batteries have failed since and will not charge; the charger indicates they are bad. The ones that still work don't hold a charge for long. A wireless keyboard that will last half of year on a single pair of normal AA's lasts about a week on these. I've used rechargeable batteries for many many years, never had such a poor experience. .
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