Power Department

Buying Guide:
Battery Chargers

What makes the battery chargers we carry special is their ability to integrate with a variety of power sources. Some are able to connect to AC, DC (ie car cigarette sockets) or solar sources, while others come with built-in solar panels. Most of our chargers are able to properly charge NiMh batteries in addition to NiCd. The iSun BattPak and Wagan e-Power chargers are also unique in their ability to act as power sources, drawing from their battery stores.

La Crosse Alpha Power

Delta V Universal Charger

Targus Rapid Charger

NexxTech 3 in 1

NexxTech Mini USB

Targus Universal Lithium

Targus Mini 12V

Tekkeon myPower Go

PowerEx Universal Charger

Targus CANON Lithium

Targus SONY Lithium

Eliminator 2A Trickle

Click here to see integrated solar battery chargers

Features

Battery Charging Channels/Capacity

1, 2, 3, 4

2, 4

2, 4

1, 2, 3, 4

2

1

2

4

1-4

1

1

1

Battery Sizes

AA AAA

AA AAA C D 9v

AA AAA

AA AAA

AA AAA

Most battery packs from Canon

AA AAA

AA

AA AAA C D 9v All camcorder & digital camera packs

Most Canon battery packs

Most Sony battery packs

12V Deep Cycle (Up to 80AHr)

Battery Chemistries

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd

NiMh NiCd Li-Ion Li-Po

Lithium

Lithium

Lead Acid

Max Charging Rate

Up to 1000mA (user selectable)

Up to 800mA

Up to 500mA

Up to 500mA (automatic selection for optimum charging)

Up to 500mA

Up to 1000mA?

Up to 500mA

Up to 1000mA

Up to 800mA

Up to 1000mA?

Up to 1000mA?

Up to 2A

AC (Wall Socket Adaptor)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

DC (Car Adaptor)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

USB (Car Adaptor)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Connects to solar?

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes (small USB kits only)

Yes

Yes

Yes (select small USB kits only)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

DC Output? (to provide power from the batteries it charges)

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

What's the attraction?

Charges, conditions, analyzes batteries, and includes a fantastic set of accessories

Can charge more than one size at same time via dual channels, with AC & DC input options

About the size of a deck of cards with integrated AC input

AC, DC, & USB input options, plus 4 channels, means great charging options

Low enough power draw to be used with small solar kits

Adapts to most camera lithium battery packs, and provides both AC & DC input options

A nice, small charger that can be used in cars or directly from most solar panels

Cell adaptors, USB, mini USB, & small barrel plugs for digital cameras

The most complete charging kit available

When you want to take your Canon mobile, this is the right choice

When you want to take your Sony mobile, this is the right choice

Low cost 2-stage trickle charger

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*A Note on Rechargeable Batteries

Most NiCd battery chargers will charge both NiMh and NiCd rechargeable batteries. Modern Outpost recommends the use of NiMh batteries with solar products whenever possible due to the cyclical nature of solar charging, and the lack of a "memory effect" with this type of battery which is often the reason for the early failure of NiCd batteries to hold a charge. There is also the ecological problem associated with NiCd battery disposal... they contain toxic Cadmium, and so should not be simply disposed of in a landfill. NiMh cells do not have this problem.

Want more information about the most common battery technologies for portable devices & power systems? Click here