Charges multiple combinations of AA, AAA, C, D and 9V NiMH batteries
Automatically detects type of battery to be charged
Charge status indicator
Rating: - Avoid this timer-based dumb charger
The Energizer Overnight Family Battery Charger (CHFCV) looks very similar to the Rayovac Universal Battery Charger (PS3). Both are capable of charging AAA, AA, C, D-cells and 9V batteries. They are physically about the same size, and even cost about the same. So one would expect the charger with a more famous brand (Energizer) to have a better design, right? WRONG!
The biggest problem with the Energizer CHFCV is that it is a timer-based dumb charger. That means this charger does not detect whether your batteries are empty or fully. It simply charges them at a fixed current (200mA) for a fixed time (16.5 hours) and then turns off. If all you ever need is to recharge AA cells with capacity 2500-2700mAh, then this is not too bad (because 200mA*16.5h = 3300mAh). However, this charger treats all different battery sizes (AA/AAA/C/D) the same way. So if you are charging a pair of 800mAh AAA cells, you better remember to remove them after 4-5 hours, otherwise they will be over-charged by 300%! On the other hand, if you try to use this charger with larger capacity cells (such as a pair of 10,000mAh D-cells), the timer will expire long before the cells are fully charged.
Another problem with this dumb charger is: it can only recharge identical cells in pairs. This is very inconvenient if you have appliances that require odd number (1 or 3) of cells. Now you are left with an empty cell that you cannot recharge. If you try to pair up an empty cell with a full cell in this charger, the latter one will be badly over-charged.
In comparison, the Rayovac PS3 is vastly superior in every aspect. It is a smart charger with 4 independently monitored channels. Charging stops as soon as each cell is full, so there is no danger of over-charging. It is more versatile in that it can detect different battery chemistry (NiCd, NiMH, or alkaline) and adopts different charging methods. It also recharges faster because it uses higher current (up to 480mA).
Energizer also makes a newer version called Energizer Family Charger (CHFC) for slightly higher price. It is a big improvement over this overnight charger (CHFCV). However, I still prefer the Rayovac PS3 because it has the added capability to recharge ordinary alkaline cells.
Rating: - Must Have
If you have children this item is a MUST. My daughter is now almost a year old and 80% of her toys have batteries. This one was perfect because it charged "D" batteries for her swing and bouncer seat when she was an infant but it also charges all the "AA", "AAA" and even "9V" that are required for almost every gift she receives.
It also handles batteries for my Husbands toys, which include remote controlled vehicles, handheld games and cameras.
Rating: - Great Product
I have used this charger with the Energizer 9-Volt Rechargeable Battery and i am very pleased with it, yes it takes some time to recharge the battery but 9-Volt batteries take longer to recharge than other batteries and the charge light comes off when the process is complete, so all in all a great product.
Rating: - charge!
Only for Nimh batteries. AA, AAA, C, D & 9volt. WOOHOO! I can finally recharge ALL my batteries with ONE recharger!! While it's charging, the 2 red lights are on, when it's done, they turn off. The batteries pop in & out easily. When you put them in you need to pull the movable bottom down & place the bottom of the battery(-)in first, making sure that the top(+)is right on the strip, it's very easy. I've had some smaller chargers that I've had to bang on my hand to get the batteries out. But not this one!
I think I'll need to get another one of these because it can only do 4 at a time. You can charge 2 or 4 of the same type at a time, you need 2 to complete the circuit, or 2 AA & 2 AAA or 2 C & 2 D at the same time. 9 volts should be done alone. It takes longer for larger batteries, but I don't mind the wait. If you're in a hurry you can use a 15 minute recharger but you won't have a fully recharged battery, which will then lose power more quickly. The more often a battery isn't completely charged, the shorter the life it will have.
This is a lightweight piece. Since it charges slowly over many hours it will not get hot, like the quick chargers do, so it's safe to set on any surface (obviously not next to water).
The clear cover keeps out dust & dirt but not little hands so put it up where the rugrats can't get it or the cord, again obvious, but some people need reminding ;P
A great piece worth the price & I'm buying another!
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