There are 2 different LaCrosse chargers on Amazon. The BC-700 regularly sells for $30 and is in the Friday sale for $25 today. The BC-900 (aka BC-9009) regularly sells for $40, but regularly goes on sale for around $35. The BC-900 is a better charger and also comes with a set of free rechargeable batteries.
johnny98 said: There are 2 different LaCrosse chargers on Amazon. The BC-700 regularly sells for $30 and is in the Friday sale for $25 today. The BC-900 (aka BC-9009) regularly sells for $40, but regularly goes on sale for around $35. The BC-900 is a better charger and also comes with a set of free rechargeable batteries.Either of the models are good chargers and will charge your batteries similarly. The BC-900 is nicer, but not more than $10 nicer.
That is an awesome deal, green! Even though I bought this model last night (I needed the C/D adapters) for $10 more. It also comes with a set of batteries, which alone are easily worth $10.
* Comes with 4 AA and 4 AAA rechargeable batteries * Also includes 4 C- and 4 D-size battery adapters and durable travel bag
Gizzle
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 11:05a
Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99
echip said: The BC-9009 cost $10 more because it also:
* Comes with 4 AA and 4 AAA rechargeable batteries * Also includes 4 C- and 4 D-size battery adapters and durable travel bag
It's only worth it if you need any of it.
I have 16 AAAs and over 80 AAs as well as 16 C and D adapters so I would not be the one who needs those extras.
ajkghemee
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 11:22a
Mong said: echip said: The BC-9009 cost $10 more because it also:
* Comes with 4 AA and 4 AAA rechargeable batteries * Also includes 4 C- and 4 D-size battery adapters and durable travel bag
It's only worth it if you need any of it.
I have 16 AAAs and over 80 AAs as well as 16 C and D adapters so I would not be the one who needs those extras.
Actually, the BC-900 can charge at 1000mA and 1800mA as well if you want/need that. I have plenty of batteries lying around, so I never need that feature (since it lowers the life the battery), but if you ever want to do a quick charge, the BC-900 can while the BC-700 cannot.
I have an old BC-900 that I bought before the BC-700 came out and have been happy for the last 3 years, but if I had to choose now, I'd buy the BC-700.
Gizzle said: Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99Depends if you need batteries and aren't in a hurry, the other charger kit that people are discussing, goes on sale with some regularity also (~$35). I got it a couple of month back for $32 (with shipping). If you need a few more batteries, then it's clearly worth $7 for the eight batteries; plus you get the case (which I use for travel) and the adapters (which I not used, but I might).
Gizzle said: Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99You can buy the C and D adapters cheaply off of eBay (a 10 second search revealed plenty of results). The "durable" travel bag is nice, but is an unneeded extra. The batteries it comes with are good, but not "$15-good" for me.
freeforfrank
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 11:36a
What is so good about these chargers? How big a difference there be compared to a regular charger comes with the rechargeable batteries? Say the Sanyo envelop pack from Costco.
ajkghemee
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 11:40a
squinky86 said: Gizzle said: Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99You can buy the C and D adapters cheaply off of eBay (a 10 second search revealed plenty of results). The "durable" travel bag is nice, but is an unneeded extra. The batteries it comes with are good, but not "$15-good" for me.
Ok, if you put it that way, the adapters are $4.69 (even though you only get 6 on eBay compared to 8 with the BC-9009). A good/great price for rechargeables is $1 each, so that would be $8 for the batteries. And then the travel bag for an extra $2.30. So that accounts for the $15 difference. Plus the option of charging at 1000mA or 1800mA.
I would say it's pretty equal depending on what you want. If you happen to catch the BC-9009 on sale, I would say that it's the better deal (once again, depending on what you want/need).
I bought many rechargeable batteries for cheap. They were fine using the energizer 1hr charger for a while. Then they won't charge any more. The LED on the charger just blink when I put the batteries in. Luckily I didn't throw the batteries away. I bought BC-700 just 3 weeks ago (thanks to FW), and now I can charge those batteries again. I have about 5 out 30 that still won't charge. Some had said that I can use a cheap charger to charge those dead batteries for about 2 minutes, then the BC-700 will be able to charge them again. Have not tried it though.
h8py said: I bought many rechargeable batteries for cheap. They were fine using the energizer 1hr charger for a while. Then they won't charge any more. The LED on the charger just blink when I put the batteries in. Luckily I didn't throw the batteries away. I bought BC-700 just 3 weeks ago (thanks to FW), and now I can charge those batteries again. I have about 5 out 30 that still won't charge. Some had said that I can use a cheap charger to charge those dead batteries for about 2 minutes, then the BC-700 will be able to charge them again. Have not tried it though.
that's what works! just get some juice flow - and LC will take care of the rest!
Thanks OP. Just bought one - helps me get rid of that $100 promo credit from the xbox 360 deal.
ajkghemee
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 5:27p
MISURICK said: h8py said: I bought many rechargeable batteries for cheap. They were fine using the energizer 1hr charger for a while. Then they won't charge any more. The LED on the charger just blink when I put the batteries in. Luckily I didn't throw the batteries away. I bought BC-700 just 3 weeks ago (thanks to FW), and now I can charge those batteries again. I have about 5 out 30 that still won't charge. Some had said that I can use a cheap charger to charge those dead batteries for about 2 minutes, then the BC-700 will be able to charge them again. Have not tried it though.
that's what works! just get some juice flow - and LC will take care of the rest!
Or use the paperclip trick.. short the battery with a paperclip first and then it'll charge again (check the pictures for the BC-9009 in Amazon). Thought they would've fixed that for the newer versions, but i guess not.
ajkghemee said: MISURICK said: h8py said: I bought many rechargeable batteries for cheap. They were fine using the energizer 1hr charger for a while. Then they won't charge any more. The LED on the charger just blink when I put the batteries in. Luckily I didn't throw the batteries away. I bought BC-700 just 3 weeks ago (thanks to FW), and now I can charge those batteries again. I have about 5 out 30 that still won't charge. Some had said that I can use a cheap charger to charge those dead batteries for about 2 minutes, then the BC-700 will be able to charge them again. Have not tried it though.
that's what works! just get some juice flow - and LC will take care of the rest!
Or use the paperclip trick.. short the battery with a paperclip first and then it'll charge again (check the pictures for the BC-9009 in Amazon). Thought they would've fixed that for the newer versions, but i guess not.
I bought their batteries before. 70% died in 1 year. the charger is still working
ajkghemee
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 5:43p
MISURICK said: ajkghemee said: Or use the paperclip trick.. short the battery with a paperclip first and then it'll charge again (check the pictures for the BC-9009 in Amazon). Thought they would've fixed that for the newer versions, but i guess not.
how would it work if the battery is dead! !?
Sorry, you use the paperclip to connect a dead and good battery to give it a "jump start" instead of charging in the cheapo charger. Check out the picture on Amazon in the BC-9009 product page.
Did I miss a joke or was that a real question? That smiley face makes me think I missed a joke.
dugggg
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 7:26p
Thanks, just bought three for xmas gifts (and got the free shipping).
The BC-700 is a terrific gift for those special people who recognize the numerous benefits of rechargeable batteries and would genuinely appreciate a high-quality smart charger.
Gizzle said: Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99IMHO it's better to get the BC-700 and use the savings to buy low-discharge NiMH instead of the regular ol' NiMH that comes with the BC-900 set.
I have the BC-900 and never ever use the high-current charging modes (500-1000mA). It shortens battery life, and honestly I never think to set it to the higher current modes. If you need the fast charging (at the expense of battery recharge cycle life) then the 900 is your choice, but for most people the 700 does just fine. Both are fine chargers and have the same quality charging features.
I have about 2 to 3 dozen eneloops (from Costco) and been charging with my old Sony BCG-34HRMD from about 5yrs ago (it charges at 525mA-1050mA, refresh feature, and auto shutoff). Do you guys think it's worth it for me to pick up this charger, or should I just stick with what I have and spend the extra to get more eneloops considering they're cheap at Costco? I mean, at what point is it better to get a great charger vs just get more batteries. Thanks in advanced for your advice!
peas said: Gizzle said: Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99IMHO it's better to get the BC-700 and use the savings to buy low-discharge NiMH instead of the regular ol' NiMH that comes with the BC-900 set.
I have the BC-900 and never ever use the high-current charging modes (500-1000mA). It shortens battery life, and honestly I never think to set it to the higher current modes. If you need the fast charging (at the expense of battery recharge cycle life) then the 900 is your choice, but for most people the 700 does just fine. Both are fine chargers and have the same quality charging features. Your thoughts on proper battery charging are outdated (I used to think the same). The battery gurus recommend 0.5-1C charge rate for NiMH. For a 2000mA cell, that's 1000mA @ 0.5C. I used to charge my Eneloop AA's at the default 200mA charge rate of the BC-900 until I noticed it sometimes wouldn't terminate the charge well after the time it was supposed to be done charging. From what I've read, that was because the charge rate is too low to generate the slight voltage drop that occurs when the battery has been full charged...and that is what the charger detects to determine when to terminate charging and go into trickle mode. Have had no issues once changing to 1000mA.
poohbie said: peas said: Gizzle said: Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99IMHO it's better to get the BC-700 and use the savings to buy low-discharge NiMH instead of the regular ol' NiMH that comes with the BC-900 set.
I have the BC-900 and never ever use the high-current charging modes (500-1000mA). It shortens battery life, and honestly I never think to set it to the higher current modes. If you need the fast charging (at the expense of battery recharge cycle life) then the 900 is your choice, but for most people the 700 does just fine. Both are fine chargers and have the same quality charging features. Your thoughts on proper battery charging are outdated (I used to think the same). The battery gurus recommend 0.5-1C charge rate for NiMH. For a 2000mA cell, that's 1000mA @ 0.5C. I used to charge my Eneloop AA's at the default 200mA charge rate of the BC-900 until I noticed it sometimes wouldn't terminate the charge well after the time it was supposed to be done charging. From what I've read, that was because the charge rate is too low to generate the slight voltage drop that occurs when the battery has been full charged...and that is what the charger detects to determine when to terminate charging and go into trickle mode. Have had no issues once changing to 1000mA. So what about charging at the 700ma instead of 200 ma (on the BC-700)?
poohbie said: peas said: Gizzle said: Are the batteries and few extra features worth the extra 15 bucks? I'm in the market for one of these and am tempted to bite on either the 700 for 24.99 or the 9009 for 39.99IMHO it's better to get the BC-700 and use the savings to buy low-discharge NiMH instead of the regular ol' NiMH that comes with the BC-900 set.
I have the BC-900 and never ever use the high-current charging modes (500-1000mA). It shortens battery life, and honestly I never think to set it to the higher current modes. If you need the fast charging (at the expense of battery recharge cycle life) then the 900 is your choice, but for most people the 700 does just fine. Both are fine chargers and have the same quality charging features.Your thoughts on proper battery charging are outdated (I used to think the same). The battery gurus recommend 0.5-1C charge rate for NiMH. For a 2000mA cell, that's 1000mA @ 0.5C. I used to charge my Eneloop AA's at the default 200mA charge rate of the BC-900 until I noticed it sometimes wouldn't terminate the charge well after the time it was supposed to be done charging. From what I've read, that was because the charge rate is too low to generate the slight voltage drop that occurs when the battery has been full charged...and that is what the charger detects to determine when to terminate charging and go into trickle mode. Have had no issues once changing to 1000mA. Perhaps, but my BC-900 has never failed to stop charging when the battery is full. A-h never exceeds the battery's rated capacity (e.g. for a 50% discharged batt, it fills 1000mAh). It's true that quality batts such as Eneloops can tolerate 0.5C charge rates without much trouble. But to say that lower charge rates don't offer ANY improved margin of safety/robustness is much more misleading.
BTW - my charger is 2-3 yrs old, well after the introduction of the Eneloops. If yours is older, you might want to send it in to LaCrosse to see if they have a firmware update.
coolbreeze said: So what about charging at the 700ma instead of 200 ma (on the BC-700)?Shouldn't be a problem, you'd charge 3x as fast. Again, keep in mind that higher charge rates reduce the battery's total charge cycles. I've seen data for a number of batteries and in all cases, higher charge rates degrade the battery to some extent. For a high quality Eneloop, the difference may not be much, say 900 cycles for high current charging vs 1000 cycles for low current (I'm just pulling #s out my butt for example purposes). However other makes may degrade more (700 cycles instead of 1000). Aside from manufacturer data, the only way to know for certain is to run long-term experiments at different charge rates on the same batch of one make's batteries. Or just charge at low current and not worry about it
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