"Archimedes' Lever" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 3 Jan 2009 07:17:07 -0800, "William Sommerwerck"
wrote:

Pretty sad that I did not see any features that would make it
worth 3 times what others go for either. No thanks.

You weren't looking. You might not need the features, but it has
features galore, including (but not limited to) the ability to select
charging current, to measure cell capacity, to "refresh" cells, etc.

Thomas Distributing currently (ar, ar) has it on sale for $40.
I'm going to get a second one.

My search found it at $37, but it still has problems. Most today auto
select the charge rate based on the battery being charged, and yes,
they can tell.

The MAHA lets you choose the capacity. You don't have to settle for what the
charger thinks is best.

A charger has no way of knowing a cell's capacity until it's measured it.
Most chargers have separate "tiered" contacts, so that AA cells are charged
at a higher rate than AAA. But that's the limit of their "knowledge".


NiCads and nmih batteries to not get "refresh" hits, and the cell
capacity is usually declared on the cell package or the cell itself.

Some people believe it's a good idea to periodically run down the cells.

Cells vary in capacity, despite their markings, and age differently, even
when those from the same production run. One of several I bought from Thomas
did not meet its spec'd capacity, even after several break-in cycles, and
MAHA replaced it.

The ability to measure capacity makes it possible to sort out your cells so
that every cell in a device "drops out" at about the same time. This reduces
the likelihood of cell reversal.


I did not see a display on it, so I do not know how your claim of
"measuring cell capacity" works.

It has an LCD that shows what's going on.

If _you_ don't need it, fine. But it's a terrific product. I'm glad I bought
mine.