Overview

What is cool about the Energizer CHDCWB-4 Battery Charger is the fact that it is so small and compact. It fits anywhere and can be compared to a compact cell phone.

It has a flip out AC adapter which doesn't get in the way and it is compatible around the world.

My sister went to Russia with this little unit. Equiped with a North American to Euro style AC prong adapter, she was taking photos and charging wherever she went.

She's still naging me for the unit when we're finished reviewing it.

Price

The Energizer CHDCWB-4 sells for under $25 US, sometimes even under $20 US on sale.

You get 4 AA Energizer 2500mAh batteries with this unit. These batteries are great performers. Check out the test results.

So what is the value? Consider the fact that you get :

• 4 AAA NiMH batteries (value $10US);

If you get the the Energizer CHDCWB-4 charger for about $20 US, the charger really costs you only $10 US.

This is a great deal considering how portable it is.

Battery Charge Capacity Tests

During the review, we tested Energizer 2500 mAh, Energizer 2200 mAh and Powerex 2700 mAh batteries in the Vanson V6988 Charger and in the Energizer CHDCWB-4 Battery charger.

( tested results in % of rated capacity, i.e.. for a 2000mAh battery 99% = 1980mAh )

As you can see from the results, the Energizer CHDCWB-4 Battery charger does a good job of charging the batteries. The batteries are not topped up though. This charger is timer based, and topping off a battery usually comes from trickle charging.

The Energizer 2200 batteries did better probably because it is a lower capacity battery that was left for the full charge cycle.( check the instructions )

We tried the Powerex 2700. Even though the instructions say that 2500 mAh is the maximum. We didn't seem to have any problems going higher.

Battery Charging Temperature Tests

We didn't find that the batteries get hot. They do get warm.

Coming Soon

Feature Tests

None really to speak of except the charging.

Overall Conclusion

The Energizer CHDCWB-4 is a great little portable charger. If you need a really compact portable charger, this is a nice little unit. 4 AA Energizer 2500 included makes a great bundle.

I would not make this my main home charger, but if you're on the go and you want good batteries, this is a good bundle. I would also recommend that you stick with Energizer batteries for the Energizer CHDCWB-4 charger.

Improvements :

I'd like to see Energizer come out with a new version of this charger with delta-V, temperature control and trickle charging.

Original Review Date Sept, 2006

Charge Mode

From the little pamphlet that comes with the Energizer CHDCWB-4 Battery charger, I'm left with the impression that this is a timer based charger only.

The instructions indicate that a maximum battery capacity of 2500 mAh should be used. If you use a smaller capacity, you can remove the battery earlier than the timer shut off. An estimated charging time is provided based on the smaller capacity of the battery being charged.

I also see no evidence of trickle charge mode either.

Discharge Mode

Not Available

CHDCWB-4 Specifications :

• Charges Rechargeable Battery Sizes and types: AA & AAA and NiMH
• Charge 2 or 4 AA / AA or 2 AA and 2 AAA
• Automatically Detects AAA or AA Batteries
• Timer Based Charging
• Reverse Polarity Detection
• Flip Down AC Plug
• Included Accessories:
  • 4-AA Energizer 2500 NiMH Batteries
  • CHDC-CA Charger
  • manual