Overview

The iPOWER IP-FC904U battery charger is 9 Volt rechargeable battery charger that is small, powerful, fast and smart and can charge up to four 8.4V or 9.6V NiMH, NiCD, and the New 9V Lithium Polymer rechargeable batteries in just 1.5 Hours.

The included car adapter allows you to use the IP-FC904U battery charger in the car or in any 12v source with a light plug ( such as portable backup systems ).

Price

The iPOWER IP-FC904U battery charger sells for as low as $34.95 US.

This does not necessarily include any batteries.

Battery Charge Capacity Tests

During the review, we tested Powerizer 200 mAh, Tenergy 250 mAh and iPower 400 mAh batteries in the Vanson BC1HU Charger and in the iPower IP-FC904U Battery charger.

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

The iPower IP-FC904U Battery charger does a good job of charging the batteries. The batteries are not topped up though. This charger is a fast charger so topping off a battery might come from trickle charging for an extra 6 to 12hrs.

The Vanson BC1HU charger did better probably because it is an overnight slow charger.

Feature Tests

None really to speak of except the charging.

Overall Conclusion

The iPower IP-FC904U Battery charger does a good job of charging the batteries. The batteries are not topped up though.

If you have a need to charge more than two 9 v batteries or if you are charging 9v Lithium batteries, this might be the charger for you. If you are using 9v Lithiums, you have no real choice, you need this charger.

Regarding the 9v Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

We tested two of the iPower 9v Lithium rechargeable batteries and found that both were lacking in quality.

The first iPower 9v Lithium rechargeable battery resulted in a capacity test of approximately 90% but after 7 charges, the battery died. The second iPower 9v Lithium rechargeable battery did not even register a charge the first time.

Upon inserting the iPower 9v Lithium rechargeable battery into the iPower IP-FC904U Battery charger, the status LED lights up green immediately. Well we tested the battery, no energy. We left the battery in the charger for 1 week, hoping the trickle charge would yield results. Nope.

Is it bad technology or a bad batch, we don't know. Right now, we cannot recommend the iPower 9v Lithium rechargeable battery.

Improvements :

This charger should come with an indicator LED for the battery type currently selected. Human nature always leads to simple mistakes. The Lithium / NiCD NiMH battery type switch is small and is on the side.

Original Review Date Sept, 2006

Charge Mode

There are two charge modes and these are related to battery type. You need to select the battery type before you insert your batteries.

Lithium mode : This mode is selected if you are charging the iPower 9v Lithium battery.

NiCd or NiMH mode : This mode is selected if you are charging a standard 9v NiCd or NiMH battery.

Discharge Mode

Not Available

IP-FC904U Specifications :

• Four Individual Battery Charging Channels
• full -deltaV Computer Control.
• no risk of overcharging.
• fully RoHS Compliant.
• User selectable switch for Selecting NiCD/NiMH or LI-Ion Charging Mode.
• Recessed switch design to prevent accidental switching and battery damage.
• Microprocessor controlled
• automatic trickle charge.
• Negative Delta V
• Zero Delta V
• Temperature and Timer control
• Compatible with 7.2V, 8.4, and 9.6 Rapid Charge Capable 9V ( 9 volt ) rechargeable Batteries and 9V Lithium Polymer Batteries.
• Individual LED for each charging channel - denotes charge status
• Detects bad 9v batteries
• charges most 9V batteries less than 1.5 hours.
• Capable of reviving older 8.4 and 9.6V rechargeable batteries.
• Comes with a Car Kit.
• Includes AC Power Adapter for 100~240V AC 50/60 Hz.
• Battery Charger Dimensions: 2.75" W x 3.75" L x 1.04" D