Charger Reviews

The Lenmar Pro711 is an intelligent rapid charger, that is, it has a microprocessor that detectd negative delta voltage (-dV). A drop in voltage occurs when the batteries attain full charge. When the voltage-drop is detected by the microprocessor, the main charger is shut off (to prevent damage to the batteries from overheating) and a trickle-charge is initiated.

The Pro711 charges AA and AAA-sized batteries and four AA high-capacity NIMH batteries are included with the main charger. The Pro711 can be used on NiCad or NIMH batteries. {Rechargeable alkalines must not be used). Fully-drained Nicad charges in 1 hour (700mah), NIMH charges in 2 hours (1600mah) or more (2-1/2hrs for 2000 mah). Batteries must be "loaded" in pairs (2 batteries or 4 batteries at a time) and must be of the same type ( do not mix niCad and nimh batteries when charging). This Pro711 model works only with AC-input (110-240v input); the 12v-DC cigarette-lighter-adapter is an option and costs extra.

These are pure garbage! Ordered one and it arrived DOA. No power reached the charging unit either through the transformer or the car lighter adapter. Sent it back as a lemon, and ordered a replacement once again based on the previous review.

Guess what? The replacement also arrived DOA for exactly the same reasons as the first. If you like buying items from Amazon and then returning them to Amazon, this is the item for you. If not, try another charger!

For several weeks now, I have seen this Lenmar MSCAA model at work and it is a true 1-hour charger. I have used it at least 8 times; the charging-time averages to around 60 minutes for charging 4 AA-NIMH batteries (2000mAH). (I bought the Lenmar MSCAA charger-unit when I bought a Canon A60 digital camera.)

There are 4 independent charging slots so the unit can charge one or two or three or four AA or AAA batteries at a time. The MSC-AA has a microprocessor that monitors for negative delta voltage. When a battery is being charged, a drop in voltage indicates a fully-charged status. When the microprocessor detects a voltage drop for a charging slot, the main charge is shut off for that battery and a trickle-charge starts.

Batteries being charged always remain cool to the touch. The unit's microprocessor monitors battery temperature thus allowing the charger to provide an optimum charging level (and shorten the charging time). Preventing damage to batteries from overheating extends battery-life.

The Lenmar MSC-AA has international capability with 100-240 Volt AC range. The four AA-NIMH batteries provided with the unit are high-capacity (2000 maH). Also provided: a DC car-cord (plug into cigarette lighter). Do note the charger-unit is a bit bulky. The charging unit does not fit into a shirt-pocket. With the AC-adapter/transformer and the DC-car-cord, fitting into a coat pocket is difficult.

Lenmar states to use this MSCAA-model only on NIMH batteries; it is not to be used on rechargeable alkalines or even on NiCads.