For Sony DKC-ID1 and Mavica Still Cameras
and many popular 8mm, Hi8 and MiniDV Camcorders
This is the $49 Sima SPM13 "smart" charger, it can rapid
charge your 3.6v and 7.2v Canon, Hitachi, JVC, Panasonic, RCA, Sanyo,
Sharp and Sony Lithium Ion (Li ion) batteries with the
precision that only today's microprocessor technology can provide.
Charging is controlled using peak voltage to guarantee full charging of
battery packs. Abnormal battery detection is also provided to identify
"bad" battery packs and the user is alerted by six rapid beeps of the
charger.
Here's a closeup of the LEDs on the SPM13 charger. When you insert the
battery it will beep and the appropriate voltage (3.6 or 7.2) light will
come on to let you know it is charging. During charging
the green "Charge" light comes on and when it is fully charged the red
"Full" LED will illuminate and the unit will beep again.
Charge time is completely dependant on the capacity of the battery pack
and how far down it has been discharged. When used with the Sony NP-F550 battery
for my DKC-ID1 (and most Mavica cameras) it charged in about half the
time it normally took with the supplied Sony BC-V100 charger.
There is a "booster" button on the back of the unit that is sometimes
used with brand new battery packs that look like a defective pack to the
SPM13 charger. This can also be necessary for battery packs that have
been sitting uncharged for extended periods of time. The booster is a
30-second charge at higher than normal charge levels.
110VAC or 12VDC Operation
You can use the Sima SPM13 at home with the 110VAC adapter or
in your car or boat or anyplace that has a cigarette lighter plug with
the included 12V power cord.
An adapter tray is included to handle certain types of battery packs,
the Sony NP-Fnnn series slip right onto the main charger base as shown
above.
Steve's Conclusion
We all hate to waste time and that's one thing this charger definitely
doesn't do.
It will charge up your Lithium Ion batteries as fast as possible.
It costs about the same as the Sony BC-V615 charger at $49
but it also works in the car or boat on 12v. If you buy it at the same
time as a lithium battery pack it's only $39!
This battery charger is a real winner!
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