Recharging 3.7v 14500 batteries - what charger?

[NJSkip]

Can I use an AA/AAA battery charger? I've got a LaCrosse BC-9009 that has lots of bells and whistles. I just don't know much about charging batteries. Typically, I use the charger for AA and AAA batteries, which run at 1.2-1.4v. Can I use the same charger for the 3.7v 14500 size battery?

 

[VWFringe]

No, charging Li-Ion's is different because they work differently, so you will see the term CC/CV or read "constant current, constant voltage" which means they ramp down the amperage while they ramp up the voltage towards the end, because you can quickly get them to 3.7 volts but that does not mean they're fully charged.

look at the Tenergy 2-channel at All-Bat

you need to look at candle power forums for reviews of the different chargers, but know that the really cheap ones will take 9 hours, while a better one can take as little as 3-4 hours.

cool, useless tidbit: i just read today they're working on a new glassy coating for the little pipes that the ions flow thru to get back from the cathode to the anode, which will allow them to be charged in less than a minute, but not for another year or two

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery

 

[tristankane]

After a little of googlin and searching on various forums, I've opted for an UltraFire WF-188. With this you can charge any Li-Ion battery at 3.0V, 3.2V, or 3.7V, and also LiFePO4 batteries. I regular use mine for charging Li-Ion 14500, 16340, 17670 @3.7V of several capacities, and 17340 LiFePO4 @ 3.0V.
Surely you can find around other similar models, it's a little more expensive than merely cheap models, but due to its flexibility imho it's worth the higher price.