Comments on: Battery Xtender Alkaline Battery Recharger http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:27:19 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Mike Arnold http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-45523 Mike Arnold Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:01:30 +0000 #comment-45523 John,I Think You Are Talking About The EBR444 Emmerson Battery Charger.It Is Large And Black In Color,You'll Find It Here At This Link,Hope This Is The Right 1 For You. Mike http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=emerson-battery-charger&PIN=3031 John,I Think You Are Talking About The EBR444 Emmerson Battery Charger.It Is Large And Black In Color,You’ll Find It Here At This Link,Hope This Is The Right 1 For You. Mike
http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=emerson-battery-charger&PIN=3031

]]> By: John http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-45450 John Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:05:06 +0000 #comment-45450 I had a alkaline battery re-charger several years back, it was all black and made of thick plastic and would charge several batteries at a time. We never had ANY battery leakage with that charger and we charged literally hundreds of alkaline D's, C's and AA's over a 2 year period. We were able to recharge a battery about 8 to 10 times with it and it saved us a LOT of money. I packed it away during a move and still have not found it after arrival at our new place. The only negative thing I noticed was that the batteries would only re-charge to about 4/5 of their original charge length. Even so I still wish I could find that thing again. :-( I had a alkaline battery re-charger several years back, it was all black and made of thick plastic and would charge several batteries at a time. We never had ANY battery leakage with that charger and we charged literally hundreds of alkaline D’s, C’s and AA’s over a 2 year period. We were able to recharge a battery about 8 to 10 times with it and it saved us a LOT of money. I packed it away during a move and still have not found it after arrival at our new place. The only negative thing I noticed was that the batteries would only re-charge to about 4/5 of their original charge length. Even so I still wish I could find that thing again.
:-(

]]> By: geo har http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-38940 geo har Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:15:42 +0000 #comment-38940 could check this alternative product http://www.rezap.com.au/ or the older model, more quiet without a fan http://users.tpg.com.au/users/p8king/rezap.htm don't charge Duracells as they leak (even when not recharged) could check this alternative product
http://www.rezap.com.au/

or the older model, more quiet without a fan
http://users.tpg.com.au/users/p8king/rezap.htm

don’t charge Duracells as they leak (even when not recharged)

]]> By: TwinDex http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-38491 TwinDex Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:01:40 +0000 #comment-38491 I Too have been using the Innovations battery manager Ultra for far too many years that i care to remember, It has served me well but I too have to move and juggle the batteries around to get them to register. But I now want a machine that does both rechargable and alkaline as I dont like the idea of having two units for one job, the EverCharge Alkaline + Rechargeable Battery Charger also called the Battery Wizard http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/EcoFriendly/EnergySaving/BatteryWizard.htm looks like it ticks all my boxes. Any thoughts on this one? I Too have been using the Innovations battery manager Ultra for far too many years that i care to remember, It has served me well but I too have to move and juggle the batteries around to get them to register. But I now want a machine that does both rechargable and alkaline as I dont like the idea of having two units for one job, the EverCharge Alkaline + Rechargeable Battery Charger also called the Battery Wizard http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/EcoFriendly/EnergySaving/BatteryWizard.htm looks like it ticks all my boxes. Any thoughts on this one?

]]> By: Dawn http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-38200 Dawn Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:30:22 +0000 #comment-38200 where can I buy one? where can I buy one?

]]> By: Jeff G http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-36850 Jeff G Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:56:16 +0000 #comment-36850 I have been using the Innovations battery manager Ultra for years also. I have had problems with leaking batteries also - I have not found one brand more or less likely to leak than another. My Ultra has been leaked into many times and I am now having troubles with it recognizing that a battery has been inserted - two of the 4 slots work fine, for tow of the slots, the batteries have to be inserted several times and jostled around for them to be "seen", and sometimes, they will be cahrging and then I will check them later and that slot will have turned off (as if there were nothing in the slot). As such, I figured the Ultra was on its last legs and I am searching for a new charger - thus my look at the X Tender. If they still made the Ultra, I would buy anohter one - ther are some problems, but overall it's worthwhile (I have never ruined a device due to a leaking battery - a pain in the tail chore of cleaning up the leakage, but it has never rendered a device unservicable - lucky? possibly. I have been using the Innovations battery manager Ultra for years also. I have had problems with leaking batteries also – I have not found one brand more or less likely to leak than another. My Ultra has been leaked into many times and I am now having troubles with it recognizing that a battery has been inserted – two of the 4 slots work fine, for tow of the slots, the batteries have to be inserted several times and jostled around for them to be “seen”, and sometimes, they will be cahrging and then I will check them later and that slot will have turned off (as if there were nothing in the slot). As such, I figured the Ultra was on its last legs and I am searching for a new charger – thus my look at the X Tender. If they still made the Ultra, I would buy anohter one – ther are some problems, but overall it’s worthwhile (I have never ruined a device due to a leaking battery – a pain in the tail chore of cleaning up the leakage, but it has never rendered a device unservicable – lucky? possibly.

]]> By: fred S http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-35004 fred S Sun, 10 May 2009 13:04:14 +0000 #comment-35004 I found these comments highly informative. I have been using "Innovations battery manager Ultra" for over a decade with great success. Anyone else using that? I found these comments highly informative. I have been using “Innovations battery manager Ultra” for over a decade with great success. Anyone else using that?

]]> By: andy white http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-29857 andy white Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:28:12 +0000 #comment-29857 Wow, really interesting to read about the 'battery xtender'. I designed and build and produced the first commercially available alkaline battery recharger in 1993 for the Innovations catalogue - it was called 'the battery manager'. It too was uP controlled, and the second version had a nice LCD display - sold quite well, but like the Xtender, always had the issue that you will always get some batteries that will leak post recharge, and if that's in your favourite product, bad press follows - we had one guy use recharged AA's in a nasal hair trimmer - got stuck up his nose wrapped round some hair - then leaked - that was a bad day ! - I'm still inventing/designing, but bigger things now..like this .. www.adrenalinemotorsport.co.uk cheers and good luck ! Wow, really interesting to read about the ‘battery xtender’. I designed and build and produced the first commercially available alkaline battery recharger in 1993 for the Innovations catalogue – it was called ‘the battery manager’. It too was uP controlled, and the second version had a nice LCD display – sold quite well, but like the Xtender, always had the issue that you will always get some batteries that will leak post recharge, and if that’s in your favourite product, bad press follows – we had one guy use recharged AA’s in a nasal hair trimmer – got stuck up his nose wrapped round some hair – then leaked – that was a bad day ! – I’m still inventing/designing, but bigger things now..like this .. http://www.adrenalinemotorsport.co.uk cheers and good luck !

]]> By: Perect Peter http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-21913 Perect Peter Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:58:00 +0000 #comment-21913 <p>I use (and sell) another brand of alkaline battery charger in Australia, and I was very interested to read here about problems with Duracell batteries leaking because we recommend that you don't recharge Duracell batteries as I, and many others (including a major wholesale battery supplier) have found them the most likely to leak!</p> <p>Even without recharging, Duracell seem to leak liquid everywhere if they are left in a device too long - moral, always remove your batteries if the device is not being used for a long time!</p> <p>I have had recharged Duracell batteries leak in a device, I've had Duracell Ultra leak lying around after recharge and a few of my customers (despite my advise not to) have had Duracell batteries leak in the charger.</p> <p>All other brands of batteries I've tried (and I've tried many different ones*) have had no problem in the charger nor in devices BUT I did have a few which were left lying around for months and develop a white power and a little liquid - moral, check your batteries regularly!</p> <p>*some alkaline batteries do perform better after recharging BUT no other brand seemed to leak like Duracell !?!?</p> <p>p.s. I have over 5 years of exerience in using an alkaline battery charger (remember not all chargers are the same - my first 'cheap' unit from China did cause battery leakage), I now recommend using NiMH batteries with LSD (Low Self Discharge) in high drain applications (e.g. digital cameras), BUT recharged alkalines are fine in LED torches, remote controls, computer wireless devices, electronic gadgets, clocks etc.</p> I use (and sell) another brand of alkaline battery charger in Australia, and I was very interested to read here about problems with Duracell batteries leaking because we recommend that you don’t recharge Duracell batteries as I, and many others (including a major wholesale battery supplier) have found them the most likely to leak!

Even without recharging, Duracell seem to leak liquid everywhere if they are left in a device too long – moral, always remove your batteries if the device is not being used for a long time!

I have had recharged Duracell batteries leak in a device, I’ve had Duracell Ultra leak lying around after recharge and a few of my customers (despite my advise not to) have had Duracell batteries leak in the charger.

All other brands of batteries I’ve tried (and I’ve tried many different ones*) have had no problem in the charger nor in devices BUT I did have a few which were left lying around for months and develop a white power and a little liquid – moral, check your batteries regularly!

*some alkaline batteries do perform better after recharging BUT no other brand seemed to leak like Duracell !?!?

p.s. I have over 5 years of exerience in using an alkaline battery charger (remember not all chargers are the same – my first ‘cheap’ unit from China did cause battery leakage), I now recommend using NiMH batteries with LSD (Low Self Discharge) in high drain applications (e.g. digital cameras), BUT recharged alkalines are fine in LED torches, remote controls, computer wireless devices, electronic gadgets, clocks etc.

]]> By: Joyce http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-21912 Joyce Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:44:12 +0000 #comment-21912 <p>I left the above comment. (Joyce) I have since talked to Ira, the owner of the company that makes Battery Xtender. </p> <p>I'm planning to use his advice and give it another try. His advice: Duracell Ultra and Energizer are good brands to use. Avoid generic types. (The cell walls may be thinner, I believe he said.) He also recommended starting with new batteries, rather than trying to recharge old ones you have around the house, even though they may charge fine. </p> <p>About not responding to my emails, he said he's been having trouble getting some and had missed one from Walmart recently. </p> <p>I was able to clean the grip sufficiently to get it working again. </p> <p>He offered to replace it if there was a problem other than simple cleaning or adjustment. (I'd have to pay shipping one way.) </p> <p>One problem is how to store batteries that you've recharged and aren't using at the moment. (This may have been part of my problem with leakage.) He suggested a product from Home Depot that stores batteries called Battery Rack - SKU 693 252. (He said that you may have to ask for it.) This rack stores 48 AAA and AA batteries and is about $9.95.</p> <p>I hope he puts this info on his web site. </p> <p>Joyce</p> I left the above comment. (Joyce) I have since talked to Ira, the owner of the company that makes Battery Xtender.

I’m planning to use his advice and give it another try. His advice: Duracell Ultra and Energizer are good brands to use. Avoid generic types. (The cell walls may be thinner, I believe he said.) He also recommended starting with new batteries, rather than trying to recharge old ones you have around the house, even though they may charge fine.

About not responding to my emails, he said he’s been having trouble getting some and had missed one from Walmart recently.

I was able to clean the grip sufficiently to get it working again.

He offered to replace it if there was a problem other than simple cleaning or adjustment. (I’d have to pay shipping one way.)

One problem is how to store batteries that you’ve recharged and aren’t using at the moment. (This may have been part of my problem with leakage.) He suggested a product from Home Depot that stores batteries called Battery Rack – SKU 693 252. (He said that you may have to ask for it.) This rack stores 48 AAA and AA batteries and is about $9.95.

I hope he puts this info on his web site.

Joyce

]]> By: Joyce http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-21911 Joyce Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:49:44 +0000 #comment-21911 <p>I've also had problems with batteries leaking after charging them with this product. One right in the charger, a couple after I put them in cordless headphones right from the charger, several that had been in a thermostat display for several months.</p> <p>The charger had other problems as well. One of the "Adjustable Battery Grips" that holds the battery in place became stuck, and one of the indicator lights (showing the battery is charged) goes green consistently before the others. (It's possible the grip was damaged by the battery that leaked.)</p> <p>I have emailed them twice and have had no response. It's been a couple weeks...</p> I’ve also had problems with batteries leaking after charging them with this product. One right in the charger, a couple after I put them in cordless headphones right from the charger, several that had been in a thermostat display for several months.

The charger had other problems as well. One of the “Adjustable Battery Grips” that holds the battery in place became stuck, and one of the indicator lights (showing the battery is charged) goes green consistently before the others. (It’s possible the grip was damaged by the battery that leaked.)

I have emailed them twice and have had no response. It’s been a couple weeks…

]]> By: Julie http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-21910 Julie Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:53:22 +0000 #comment-21910 <p>Brian:</p> <p>Thanks for posting and I look forward to any other info that you can provide after you've used the charger for awhile.</p> Brian:

Thanks for posting and I look forward to any other info that you can provide after you’ve used the charger for awhile.

]]> By: Bri@n http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-21909 Bri@n Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:07:23 +0000 #comment-21909 <p>Hey fellow gadgeteers: I received my internet order from the distributor a few days back and have had no issues with battery leakage what so ever. I was seeing 2-packs of AAA batteries in 7-11 (yeah not the cheapest price but aided in my justification of purchase) for CDN$4.99 and thought that despite the one bad review here, the USD$50 was a small gamble to take if I was able to avoid such unnecessary costs. Just to be safe I am charging the batteries with the unit 'face-down' so any faulty batteries that escape my 'eye' will leak onto the inside of the lid, rather than into the inside of the unit, toasting the charger. I'll keep you posted if anything 'noteworthy' comes about.</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p>Brian British Columbia, Canada</p> Hey fellow gadgeteers:
I received my internet order from the distributor a few days back and have had no issues with battery leakage what so ever. I was seeing 2-packs of AAA batteries in 7-11 (yeah not the cheapest price but aided in my justification of purchase) for CDN$4.99 and thought that despite the one bad review here, the USD$50 was a small gamble to take if I was able to avoid such unnecessary costs. Just to be safe I am charging the batteries with the unit ‘face-down’ so any faulty batteries that escape my ‘eye’ will leak onto the inside of the lid, rather than into the inside of the unit, toasting the charger. I’ll keep you posted if anything ‘noteworthy’ comes about.

Regards,

Brian
British Columbia, Canada

]]> By: TromboneAl http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/09/14/battery_xtender_alkaline_battery_recharger/comment-page-1/#comment-21908 TromboneAl Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:16:04 +0000 #comment-21908 <p>Stop, Warning -- Causes Battery Leaks!!!</p> <p>I bought this product, based partly on this review. Before recharging batteries I never experienced any battery leaks. Since using this, I've seen about 20 batteries leak. Several have damaged equipment (remote control, telephone headset, flashlight). </p> <p>I did nothing unusual. I used the product as directed.</p> <p>Most of the batteries are Duracells. The leakage may not occur immediately. I have now recycled all the alkaline batteries, and will never use this charger again.</p> Stop, Warning — Causes Battery Leaks!!!

I bought this product, based partly on this review. Before recharging batteries I never experienced any battery leaks. Since using this, I’ve seen about 20 batteries leak. Several have damaged equipment (remote control, telephone headset, flashlight).

I did nothing unusual. I used the product as directed.

Most of the batteries are Duracells. The leakage may not occur immediately. I have now recycled all the alkaline batteries, and will never use this charger again.

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