Comparison La Crosse BC-500 vs Power Plant PP-EU1000

The smallest current that the device can provide in charge mode. If this parameter is specified in the specifications, this means that this model has the ability to adjust the charge current (otherwise, only the maximum current is indicated).

Charging current is one of the most important parameters for any charger: see “Maximum charge current. And the general range of current adjustment depends on this indicator: the lower the minimum value (with the same maximum) — the more extensive the possibilities for setting up the "charger" for the specific specifics of work.

The highest current that the device can provide when charging the battery (or the nominal value of the charging current, if it is not adjustable).

Charging current is one of the most important parameters for any charger: it determines the speed of the process and compatibility with certain batteries. In general, the higher the current, the faster the process, the less time it takes to charge. At the same time, some batteries may have recommendations for the optimal current strength and restrictions on its maximum values. Therefore, mindlessly chasing a powerful charger is not worth it: at first it's ok to clarify how justified such power will be.

Note that in multi-channel devices (see "Independent channels"), the maximum current strength can be achieved when only part of the channels are operating. The indicators provided when all channels are operating simultaneously are indicated separately for such models (see "Charge current (all channels)").

The highest current provided by a multi-channel charger (see "Independent channels") at full load, with all slots (and, accordingly, channels) operating. In fact, a guaranteed maximum current provided by a multi-channel charger, regardless of the number of channels involved.

For the total charge current, see “Maximum charge current. Here we note that the full load is a rather complex mode in which the current strength can decrease. Therefore, this parameter is specified separately.

The number of separate charge current settings (see above) provided in the design of the charger. For example, a device with 4 settings may provide options for 200, 400, 800 and 1000 mAh. In general, the larger this number, the more accurately you can choose the charging current for a particular situation.

The capacity recovery function will be useful for batteries with memory effect - this time tech whose capacity has already declined. In this mode, the charger discharges and charges the battery several times in a special way, which eliminates the memory effect and restores the battery, if not to the original, then at least to a capacity close to this value.

A procedure to determine the actual capacity of the installed battery. When measuring capacity, the charger charges and discharges the battery (in some models - several times, for greater accuracy), measuring the actual amount of stored and released energy. Checking the remaining capacity takes much longer than the “capacity measurement” item described above, but it is much more accurate and can be used not only to determine the characteristics of the battery, but also to diagnose its condition and degree of wear.

A system that determines the location of the "plus" and "minus" of the connected battery and determines whether these contacts correspond to the contacts of the charger itself. The capabilities of such systems may be different: some, in the event of an error, issue a warning signal and block the power supply, others are able to automatically switch the polarity on the contacts, depending on which side the battery is installed. In any case, checking the polarity minimizes the possibility of connection errors and the corresponding consequences.

A diagnostic system capable of detecting faulty batteries, disconnecting them from power and notifying the user. The fault detection function is useful not only for checking the performance as such: a battery malfunction that is not detected in time is fraught with equipment damage, and in some cases even fires.

The ability to use the charger to charge portable electronics - smartphones, tablets, players, etc. As a rule, for this, a USB port is provided in the design, for connection to which an appropriate cable is required; in fact, you can charge from such a device not only mobile gadgets, but also any equipment that can be powered from USB. True, it is worth noting that some manufacturers do not recommend using third-party devices for their equipment if they are not officially approved.