© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
There was a time the only way you could save on battery replacement was
to purchase special chargers and expensive rechargeable batteries. VIATEK has
solved that problem with the RENU-IT PRO charger. Unlike
the previously mentioned charging system and some other new designs now
available, this one accepts Alkaline, Ni-Cad and Ni-MH, in five sizes:
AAA, AA, C, D and the 9 volt block.
How does it work? Chemical reactions within the battery cause electrons
to be stripped away from the carbon electrode. Electrons will try to flow from
a battery’s negative terminal to its positive one, if allowed. As a battery
discharges this cell gets “disorganized” as electrons get jumbled trying to
make their way to the positive terminal. The RENU-IT PRO “reorganizes”
the internal structure of the battery cell allowing it to be reused as much as
70 times.
(TIP: Batteries
that show evidence of corrosion, as in sticky to the touch or a white powdery
substance being visible, should not be recharged, but rather properly disposed
of.)
The operation is very simple. Plug in the supplied
electrical cord between the wall outlet and the charger. Since this is a
12-volt, 1 amp device, European use is possible with the proper line cord
adapter. The unit should not be on at this stage. If it is, lift the clear
plastic cover and press the ON/OFF button so that the display and
various indicator lights are not lit. Insert up to 5 batteries you wish to
charge with the positive (+) contact facing the control panel. You may mix any
of the 5 sizes, but not the three chemistry types. For example, if you wish to
charge alkaline type batteries all the batteries you wish to charge must be Alkaline,
but they can be of different sizes.
(TIP: The
battery holders use a movable L shaped arm. Since this arm is spring-loaded it
requires some pressure to push back to accommodate the battery. The larger the
battery, the more difficult this becomes, so be very careful not to force the
arm as it could break. If that happens, that particular slot will be
permanently unusable.)
Once all batteries are mounted in the charger, select
the battery type by sliding the selector switch to the proper battery type.
(TIP:
9-volt battery status will not show up on the display, but will be indicated by
the RED LED above the 9V port.)
Now, press the ON/OFF button.
Indicator lights will now be lit in RED for charging, or
GREEN for fully charged. A display panel shows the
condition and charging stage of each of up to four batteries. Since Ni-CAD batteries have a
memory that can adversely affect battery capacity when not fully discharged,
the charger will automatically go into a discharge mode first and when full
discharged, will start the charging cycle. The entire charging process can take
between 1 and 10 hours, or more depending on the type and size, so be patient!
(TIP: The
charging process should never be left unattended. Fires and explosions, while
not common, are always a possibility.)
The RENU-IT PRO is
a great money saving device. You probably have not heard about it before, as
the battery companies want you to replace, not recharge batteries. Since all
our gadgets use so many batteries this is a very practical device. Construction
is reasonably good, but take heed to my tip regarding the L shaped loading
arms. They could be the weak link in this device. Also, some batteries may not
charge 100%, a nature of the battery and not the device.
(TIP: When
possible always use the same brand and chemistry type of battery in a device.
Mixing them can shorten the useful length of a charge.)
MSRP: $49.99
Available in stores, on-line and TV shopping networks.
For more information go to: http://bit.ly/19iG3rL
GADGETEER’S
RATING: *****
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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