This battery analyzer I discovered is a power users’ dream – how it stands out

Xtar VX2 Professional Battery Analyzer and Charger

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• This does much more than an everyday battery charger
• It has a characteristic for batteries being put into storage and to rejuvenate previous NiMH batteries
• The 2 charging slots can be utilized independently

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I’ve labored exhausting over the previous few years to maneuver away from disposable alkaline batteries and exchange them with rechargeable equivalents. In any case, there are some nice manufacturers of rechargeable AAA, AA, C, and D cell batteries accessible that may final you for years. 

And I’ve discovered that one of the simplest ways to maintain these batteries is to cost them utilizing a good charger. Too many chargers pile within the amps, which in flip bakes the battery and dramatically shortens its lifespan. There’s much more to charging a battery than simply pushing energy into it as quick as attainable.

Additionally: The very best rechargeable batteries you should buy

In my seek for first rate and reasonably priced battery chargers, I’ve come throughout one that’s filled with superior options, making it not solely an amazing charger but in addition a useful workshop and diagnostic device. If you happen to’re in search of a battery charger that does all of it, the Xtar VX2 Professional is a good possibility to think about.

The VX2 Professional is a two-slot battery charger that may take all kinds of cell varieties and sizes. You possibly can pop in AA, AAA, C, D, 18650, 21700, and extra, and the unit will robotically detect the battery’s chemistry, providing a big selection of features that can assist you get probably the most out of your battery.

The big LCD display is shiny and clear, displaying all the mandatory details about the unit’s batteries. The buttons help you flip by way of the completely different options, and I discovered that this was a type of bits of tech the place I benefited from studying the handbook.

The charger incorporates a USB-C port for charging and features a 20W charger and cable. It additionally comes with a useful storage bag to maintain every part collectively when not in use.

Additionally: That is the one energy financial institution I will ever want for work journey (and all of the devices it could actually cost)

On the most elementary degree, you have got charging, which brings the battery to full capability within the most secure method attainable. It would robotically detect the battery chemistry and decide the optimum energy to ship to the battery, or you’ll be able to override this setting to customise the cost. I discover that low-current costs — this unit does all the way down to 0.25A — are a good way to extend battery life for those who’re not in a rush to recharge the cells. 

Charging is what most individuals will likely be utilizing, however there’s much more to this unit.

Along with charging, it could actually additionally discharge the battery all the way down to its cut-off voltage, permitting you to measure the cell’s capability and full a full recharge cycle. 

There’s additionally a grading mode that permits you to take a look at the battery’s capability below real-world charging situations. I discover this extraordinarily helpful for figuring out worn batteries, matching battery capacities when utilizing a number of batteries in a tool and guaranteeing they’re balanced, and likewise for verifying producers’ battery capability claims (you would be shocked what number of make over-inflated claims). 

Additionally: 10 DIY devices I by no means pass over of my toolkit (and why every one earns its spot)

There’s additionally a storage mode characteristic that costs cells to the optimum voltage for storage, decreasing self-discharge, slowing growing old, and increasing battery life. That is nice if in case you have stuff that goes into storage for prolonged durations (issues like seasonal decorations that use batteries).

There’s additionally a refresh operate for NiMH batteries to assist eradicate the cost “reminiscence” they’ll develop over time, thereby regaining the flexibility to be charged absolutely. I’ve recovered many a battery from the recycling pile utilizing this characteristic (for instance, I saved a number of dozen batteries that have been inside photo voltaic backyard lights). 

The 2 slots work independently, permitting you to have two completely different batteries present process two separate procedures, which is a pleasant characteristic. 

With quite a few rechargeable batteries accessible right now that may be charged straight utilizing USB-C, it’s possible you’ll marvel in regards to the utility of a standalone charger. If all you have got are USB-C rechargeable batteries, you most likely do not want a standalone charger. 

Additionally: The one charging adapter I ever journey with beats competing fashions with a hidden superpower

Nevertheless, if in case you have different kinds of batteries or are a fixer who must restore them, a charger like this turns out to be useful. I’ve additionally used mine to repair a USB-C rechargeable battery that refused to cost utilizing USB-C as a result of it had gone too chilly sooner or later. 

For me, there’s numerous worth in a charger just like the VX2 Professional.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Xtar VX2 Professional Battery Analyzer and Charger is among the most feature-packed battery chargers I’ve used. Not solely does it excel at charging batteries, but it surely’s additionally an amazing diagnostic and restore device. I should have refreshed and rejuvenated a few dozen batteries over the previous few weeks, and a handful of these would not cost in my different charger.

Priced at $33, this unit could be very competitively priced, contemplating the options it gives. It is positively discovered an area on my workbench (and individuals who know me know simply how restricted that’s!).