Summary of The Best NiMh Charger (for now)
This article updates a sophisticated NiMH battery charger project, now functioning as a high-end analyzer. The device features real-time data logging across multiple chargers and cycles, managed via Windows PC software. Key hardware upgrades include Micro SD storage with no 2GB limit, USB connectivity via an FTDI chip, and a faster buck converter frequency for silent operation. The firmware allows extensive parameter customization or default settings.
Parts used in the Best NiMh Charger:
- Micro SD card
- USB to computer interface (FTDI chip)
- Buck converter
- PC Manager Software
- Serial stream monitoring tool
It’s been a long time since I posted an update on my battery charger project (in fact it has been a long time since I have posted anything!). I have been Very Busy with projects for my work and when I am not working for work, I am working on battery chargers. When I am not working on battery chargers I am trying to be a good husband and father as well as find time to do things like mow the lawn or fix the handle my son broke off the faucet.
“The Best NiMh Charger” Some may say that is quite the claim, but wait until you see all it can do (mostly thanks to the software Mark my programming friend wrote for it).
First, I will just get it out of the way, the part that really makes this charger so cool is that it is basically a super highly sophisticated battery analyzer that you can set every parameter of everything (or if that sounds too overwhelming just leave it all at default) and then watch it log all the data real time (from many chargers at once and for many many cycles)!
Below are just a few screen shots of the PC software. I want to play with the look (deep down inside I am a graphic artist) but Mark reminds me that the look is very low down on the to do list. The Manager Software only works with windows right now (although you can still monitor the raw serial stream on any platform).
Some major hardware/firmware chagnes include a change to Micro SD, addition of USB to the computer (FTDI chip), operating the buck converter at a faster frequency (now silent charging), no more 2GB limit on the SD card and.. it’s just better! It even looks better from the bottom… although I forgot to take a picture of the bottom.
For More Details: The Best NiMh Charger (for now)
- What makes this charger unique?
It acts as a highly sophisticated battery analyzer that logs all data in real time from many chargers at once. - Can I customize the charging parameters?
Yes, you can set every parameter of everything or leave them all at default. - Does the software work on non-Windows platforms?
The Manager Software only works with Windows right now, though raw serial streams can be monitored on any platform. - What is the capacity limit for the SD card?
There is no longer a 2GB limit on the SD card. - Is the charging process silent?
Yes, operating the buck converter at a faster frequency results in silent charging. - Who wrote the programming for the software?
Mark, the author's programming friend, wrote the software. - How does the new design compare to previous versions?
The new version includes major hardware and firmware changes making it better overall.
