JEDI QUICK CHARGER 3 OR 4 PIN?

[N4KVE]

Hello to all from lovely south Florida. The original Jedi chargers NTN1171A have 4 charging contacts, like the batteries. The later ones only have 3 contacts. even though the batteries still have 4 contacts. The circuitry of both types is quite different. Is either type preferable or better? I have both types and they seem to work the same. Also can these chargers work with NiMh batteries? I charge my batteries most of the time with a pulse charger made here in North Miami. I forget their name now but it charges both types. Sometimes however I need to charge a battery at work but the pulse charger stays at home. Hence the NTN1171A. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks. 73's to all. GARY N4KVE.

[Will]

The older "shoe" rapid rate chargers has four contacts, the fourth contact is was used so the charger could set the charge rate for the smaller capacity batteries or the larger capacity batteries.
Yes, the circuit IS different and should not be used with the NiMh bats. There is a resistor in the battery it's value based on battery capacity. There was the 1200 mah and the 1500 mah Jedi batteries.

[W6JK]

I'm searching the archives for answers, and finding more questions...

So it's the 3 pin chargers that shouldn't be used with NiMH, right? The message is a bit ambiguous, and I don't want to use the wrong one after having read the warning.

How long should I charge a 2100 mAH NiMH battery in an unmodified Jedi rapid charger?

Jeff

[Will]

How long should I charge a 2100 mAH NiMH battery in an unmodified Jedi rapid charger?

Jeff

About 2 1/2 hours for the fast charge and no longer than ONE hour after the Green Complete comes on.

[W6JK]

Well, given that I just screwed up and left a NiCad in over night, I guess I'd better do the mod.

Once again though, it's the 4 pin charger I should use with NiMh, right?

Jeff