Saber Charger Modification for NiMH Batteries: Info Request

[kc8mln]

I just purchased a few new NiMH batteries at the Dayton Hamfest and see that my standard Smart-Charger for my Saber is for NiCad only... Same goes for my Converta-Com...

Does anyone have any info about how to modify the Smart-chargers, models #'s NTN4734A & NTN4734B to charge the new NiMH batteries without damage to the battery and still get the battery to fully charge?

I am also looking for info to get my in vehicle Saber Converta-Comm to charge the NiMH batteries without any problems also.

Anyone with info about any of these chargers, please respond with info. Thanks in advance for your help.

~KC8MLN (Tom)

[N4KVE]

I had read somewhere that the NTN4734B charger was an upgrade for NiMh batteries. I'd also like to know if there is an upgrade for the NTN4734A charger. GARY N4KVE

[Tom in D.C.]

Tom,

You are misinformed. You can use NiMH batteries in a NiCD charger and they will charge
just fine. Anything you read that says "Use NiCD only" says so because it was printed before
NiMH batteries were available.

You can not use LiIon batteries in such chargers. For that you need what is called a
Tri-Chem charger, meaning it does all three kinds of batteries.

The 4734 chargers will do NiCD and NiMH batteries without any problems. The A and B
versions are minor revisions in circuitry and have nothing to do with type of battery the unit
will charge.

There is a ton of information on this subject already existing on this Board. You can use the
Search function to find it.

Regards,