I've looked at some of the rechargable lithiums, as well as the Eneloops.

Eneloop seems to have the market base, but no CR123s and no solar or universal charger (not that I've seen).

I can find Li-Ion cells in CR123, AAA and AA, but no universal charger. I've seen some solars that are dedicated to one type or another. They also don't seem to have the market.

So I guess my question is, as someone who's not sure he'll ever be able to get down to JUST AAs, which one makes more sense? I like solar chargers because, well, they are free.


(Oh, and for those that are wondering, there were issues trying to make solar charger out of a yard lamp as I had discussed a few weeks ago. Called they've been sold out ever time I go to look for them, other than really junky ones that use NiCads, no NiMH.)

well do you really need the solar charger? Charging with a proper charger, is way better for your cells. Besides solar is much slower and doesn't give you more advanced charging options.

I personnaly ditched all mine lithium-ion batteries and chargers and went with low self-discharge NiMH (eneloop, recyko and vapex instant). NiMH are much safer and can be used on more electronics.

I looked at Li-Ion AA batteries but the fact that they run at 3.6 volts instead of the 1.2 volt NiMH or 1.5 volt Alkaline/lithium AA's was a negative. Imagine someone getting hold of those with the thought that they were a direct substitute for standard AA batteries -- no thanks.

They make a LiIon AA that runs at 1.2-1.5V, I've seen them. Let me see if I can find the manufacturer.

An interesting statement, but I'm not sure I follow. I"ve never heard of a solar charger negatively impacting the life cycle of a batter. And yes, I like solar because you can lash it to the top of a pack.

What model of charger do you recommend for that specific application?

Jeff

Still looking, honestly. That is why I was going to make one. The other option is a semi-flexible cell that I can put on the top flap, and run wires into the pack. Not really the look I want, though.

I have no experience or connection with them but have you considered a backpack from Voltaic Systems? If the bag itself is worthy, I would want the solar panel to be removable so that I could leave it in camp if desired. I see nothing that indicates a removable panel.

Check out the SunLinq 6.5. I both the SL 6.5 and the SL 25.

Edit: That doesn't help much with CR123 Li-Ion rechargeables though. I limit myself to charging AA NiMH.

Well all the solar NiMH chargers I have seen are usually “dumb” and will only charge in pairs or more at the same time. So when your charging your cells they may be charged unbalanced (one being overcharged, well the other isn’t full yet) or being overcharged. Chargers with independent charging bays will prevent this. Also I have yet to see solar chargers with refresh, recover or diagnostic options. But than again I’m a but of a nerd about mine NiMH batteries.