Xtar VX2 Pro Battery Analyzer and Charger
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- This does much more than a daily battery charger
- It has a function 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 arduous over the previous few years to maneuver away from disposable alkaline batteries and exchange them with rechargeable equivalents. In spite of everything, there are some nice manufacturers of rechargeable AAA, AA, C, and D cell batteries obtainable that may final you for years.
And I’ve discovered that the easiest way to handle 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 potential.
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In my seek for respectable and reasonably priced battery chargers, I’ve come throughout one that’s full of superior options, making it not solely an important charger but additionally a beneficial workshop and diagnostic instrument. In case you’re on the lookout for a battery charger that does all of it, the Xtar VX2 Professional is a superb possibility to think about.
The VX2 Professional is a two-slot battery charger that may take all kinds of cell varieties and sizes. You may pop in AA, AAA, C, D, 18650, 21700, and extra, and the unit will robotically detect the battery’s chemistry, providing a wide selection of capabilities that can assist you get essentially the most out of your battery.
The big LCD display screen is vibrant and clear, displaying all the mandatory details about the unit’s batteries. The buttons mean you can flip via the completely different options, and I discovered that this was a type of bits of tech the place I benefited from studying the guide.
The charger includes a USB-C port for charging and features a 20W charger and cable. It additionally comes with a useful storage bag to maintain the whole lot collectively when not in use.
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On the most simple degree, you have got charging, which brings the battery to full capability within the most secure method potential. It can 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 prices — this unit does right down to 0.25A — are an effective way to extend battery life for those who’re not in a rush to recharge the cells.
The Xtar VX2 Professional can trickle cost batteries at 0.25A, or quick cost them at 2A.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Charging is what most individuals will probably be utilizing, however there’s much more to this unit.
Along with charging, it may possibly additionally discharge the battery right 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 lets you take a look at the battery’s capability underneath 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 in addition for verifying producers’ battery capability claims (you would be shocked what number of make over-inflated claims).
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There’s additionally a storage mode function that prices cells to the optimum voltage for storage, decreasing self-discharge, slowing getting older, and increasing battery life. That is nice in case you have stuff that goes into storage for prolonged intervals (issues like seasonal decorations that use batteries).
There’s additionally a refresh operate for NiMH batteries to assist get rid of the cost “reminiscence” they will develop over time, thereby regaining the power to be charged totally. I’ve recovered many a battery from the recycling pile utilizing this function (for instance, I saved a number of dozen batteries that have been inside photo voltaic backyard lights).
The show is large and clear and tells you the whole lot you must know!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The 2 slots work independently, permitting you to have two completely different batteries present process two separate procedures, which is a pleasant function.
With quite a few rechargeable batteries obtainable in the present day that may be charged immediately utilizing USB-C, it’s possible you’ll surprise concerning 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.
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Nonetheless, in case you have different varieties of batteries or are a fixer who must restore them, a charger like this is 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 a number of worth in a charger just like the VX2 Professional.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The Xtar VX2 Pro Battery Analyzer and Charger is likely one of the most feature-packed battery chargers I’ve used. Not solely does it excel at charging batteries, nevertheless it’s additionally an important diagnostic and restore instrument. 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 may be very competitively priced, contemplating the options it provides. It is positively discovered an area on my workbench (and individuals who know me know simply how restricted that’s!).
