While battery life is often quoted as a major factor when judging portable devices, the actual running cost of the batteries is rarely mentioned. Do you choose the more expensive rechargeable battery type or opt for the cheaper, throwaway variety? Saitek believes it can sway the balance of the argument towards the latter option with its Echo Multi Charger device.
Whereas the availability of devices for rechargeable batteries is fairly common, and is often built-in to equipment, the Saitek unit takes a wider view of the problem of battery cost while also considering the matter of reusing resources. Not only has the Saitek device the capability to recharge Ni-CD/Ni-MH (rechargeable) batteries but it can also provide the same sort of service for standard Alkaline batteries.
Measuring 155 x 147 x 89mm (W x H x D), this two-toned grey unit can either be free-standing or attached to wall-mounted hooks. Power is provided by a detachable lead with a bulky AC adaptor plug. A drop-down lid gives access to the innards of the box and reveals four compartments each having an adjustable, spring loaded retaining bar. Into these slots you can insert any combination of D, C, AA and AAA battery types.
Running across the top of the battery compartment is an LCD display and a number of controls. When batteries are in place, the LCD will show information relevant to the selected battery. Data will be shown as to the battery size, energy level, recharge time plus a warning sign if the battery is totally dead and not reclaimable. A slider switch allows you to select which of the two battery types, rechargeable or Alkaline, is in situ you should not mix the two types as a different process is required for the recharging process. There are also large control buttons allowing you to designate whether a single or mixture of battery sizes have been inserted.
Making use of a built-in microprocessor, the Echo Multi Charger can analyse the condition of each battery and apply the appropriate charge. Unsuitable Alkaline batteries, such as those that are dead or near-dead, will be rejected with a warning sign appearing on the LCD. As each battery is recharged so the LCD will indicate this fact and the battery can then be removed for immediate use or stored. When using Alkaline batteries you really need to keep them topped up unlike the rechargeable version which benefit from being completely discharged before being renewed.
The number of times you will be able to recharge Alkaline batteries will be governed by a number of factors. As you might expect a major factor will be the quality of the battery. Also playing its part will be the schedule you set up for the recharging process. By regularly topping up batteries you are likely to achieve better results. Figures quoted by Saitek range from the 10 times mentioned on the box to up to 50 times referred to in the User Guide. Cost of recharging will depend on battery size and your local electricity rate. Heavy battery users should soon find that the £39.95 cost of the Echo Multi Charger will be reclaimed and also have the added incentive of helping the environment by extending battery life.
Link : http://www.saitek.com/chess/uk/eco_multi.htm
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