Question 1

What is the difference between the Panasonic K-KJ17KHCA4A Eneloop Pro vs the Panasonic K-KJ17MCA4BA? Which is a better choice to buy?

Accepted Answer

The pro cells hold about 25% more capacity under use before you have to charge it. That translates to longer run times for things like hiking GPS and high powered flashlights and wireless microphones in constant use. The trade off is that the pro cells don't retain a charge when stored which is good if you normally plan to drain the battery within a few days of charging it. In a TV or DVD remote control, the pro cells would have to be charged at least once every several months, where the regular cells will last for years without charging in remote controls that are not used daily. So far, I have never had an Eneloop battery ever leak, where I have had several expensive remote controls and headlamp LED's destroyed by leaking modern alkaline batteries. Modern alkaline batteries will often start leaking while still performing and still many years before the best used date has arrived. Modern warrantees for alkaline batteries only cover the battery that fails to perform, not the expensive device that was destroyed by the leaking alkaline battery. I have had several Duracell batteries start leaking while still unused in the original package stored in a cool dry place (basement) and still have a few years before the best used date has arrived. Today's alkaline batteries are junk. The standard Eneloop battery seems to be the most dependable battery I have ever found. They cost more, but the extra cost is worth it. Other brands of NiMH batteries I use often don't hold a charge in storage. The supposed lower voltage compared to alkaline is not the whole truth. Under extreme low power loads, alkaline battery voltage is higher, but under higher loads like cameras and flashlights, the alkaline battery voltage drops lower than NiMH battery within a second of the time the load is applied and then goes back up to resting voltage after the load is turned off. After an alkaline battery looses around 20% of its original charge, it is performing worse than a rechargeable NiMH battery and many devices like cameras can't take that drop in voltage.

Question 2

i just received  the charger and i do not see any indicator lights on mine. anybody???

Accepted Answer

Just to update this - the chargers shipping now have hidden lights (unlike the product picture).  To see them charger must be plugged in with batteries in place.  NOTE:  To clarify the paper comment - the batteries are shipped in the charger in the charging position.  Before first use, remove all four batteries and you will find a small piece of cardboard paper at the top covering the positive charging contacts.  This paper is to be discarded.  Put the batteries back in position, plug in charger to working circuit and you will then see the now hidden lights under the white plastic "skin" below each battery.  This is still true as of 11/2018.

Question 3

Do the Eneloop batteries require an Eneloop charger or can they be charged in other AA and AAA battery chargers?

Accepted Answer

The Sanyo/Panasonic eneloop cells can be recharged in any good-quality charger designed for NiMH batteries.For best battery lifespan, choose a 'smart' charger that has a charge time between 2 and 5 hours.Avoid slow, timer-based dumb charger that will over-charge your batteries, and 'ultra-fast' 30-minute chargers that will over-heat your batteries.

Question 4

Must you charge 4 batteries at a time OR can you charge, say 2 with 2 open slots?

Accepted Answer

The Panasonic BQ-CC17 can recharge 1, 2, 3 or 4 AA/AAA cells at once. You don't need to charge in pairs like in the case of old MQN06 charger.

Item Weight	7.2 ounces
Item Dimensions D x W x H	1"D x 2.63"W x 4.3"H
Energy Specifications Met	No
Battery Charge Time	7 Hour
Input Voltage	120 Volts
Output Voltage	220 Volts

Panasonic K-KJ17MCA4BA battery charger - battery chargers (Indoor, AA, AAA, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), AA, White)

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