TC400-JVC-296 ultra fast four position battery charger for BN-VC296G batteries features four integrated battery plates. It's capable of charging four batteries simultaneously and charges a battery in about 5 hours. As a battery is being charged, a diagnostics LCD displays status in volts, amp hours, and percentage of charge. The percentage of charge is estimated using a proprietary algorithm.
Batteries
The charger is capable of charging 4 batteries at the same time. It accepts JVC BN-VC296G. The charger must be configured with the appropriate plate to match the battery style. The battery must to be rated at least 2200 mah capacity, as smaller size battery packs are not designed to accept the charger fast charge.
Charging time
The time to full charge depends on the battery pack rated capacity, its state of charge prior to insertion, and its age. A fully discharged new 2800 mAh battery pack will be fully charged (more than 90%) in about 2.5 hours. A 5600 mAh pack will take approximately 3.5 - 4 hours to charge. Since a depleted battery pack absorbs charge current faster, than a partially charged one, most of the charge energy is absorbed during the initial stage of charging and then the rate of charge levels off towards the end.
Charge channels
All 4 charge channels are fully independent from each other; charge initiation and termination depend on a battery's state of charge. An LCD display indicates each battery's state of charge, in voltage, percent of readiness (estimated), and amount of charge in mAh input in it since the battery insertion.
Camera Power Output
The camera power supplied is 7.2V up to 1.5A. The charger is capable of providing camera power, while charging batteries. When all 4 fully discharged batteries are inserted, the rate of charge will be automatically reduced as needed in order to balance total power consumption. This results in a slight lengthening of the total charge time.
Charging
Operation of the charger is fully automatic. Mount any battery to any open position on the charger and the charger will initiate the charge routine. While charging is in progress, the LCD display will indicate the battery voltage, estimated readiness in percent, and amount of charge accepted by the battery. Upon charge completion, the display will report the position number (1-4), amount of charge the battery has absorbed, and the completion message.
Upon the battery insertion, the charger will identify the battery's state of charge, and initiates the appropriate charge regimen. If the inserted battery is fully charged, it cannot safely absorb charge. The charger will display the " # 1(2,3,4) Ready" message.