Home Reviews ,,,,, When electronic devices in the home abound, the purchase of rechargeable batteries must be considered both from an environmental point of view, and from a purely economic one. The savings are evident and with this in mind we decided to test the Odec batteries that we find on Amazon in packs of 4–8–16 pieces according to the various types. In the specific case we opted for the kit of 8 AAA batteries accompanying them to the universal charger HXY-H2e carrying out a series of tests for the first and comparisons for the second, thus evaluating its capacity and performance.
The batteries
The batteries are the classic AAA mini-styluses that are usually used with remote controls, alarm clocks, MP3 players and other small electronic devices. They are Ni-MH type rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 1.000 mAh each and at the moment of unpacking we find them separated 4 to 4 inside small transparent plastic cases , a little hard to open but very convenient for storing them when not in use or for carrying them for example inside a pouch if the purpose is to use them for example while traveling.
Battery test
By means of a multimeter we could see that the batteries, just out of the box, are charged to about 70% . We then fully discharged them and then recharged them from 0% to 100% in about two hours at 500 mAh. The charging process heats them slightly, so we first let them cool on the table, then we placed them in the special boxes thus avoiding accidental contact with the poles for about six consecutive days.
At the end of the “pause” period we measured the voltage again to get an estimate of the capacity maintained by each battery: for all, none excluded, the percentage of charge was around 95%, thus resulting in an excellent product from this point of view. In fact, usually the cheapest rechargeable batteries lose even 20-30% of energy after just 36 hours of standby.
The charger
The Odec HXY-H2e charger is sold together with a power cable with Italian plug and a second cable with cigarette lighter socket , it can therefore be safely used both at home or in the office, and when traveling by car.
It is quite large (14.5 x 7.5 x 3.7cm) although it can only charge two batteries at the same time . In fact, on the market, chargers of similar size offer slots to charge up to four batteries at the same time, however this charger is able to restore the energy of most batteries on the market. We could define it almost universal since, in addition to the most common batteries AAA and AAA batteries, thanks to the contacts made mobile by a spring system, it can also correctly recharge batteries AAAA and C (Ni- MH and Ni-Cd).
It can also recharge larger batteries, such as those of type 18650, 26650, 18490, 17335, 16340, 10440 and many others that you can find, for example, as a power supply system for various flashlights that we have also reviewed over the last few years. Due to their large diameter, it is not able to recharge type D batteries.
In short, it is a valid alternative to other battery chargers both for a question of compatibility with the various models, and for its versatility guaranteed by the two power supply systems via electrical socket and car cigarette lighter.
Charger test
Insert the two batteries correctly inside the charger, all that remains is to insert the plug into the electrical socket: both LEDs located near each battery will turn on red indicating that charging has already started. These LEDs are actually buttons that can be pressed to switch from the classic charging mode at 500 mAh to a faster one at 1000 mAh , recognizable by the red light which, instead of fixed , will be flashing .
With this last mode, the recharging of the batteries that we tested takes place in half the time, in about an hour. However, the manufacturer does not recommend pushing batteries with a capacity of less than 2000 mAh at this speed as it reduces the life of the batteries: for the record, we also tried to recharge two of the batteries under test (from 1000 mAh) at the same time, one at 500 mAh and the other at 1000 mAh, noting that the latter in fact at the end of the recharge (indicated by the green LED light) was almost hot to the touch, so much so that as a precaution we let it cool on a plate of marble.
Obviously, however, no problem with charging at 500 mAh, which takes place in about two hours.
Conclusions
Odec's batteries seemed really good from a quality / price point of view. They keep the charge even for several days of inactivity and therefore you will not risk suddenly finding yourself on foot. They are recharged to 500mAh in two hours, which can be recharged with any charger or even with that of Odec which, as mentioned above, is worth buying in case you have at home (or intend to buy ) multiple batteries of various formats, thus managing them all with a single accessory.
Price to the public
The kit of 8 1000 mAh AAA Odec batteries costs 10.99 euros, while the universal charger 18.99 euros. You can also take a look at other Odec battery models for sale on Amazon by clicking here.
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