The Watson 8-Bay Rapid Charger for AA / AAA NiMH or NiCd Rechargeable Batteries charges up to 8 AA or AAA size nickel-metal hydride or nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries. Charging time ranges from 3.6-4.6 hr for AA batteries, and 1.6-2 hr for AAA's. Eight individual LCD indicators give the charging status for each battery. Patented technology permits the charging of different sizes and types of battery simultaneously--charge a AA with a AAA, or an NiMH with an NiCd.

The charger's intelligent microprocessor doles out the full charge to each battery while preventing overcharging, thanks to Delta Voltage Protection. The Safety Timer with Automatic Timer Shut-Off senses when batteries are fully charged and ceases charging. Automatic Charge Current Selection automatically chooses the optimal current for the batteries you're charging. Reverse Polarity Protection and Alkaline and Bad Battery Protection safeguard the charger and your batteries against damage when batteries are installed improperly. There's also a discharge function, allowing you to refresh the batteries prior to charging.

The charger features an icon that shifts up and down during discharging, and stops shifting when discharge is complete. This icon also displays battery capacity while charging. The full-battery icon lights up when the batteries are fully charged. A flashing full-battery icon indicates an abnormality, such as the presence of a bad or alkaline battery, and at this point the charger will cease its operation. The charger is powered by an included external AC adapter with switching 100-240V power for worldwide use, or by the 12-24V DC cord which can plug into your car's cigarette lighter for charging on-the-go.