Sony Cycle Energy NiMH Compact Charger

Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient use of your Sony BCG34HW2RN Cycle Energy NiMH Compact Charger. This charger is designed to recharge NiMH AA and AAA batteries. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product and retain it for future reference.

Safety Information

• Use this charger only with NiMH rechargeable batteries. Attempting to charge other battery types, such as alkaline or carbon-zinc, may cause leakage, rupture, or explosion, resulting in personal injury or damage.
• Do not disassemble, modify, or short-circuit the charger or batteries.
• Do not expose the charger or batteries to water, fire, or extreme temperatures.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Unplug the charger from the power outlet when not in use or before cleaning.
• Ensure proper battery polarity (+/-) when inserting batteries into the charger.
• The charger features an automatic charge cut-off timer, which activates after a set duration to prevent overcharging. However, it is recommended to remove batteries once charging is complete or after the estimated charging time.

Package Contents

• Sony BCG34HW2RN Compact Charger
• Two (2) Sony Cycle Energy 1000 mAh AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries

Setup

1. Unpacking

Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Inspect the charger and batteries for any signs of damage. If any damage is found, do not use the product and contact customer support.

2. Charger Overview

The Sony BCG34HW2RN is a compact 2-slot charger designed for NiMH AA or AAA batteries. It features a convenient flip-down plug for easy storage and portability, and is compatible with worldwide voltage.

Image: The Sony BCG34HW2RN compact charger and two Cycle Energy AA batteries shown in their retail packaging. The charger is white with a 'CycleEnergy' logo, and the batteries are also white with 'CycleEnergy' branding. The packaging highlights features like 'Compact Charger', 'Ni-MH AA/AAA', 'Pre-charged Batteries', '1500x Rechargeable', and 'Min. 5hrs' (likely referring to charging time).

3. Battery Insertion

1. Open the battery compartment cover, if applicable, or simply slide batteries into the slots.
2. Insert one or two AA or AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries into the charging slots. Ensure that the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the batteries align correctly with the markings inside the charger slots. Incorrect insertion can prevent charging or damage the batteries/charger.
3. The charger is equipped with alkaline battery detection. If an alkaline battery is mistakenly inserted, the charger will detect it and prevent charging.

Operating Instructions

1. Charging Process

1. After inserting the batteries correctly, plug the charger into a standard AC power outlet. The flip-down plug allows for direct wall connection.
2. An indicator light (if present, typically an LED) will illuminate to show that charging is in progress.
3. The charger features an automatic charge cut-off timer. This timer is designed to stop the charging process after a predetermined duration to prevent overcharging.
4. The included Sony Cycle Energy batteries are pre-charged and ready to use right out of the package, requiring no initial charge.

2. Charging Time

Charging times vary depending on the battery capacity and discharge level. For the included 1000 mAh AA batteries, a minimum charging time of approximately 5 hours is indicated on the product packaging. Always refer to the full product documentation for precise charging times for various battery capacities.

3. Indicator Lights

The charger typically features an LED indicator. When batteries are charging, the indicator will be lit. Once the automatic charge cut-off timer activates, the light may change color or turn off, indicating the charging cycle has completed based on the timer. Consult the full manual for specific indicator light behaviors.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

Before cleaning, always unplug the charger from the power outlet. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the charger. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the unit.

2. Storage

Store the charger and batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. When storing batteries for extended periods, it is advisable to charge them periodically to maintain their performance.

Troubleshooting

• Charger not working: Ensure the charger is securely plugged into a working power outlet. Check if the batteries are inserted correctly with the correct polarity.
• Batteries not charging: Verify that the batteries are NiMH rechargeable type. The charger has alkaline battery detection and will not charge non-rechargeable batteries. Ensure batteries are not severely damaged or completely depleted beyond recovery.
• Indicator light not illuminating: This could indicate improper battery insertion, a non-rechargeable battery, or a power issue. Recheck connections and battery type.

If you experience persistent issues, please refer to the full product manual or contact Sony customer support.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

This Sony product is covered by a limited warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Sony support website. For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or service inquiries, please contact Sony customer support.