2006Batteries/Power forum
Compatibility between Anton Bauer MP4D charger and Hytron 50 batteries
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Anton Bauer MP4D charger was designed before Hytron nickel metal hydride batteries were introduced and originally charged only nickel cadmium batteries.
- Some users reported that the MP4D charger could recognize and identify Hytron 50 batteries on its display even if it could not charge them.
- The MP4D charger cannot be upgraded to charge Hytron batteries; this model was discontinued in 1991 and lacks the necessary hardware capability.
- Chargers from the 2000 series and later, including Titan series models, are required to charge Hytron or similar newer battery chemistries.
- A software upgrade kit was available for some chargers to enable charging of newer battery types, though the MP4D was not eligible for this upgrade.
- Titan Twin travel chargers can charge multiple battery chemistries and serve as power supply alternatives when upgrading from older chargers.
Depends on
- The statement that the charger recognized the Hytron battery was based on observation of the LCD display only, not a full charge cycle test.
- Exact upgrade eligibility criteria and procedures were not fully documented in the discussion.
- The availability and current pricing of upgrade kits and charger models may have changed since 2006.