Hi Joe - For many years I got by with a LM317 configured for constant current - 1 amp usually - fed by a 13.6V bench supply. I monitored voltage across the cell/battery, and called it good at 1.6V/cell. Or plugged the bench supply into a mechanical timer, which shut off at a guesstimated somewhat-less-than full charge, plus Kentucky windage for ambient temperature... I'm sure you can do better than that, but I have some nearly 15-year old Sanyo NiMH 1600 maH AAs which still retain 900-1000 maH capacity. These guys mostly keep small portable computers alive - A kinder, gentler environment than running a drill, I imagine... -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist