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# How to Recondition a Camera Battery Charger NP-45 (and Save Money!)

Is your trusty NP-45 camera battery charger starting to feel a little… sluggish? Does it seem like your batteries aren’t holding a charge like they used to? Before you rush out to buy a brand new charger (and potentially new batteries!), there’s a good chance you can recondition your existing NP-45 charger and breathe new life into your camera’s power source.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step process to recondition your camera battery charger NP-45. Not only will you save money by avoiding unnecessary replacements, but you’ll also learn a valuable skill that can extend the lifespan of your electronics. Let’s dive in!

### 1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. This process is relatively straightforward, but preparation is key for a smooth and safe reconditioning.

* **Your Camera Battery Charger NP-45:** Obviously!
* **A Multimeter:** This is crucial for testing the voltage and current. A basic multimeter will do, but a more advanced one can provide more detailed readings. We’ll discuss why this is important later.
* **Distilled Water:** For cleaning and preparing the battery contacts. Tap water can contain minerals that interfere with the process.
* **Cotton Swabs or Lint-Free Cloths:** For cleaning the charger’s contacts and battery terminals.
* **Safety Glasses:** To protect your eyes.
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands from any potential corrosion or residue.
* **Small Screwdriver Set:** You might need this to access the internal components of the charger (proceed with extreme caution).
* **Battery Contact Cleaner (Optional):** This can help remove stubborn corrosion.

### 2. Safety First!

Before you even think about touching anything, **disconnect the charger from the power outlet!** This is absolutely essential to prevent electric shock. We’re dealing with electricity here, so safety should always be your top priority. Also, work in a well-ventilated area.

### 3. Inspect the Charger and Battery Contacts

Carefully examine the NP-45 camera battery charger for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, frayed wires, or corrosion. If you find any significant damage, it’s probably best to replace the charger entirely. A damaged charger can be a fire hazard or damage your batteries.

Next, inspect the battery contacts on both the charger and the batteries themselves. Look for corrosion, dirt, or debris. Clean the contacts using a cotton swab or lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water. If there’s stubborn corrosion, you can use a battery contact cleaner. Make sure the contacts are completely dry before proceeding.

### 4. Testing the Charger’s Output with a Multimeter

This is where the multimeter comes in. You need to check if the charger is actually outputting the correct voltage and current.

1. **Set your multimeter to the DC voltage setting.** The appropriate voltage range will be slightly above the charger’s rated output voltage (usually around 4.2V for a single-cell lithium-ion battery). Consult the charger’s label for the exact voltage.
2. **Connect the multimeter’s probes to the charger’s output terminals.** Make sure you connect the positive (+) probe to the positive terminal and the negative (-) probe to the negative terminal.
3. **Plug the charger into the power outlet.**
4. **Observe the multimeter reading.** The voltage should be close to the charger’s rated output voltage. If the voltage is significantly lower or zero, the charger may be faulty and need to be replaced.
5. **Unplug the charger immediately after testing.**

**Important Note:** If you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter, consider seeking assistance from a qualified technician.

### 5. Deep Discharge and Recharge Cycle (The “Reconditioning” Process)

This is the core of the reconditioning process. The goal is to gently “exercise” the battery and charger, helping to break down any internal resistance and improve their performance. This method helps to remove the memory effect which is a common issue with older batteries.

1. **Discharge the Battery:** Fully discharge the battery. You can do this by leaving your camera on until it shuts down due to low battery. Alternatively, some chargers have a discharge function. **Important:** Do *not* completely drain a lithium-ion battery to 0%. This can damage the battery. Stop when the camera turns off or the charger indicates a low battery.
2. **Charge the Battery:** Place the discharged battery in the NP-45 camera battery charger. Allow it to charge fully until the charger indicates it’s complete.
3. **Repeat the Cycle:** Repeat the discharge and charge cycle 2-3 times. This helps to fully recondition the battery and charger.

### 6. Checking the Battery’s Performance

After the reconditioning cycles, check the battery’s performance in your camera. Does it hold a charge longer? Does it power the camera for a reasonable amount of time? If you notice a significant improvement, congratulations! You’ve successfully reconditioned your camera battery and charger.

If the battery still doesn’t perform well, it might be time to consider replacing it. However, you’ve at least given it your best shot.

### 7. (Advanced) Internal Charger Cleaning (Proceed with Caution!)

**Warning:** This step involves opening the charger and working with internal components. This should only be attempted if you have experience working with electronics and are comfortable with the risks involved. Improper handling can damage the charger or cause electric shock. If you’re not comfortable with this, skip this step!

1. **Unplug the charger and let it sit for several hours** to ensure any residual charge has dissipated.
2. **Carefully open the charger casing** using a small screwdriver. Take note of how the components are arranged so you can reassemble it correctly.
3. **Inspect the internal components** for dust, dirt, or corrosion. Use a small brush or compressed air to clean the components.
4. **Look for any signs of damaged components**, such as burnt resistors or capacitors. If you find any damaged components, it’s best to replace the charger.
5. **Reassemble the charger casing.** Make sure all the components are properly aligned and secured.

### Tools for the Job

While the above steps outline the process, having the right tools can make a significant difference. Here are a couple of recommendations, available on Amazon, that can help:

* **Multimeter:** A reliable multimeter is essential for testing the charger’s output voltage and current. The **Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter** is a great option for beginners and experienced users alike. Its compact size and easy-to-use interface make it perfect for this task. Its key features, such as automatic ranging and diode testing, are incredibly helpful for diagnosing charger issues.
* **Battery Contact Cleaner:** For removing stubborn corrosion from the battery contacts and charger terminals, consider using **CRC 05103 QD Electronic Cleaner**. This cleaner is specifically designed for electronic components and won’t damage delicate surfaces. Its quick-drying formula ensures that your contacts are clean and dry in no time.

By using these tools, you can ensure a thorough and effective reconditioning process.

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## Pro-Tips / FAQ Section

* **Why is my charger not working even after reconditioning?** There could be several reasons. The charger itself might be faulty, the battery might be too old or damaged, or there might be a connection issue. Double-check all connections and try a different battery (if possible) to isolate the problem.
* **How often should I recondition my camera battery charger?** It depends on how often you use it. If you use it frequently, you might want to recondition it every few months. If you only use it occasionally, you can recondition it once a year.
* **Can I recondition other types of battery chargers using this method?** The general principles are the same, but the specific steps might vary depending on the type of charger. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to recondition any battery charger.
* **What is the “memory effect” and how does reconditioning help?** The “memory effect” is a phenomenon where rechargeable batteries gradually lose their capacity if they are repeatedly charged before being fully discharged. Reconditioning helps to break down the crystalline structures that cause the memory effect, restoring the battery’s capacity. While less common in modern Lithium-Ion batteries, it can still occur.
* **Is it safe to leave my battery charging overnight?** It’s generally not recommended. Overcharging can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. Most modern chargers have a built-in overcharge protection, but it’s still best to unplug the charger once the battery is fully charged.

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## Encouraging Conclusion

Reconditioning your camera battery charger NP-45 is a relatively simple process that can save you money and extend the lifespan of your equipment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can breathe new life into your charger and batteries, ensuring that you’re always ready to capture those precious moments. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time. With a little patience and effort, you can successfully recondition your camera battery charger and enjoy the benefits of a longer-lasting and more reliable power source. So, grab your tools, follow the steps, and get ready to save some money! You got this!

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