I own one &amp; I've NEVER been able to figure this out... Other than spending an unknown (20min, More?) winding the crank, is there a way to charge it?
983217
I have used it three times during major power outage ( 3+days). Yes crank was the way.
1921181
The instructions were in the original toy (Polar Express in my case) booklet. Basically you remove the battery from the toy, connect the charger and let it charge. The connections are made so that + connects to +, etc so that you can't cross connect. Repeat with the second battery. Never charge the battery in the toy as charging generates heat which can damage the toy.
1118153
1) Crank yield time is going to vary pretty dramatically depending on what you are charging, but know that it's low output crank so it's pretty slow going. Maybe 3:1 crank to usage ratio for something high draw like an iPhone. 2) The light is LED. 3) Did a test charge with my iPhone and it worked fine. Even tried my iPad and was able to get it to charge a bit, although it took a lot more cranking to get any results.
1617198
I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND HAVE A SOLUTION!! Put the nose of the batter in at a DOWNWARDS ANGLE. catching just the front hooks to secure in place. Charger then recognizes it. the problem is the connectors are two short for the battery. if you put the battery in at a angle, works perfectly fine.
2041875
The directions I got with the last battery I purchased on Amazon is to charge for 18 hours, then run it down to 8% for the first five cycles. Hope this helps
1209870
My answer is I don't know, but with an explanation. I use an electric motor instead of the crank.
1852425
I'm very sorry for those of you who need to remove the battery to charge it, but that is not a viable option at all as the connection for the charger is a somewhat permanent part of the mower and it would require a rather extensive disassembling of the unit each time. Perhaps you could consider a long outdoor extension cord, but the mower and charger need to be kept in a dry place. I received my CMM1200 two days ago (and already donated my old gas self propelled to Habitat for Humanity) and hope to have the same good experience as so many others. Thanks to everyone who provided information for this purchasing decision! I'm very sorry for those of you who need to remove the battery to charge it, but that is not a viable option at all as the connection for the charger is a somewhat permanent part of the mower and it would require a rather extensive disassembling of the unit each time. Perhaps you could consider a long outdoor extension cord, but the mower and charger need to be kept in a dry place. I received my CMM1200 two days ago (and already donated my old gas self propelled to Habitat for Humanity) and hope to have the same good experience as so many others. Thanks to everyone who provided information... » Read More I'm very sorry for those of you who need to remove the battery to charge it, but that is not a viable option at all as the connection for the charger is a somewhat permanent part of the mower and it would require a rather extensive disassembling of the unit each time. Perhaps you could consider a long outdoor extension cord, but the mower and charger need to be kept in a dry place. I received my CMM1200 two days ago (and already donated my old gas self propelled to Habitat for Humanity) and hope to have the same good experience as so many others. Thanks to everyone who provided information for this purchasing decision! « Show Less
1633775
If you are using it in a Generac Generator there is a small port in the front of the generator to plug in the charger that came with the generator. You can also do as Dennis replied and use a Battery Tender Junior. I usually top mine off once a month with the Tender Junior.
544126
Sorry, I can't shed any light on the subject, Brian. After ordering the charger I discovered the problem was with my battery not the charger - I returned the charger I purchased through Amazon. My battery had run too low to be charged using any charger. I had to take it to a golf cart service store and they got it up and running for me. The charger I had was perfectly OK.
1852426
I am looking into buying this model as well and am interested in the answer to Erin Leddy's question - can you take out the battery and charge it outside of the mower? I will be storing the mower in a shed with no power, so this is a key consideration for me. Thanks!
757410
Don't know. I would personally not purchase this item again. After about 12 cranks it didn't hold a charge anymore. Maybe I cranked it too fast because when I tried to crank it again it felt like it was rolling too easy, in other words it was catching the crank anymore...
1294416
If I remember the end turns red. The battery will last one charge and then you need to charge it totally. ;-(
1281612
Yes, just plug into the USB port and select power out. Turn the crank to charge. As long as you have a USB cable that fits your portable device, it will charge it.
983741
The crank is used to recharge the batteries, so it doesn't directly power the radio. It takes quite a bit of cranking (at a low effort level) to get much charge built up. But it's a good feature to have on an emergency radio.
1004043
I am sorry, but I have not did this task but give me a few days and I will put my radio on ...charge my unit and let play until it runs down and give you an answer back on this, I an tell you this much ..my old crank emergency radio lasted for almost three days before I had to recharge that battery. I hope I helped. if you are as happy as I am with my Ambient you will not be disappointed with it's performance. jim
1411310
Same problem here, my battery seems however not to charge at all. Did you find a solution/problem?thanks!
1308104
No crank. More important, I would **not** buy from this vendor. The packaging mine came in was totally laughable. Three of the four jacks were unusable. One recent reviewer on Amazon had the same experience I did. Thankfully, Amazon made the return and refund easy.