Let’s Dive into Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack
The Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack is a crucial accessory for anyone invested in Pulsar’s line of digital and thermal optics. These devices, like rifle scopes and monoculars, rely on the APS2 and APS3 battery packs for power. This charger ensures you can keep your valuable optics running without interruption, a necessity in the field.
I initially looked into this charger to alleviate the hassle of charging my APS batteries directly in my thermal monocular. This meant my expensive optic was tied to a power outlet and unusable during charging, a significant inconvenience during hunts or when scouting. Having a dedicated charger seemed like the best solution to keep spare batteries topped up and ready to go.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the charger’s compact and practical design. The charger is lightweight but feels solid, constructed from durable black plastic. The build quality seems robust enough to withstand the rigors of being tossed into a gear bag or transported in a vehicle.
I considered several alternatives before settling on the Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack. I had looked at universal battery chargers, but I was hesitant because I wasn’t sure if they would deliver the optimal charging for the Pulsar batteries. Opting for the Pulsar charger seemed the safest bet for maintaining battery health and longevity.
My first impression was a sense of relief. Finally, I could independently charge my Pulsar batteries without my thermal monocular being out of commission. The charger gave me confidence knowing I could keep my spare batteries ready for extended trips and nighttime adventures.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was during a nighttime hog hunt on a friend’s ranch in central Texas. I used my Pulsar thermal monocular extensively while tracking and stalking the sounders. Having pre-charged APS batteries ready to swap in the field made a significant difference.
The charger performed flawlessly even with a generator powering the charging station in my truck bed. The ease of swapping batteries kept me scanning the fields without any downtime.
It was intuitive to use right out of the box. I needed zero time to familiarize myself with the charger. I just plugged it in and inserted the APS batteries.
After the first night, I was highly satisfied. It eliminated the anxiety of running out of power. The charger delivered exactly what it promised – continuous, independent charging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of frequent use, the Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack has proven to be incredibly reliable. The charger has been used on camping trips, several hunting excursions, and even during some power outages. It continues to function without any issues.
There are virtually no signs of wear and tear, despite being tossed into various gear bags and exposed to outdoor conditions. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep the charger clean.
Compared to my previous method of charging the batteries directly in my device, this charger is a game-changer. It outperforms by offering faster charging times and eliminating downtime for my thermal optics.
Breaking Down the Features of Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack
Specifications
- The Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack is designed specifically for Pulsar APS2 and APS3 battery packs. These battery packs are used to power Pulsar’s digital and thermal rifle scopes and monoculars.
- It features a 5V input voltage and a 4.2V output voltage. This ensures efficient and safe charging of the Pulsar battery packs.
- The Manufacturer is Pulsar, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance. Using a charger specifically designed for the batteries guarantees correct voltage and amperage.
- The battery type supported is the APS 3 Li-ion Battery Pack. The charger is compatible with both APS2 and APS3 batteries.
- It has a black finish that matches most tactical gear and is discreet in the field. The black color helps to avoid detection and keep it low profile.
Performance & Functionality
The charger does exactly what it’s designed to do: efficiently charges Pulsar APS2 and APS3 batteries. It consistently brings drained batteries back to full power.
The main strength is its dedicated design for Pulsar batteries, ensuring safe and optimal charging. A potential improvement would be an indicator light to show charging progress or completion for each individual battery slot.
It meets and exceeds my expectations by providing a convenient and reliable charging solution. Now I no longer worry about my thermal devices being unusable because the batteries are charging.
Design & Ergonomics
The charger has a simple, functional design. The black plastic construction keeps it lightweight and reasonably durable.
It is very user-friendly with zero learning curve. Plug it in, insert the batteries, and charging begins.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable plastic housing suggests it will withstand moderate use and transport. The charger is likely to last for years with basic care.
Maintenance is simple: just wipe it down occasionally. There are no complicated components that require special attention.
Accessories and Customization Options
The charger comes as a standalone unit with a plug cord. There are no included accessories or customization options.
It is designed specifically for Pulsar APS2 and APS3 batteries. It is not compatible with other battery types or brands, nor does it have slots for different sizes of batteries.
Pros and Cons of Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack
Pros
- Dedicated Design for Pulsar APS Batteries: Ensures safe and efficient charging, maximizing battery life and performance.
- Independent Charging Slots: Allows charging of one or two batteries simultaneously, increasing flexibility.
- Simple and Easy to Use: No complex setup or settings needed, making it user-friendly for everyone.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to pack and transport, ideal for field use during hunts or expeditions.
- Reliable Performance: Consistently delivers a full charge without issues, providing peace of mind in critical situations.
Cons
- Only Compatible with Pulsar APS2 and APS3 Batteries: Limits versatility for users with other battery types.
- No Individual Battery Status Indicators: Lack of individual lights to show charging progress for each slot could be improved.
Who Should Buy Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack?
This charger is perfect for hunters, wildlife observers, and tactical users who rely on Pulsar thermal and digital optics. Anyone who uses Pulsar devices with APS2 or APS3 batteries will find this an indispensable accessory.
If you only have one Pulsar device and don’t use it very often, you might be able to get by charging the battery inside the device itself. If you’re not using Pulsar optics and batteries, this charger is useless.
A must-have accessory is at least one extra APS2 or APS3 battery. This charger allows you to keep it fully charged and ready to go, ensuring continuous operation of your thermal or digital optic.
Conclusion on Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack
The Pulsar PL79165 Battery Charger APS APS2/APS3 Battery Pack is a practical and reliable charging solution. This is especially true for users invested in the Pulsar ecosystem.
At $55.99, the price is justified considering the convenience and peace of mind it provides. Keeping your thermal and digital optics powered up without downtime is priceless in the field.
I would absolutely recommend this charger to anyone who uses Pulsar devices with APS2 or APS3 batteries. Don’t get caught in the dark! Grab this charger and keep your batteries topped off.