Tenergy Solis Smart Charger Setup Guide: LCD & Modes Explained
The Tenergy Solis charger is powerful but can be intimidating. Four bays, LCD display, multiple modes, and confusing buttons. This Tenergy Solis smart charger setup guide covers everything: charging NiMH AA/AAA, reconditioning dead batteries, testing capacity, and troubleshooting. Master your Tenergy Solis in 10 minutes.
Contents: Buttons explained | Mode selection | LCD symbols | Charging times | Reconditioning guide | Capacity testing
What's in the Box
- Tenergy Solis charger (4-bay, AC powered)
- AC power cord (USA plug)
- User manual (keep for reference)
- Carrying bag (soft case, some bundles include)
Not included: Batteries, USB cable (not a feature), 12V car adapter.
Button Layout and Functions
The Solis has 5 buttons and one LCD screen:
- MODE button – Cycles through: Charge → Discharge → Recondition → Test -
- CURRENT button – Adjusts charging current (200mA, 300mA, 500mA, 700mA, 1000mA)
- DISPLAY button – Toggles screen info: Voltage, Time, Capacity (mAh), Current
- SLOT button – Selects individual bays (1-4) for mode/current changes
- ENTER/START button – Confirms mode and starts operation
LCD Screen Symbols Explained
Setting Up: Basic Charging
- Plug in charger (LCD lights up)
- Insert up to 4 AA or AAA batteries (any bay works individually)
- Default mode is CHG (charging) at 500mA
- Press START – charging begins, LCD shows progress bars
- Charger beeps when done. Remove batteries
Charging times (2000mAh Tenergy AA):
- 1000mA: 2.0-2.5 hours (fast, warmer batteries)
- 500mA: 4.0-4.5 hours (balanced, recommended)
- 200mA: 10-11 hours (slow, coolest batteries)
Recommendation: Use 500mA for most charging. Use 200mA for overnight charging.
Reconditioning Mode: Revive Dead NiMH Batteries
This is the Solis's killer feature. NiMH batteries develop "memory effect" after hundreds of shallow discharges. Reconditioning mode:
- Insert battery, press MODE until "RE" shows
- Press START. Charger fully discharges, then slowly charges, repeating 3x
- Process takes 12-24 hours
- If battery recovers, capacity increases 20-50%
I revived 3 Eneloop batteries that were reading 0V. After reconditioning, they held 1800mAh (originally 2000mAh).
Warning: Do NOT recondition LiPo batteries (fire risk). Only NiMH.
Capacity Test Mode: Find True mAh
Fake/cheap batteries lie about capacity. Test yours:
- Fully charge battery first (CHG mode)
- Press MODE until "TEST" shows
- Press START. Solis discharges fully, measuring mAh
- Result shows on LCD after test completes (2-5 hours)
I discovered AmazonBasics 2400mAh batteries tested at 1800mAh (25% below claim). Tenergy batteries tested within 5% of claimed capacity.
Charging Different Battery Types
| Battery Type | Solis Compatible? | Recommended Current | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NiMH AA/AAA | ✅ Yes | 500mA | Perfect |
| Li-ion 18650 | ✅ Yes (with spacers) | 700mA | Requires metal spacers (not included) |
| NiCD (old) | ✅ Yes | 200mA | Recondition recommended |
| 9V NiMH | ✅ Yes | 300mA | Use side terminals |
| LiPo (RC packs) | ❌ No | N/A | Use dedicated balance charger |
Troubleshooting Common Solis Issues
Battery not detected / "NULL" on screen
Fix: Battery voltage below 0.8V. Try reconditioning mode. If still NULL, battery is dead (internal short).
Charger gets very hot
Fix: Reduce current to 300mA or 200mA. Ensure vents are clear. Battery heating is normal; charger should be warm but not too hot.
Battery stops charging after 5 minutes
Fix: Dirty battery contacts. Clean with rubbing alcohol. Also, battery may be full (check voltage).
LCD shows ERROR
Fix: Battery inserted backwards or short circuit. Remove and reinsert correctly. If persists, battery is dead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Solis charge one battery at a time?
Yes. Each bay operates independently. You can charge 1, 2, 3, or 4 batteries.
Does the Solis work with Eneloop batteries?
Yes perfectly. The reconditioning mode works on Eneloop dead cells.
How do I know when batteries are fully charged?
LCD shows "FULL" on each bay. Also, charging current drops to 0mA and beep sounds.
Can I leave batteries in the charger after it finishes?
Yes. Solis trickle-charges to maintain full capacity. But remove within 24 hours for best battery life.
Final Verdict
The Tenergy Solis is the best smart charger under $40. The LCD, reconditioning mode, and independent bays make it superior to cheap chargers. Use this Tenergy Solis setup guide to master all features and extend your battery life by years.
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