Simple Li-poly Charger.

Set output current

R3 3.3 Ohm (0.1W) = 136 mA 2.2 Ohm (0.1W) = 200 mA 1 Ohm (0.25W) = 450 mA 0.5 Ohm (0.5W) = 900 mA R3 5 +ve 1 L200 Regulator 3 4 DVM 12V DC in C1 0.22uF R1 2K2 R2 10K multi-turn C2 0.1uF li-Poly battery under charge D1 1N4001 2 +ve

-ve -ve Set charge voltage at the output by adjusting R2 to the correct voltage, 4.2V x number of cells in series to be charged then connect battery. To monitor charge current , connect meter across R3. Current (A) = Voltage (V) / Resistance (R) The input voltage only needs to be 3V above the charging voltage to ensure a stable output. Reducing the input voltage will ensure that the L200 will not get any hotter than necessary. With the values shown it will be possible to charge up to 4 cells in series but the input voltage will have to be high enough to cope (approx 20V). The circuit is about the simplest it is possible to make that gives a properly limited current and voltage output. In order to recover over-discharged cells, a charge current of C/10 will have to be set by changing R3. If a continuously variable current is required, a variable resistor can be used in place of R3 but it must be capable of dissipating the necessary power and must have at least 0.22 Ohms in series to prevent currents greater than 2A being selected (the limit of the L200). With a battery connected to the output and no supply it will drain into the charger at about a few mA, so dont leave a battery connected indefinitely. The L200 regulator will need a small heat sink if charging at above 200mA. For detailed data on the L200 see... http://www.angliac.com/st/data_from_st/1318.pdf

Warning: Always charge cells and batteries to manufacturers instructions.