Quick answer

Most Pulsar APS charger issues stem from a poor connection, wrong battery type, or a faulty USB cable. Check the locking mechanism, use the correct APS 2, APS 3, or APS 5 battery, and test with a different cable before replacing the unit.

Why your Pulsar APS charger may not work

The APS Battery Charger uses a quick-locking connection to hold the battery securely. If that lock isn't fully engaged, the charger won't power on. The included USB cable and DC plug are also common failure points—try a different USB cable first.

For the APS 5 Battery Charger, compatibility is narrow: it only charges the APS 5 battery. Attempting to charge older APS 2 or APS 3 packs will produce no result. The Infitac BC01, on the other hand, handles CR2 and 16340 lithium cells independently. If one channel fails, the other may still work.

When to consider a replacement

If the charger still fails after swapping cables and confirming the correct battery, the internal electronics may be damaged. At $48.95 (APS charger) or $41.57 (APS 5 charger), replacing the unit is often more practical than attempting a repair. The Infitac BC01 kit costs $28.80 and is a good alternative for CR2/16340 users.

Diagnosis steps for Pulsar APS and Infitac BC01 chargers

  • Symptom: No power LED: Check the USB cable and DC plug. Try a different USB cable (any standard USB-A to micro-USB cable works). If using a wall adapter, ensure it provides at least 1A output. If a different cable works, the original cable is faulty.
  • Symptom: LED stays red for hours: Verify you are using the correct battery type: APS 2 or APS 3 for the APS charger, APS 5 for the APS 5 charger. For Infitac BC01, confirm cells are 3.7V CR2 or 16340. Dirty contacts can also cause this—clean them with a dry cloth. If battery type is correct and contacts are clean, the battery may be degraded and need replacement.
  • Symptom: Charger works intermittently: Inspect the locking connection on the APS charger. The quick-lock must click fully into place. For Infitac BC01, check that each battery is seated properly in its channel. Loose batteries may lose contact during movement. If the lock is secure but the issue persists, the charger's internal connection may be damaged.
  • Symptom: One channel on Infitac BC01 doesn't work: Try charging a known-good battery in the dead channel. If it still fails, that channel is faulty. The other channel remains usable. A single faulty channel does not require replacing the entire unit.

Chargers covered in this guide

  • Pulsar APS Battery Charger: Compatible with APS 2 and APS 3 battery packs; includes USB cable and DC plug. If you use an APS 5 battery with this charger, it won't work—confirm your battery type first.

    Pulsar APS Battery Charger

    Pulsar APS Battery Charger

  • Pulsar APS 5 Battery Charger: Dedicated charger for the APS 5 battery only. It cannot charge older APS 2 or APS 3 packs, so check compatibility before troubleshooting.

    Pulsar APS 5 Battery Charger

    Pulsar APS 5 Battery Charger

  • Infitac BC01 Li-ion Battery Charger kit: Dual-channel charger for 3.7V CR2 and 16340 lithium batteries with independent monitoring. If one channel fails, the other still works—try swapping batteries between channels to isolate the issue.