a universal charge module for recharging rechargeable batteries includes a housing , a connector block formed on the housing for receiving a rechargeable battery , the connector block including an attachment mechanism for releasably attaching the rechargeable battery to the housing , and a power control circuit functionally integrated with the housing , the power control circuit being capable of determining operating and charging parameters of the rechargeable battery , wherein the power control circuit controls the recharging of the rechargeable battery in dependence upon the determined operating and charging parameters .