Chargers: Difference between revisions
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→Lithium Ion Chargers: get rid of super cheap DX chargers, update XTAR to VP4, add Nitecore options.
(→AA/AAA Chargers which Cannot Measure Cell Capacity: replace discontinued Sony compact charger with Panasonic) |
(→Lithium Ion Chargers: get rid of super cheap DX chargers, update XTAR to VP4, add Nitecore options.) |
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Li-ion chargers aren't as commercially widespread as NiMH chargers. Precautions must be taken to avoid overheating cells and they should be monitored while charging. Some people only charge li-ion cells in their fireplace or in a steel bucket! For tips on safely using Li-ion cells refer to [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235164 this post]. The important thing for li-ion chargers is to correctly stop charging when the battery voltage reaches 4.2 volts (for a typical 3.7 volt cell) and not to charge at a rate exceeding the capacity of the cell (e.g. "1C" for an 800 mAh battery is 800 mA). See [http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_lithium_ion_batteries this article] from Battery University for information about properly charging li-ion cells. A good charger will slow the charge rate as the battery gets closer to being fully charged. | Li-ion chargers aren't as commercially widespread as NiMH chargers. Precautions must be taken to avoid overheating cells and they should be monitored while charging. Some people only charge li-ion cells in their fireplace or in a steel bucket! For tips on safely using Li-ion cells refer to [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235164 this post]. The important thing for li-ion chargers is to correctly stop charging when the battery voltage reaches 4.2 volts (for a typical 3.7 volt cell) and not to charge at a rate exceeding the capacity of the cell (e.g. "1C" for an 800 mAh battery is 800 mA). See [http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_lithium_ion_batteries this article] from Battery University for information about properly charging li-ion cells. A good charger will slow the charge rate as the battery gets closer to being fully charged. | ||
* [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-i4-intellicharger-2014-edition.html Nitecore Intellicharger i4] - 4-bay 2-channel charger (Bays 1 and 3 share a channel, as do 2 and 4). Charges li-ion cells as well as NiMH. Usually around $25, but sometimes can be found on sale for $20 with group buys at BLF. Reviews: [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/9508 HKJ], [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?336936 Selfbuilt]. Similar [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-intellicharge-i2.html 2-bay model]. Nitecore makes a similar 4-bay charger with a digital readout for voltage and current called the [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-d4-digicharger.html D4] as well as a 2-bay [http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/nitecore-d2-digicharger.html D2]. | |||
* [http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?product=171829 Pila IBC 4-Stage Charger] - Has 2 independent bays and will charge batteries 65-67mm long batteries by default and 50mm long using the included adapters. It charges batteries at up to 600 mA and correctly terminates at 4.2 volts. This charger is often recommended in the forums. Because of the 600 ma charging rate, it is not appropriate for 10440 cells which often are 500 mAh. Note that Pila only recommends this charger be used with Pila cells, but it will work fine with any li-ion cells, but will require your own adapters for 16340's. About $45. [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201323 CPF thread] | * [http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?product=171829 Pila IBC 4-Stage Charger] - Has 2 independent bays and will charge batteries 65-67mm long batteries by default and 50mm long using the included adapters. It charges batteries at up to 600 mA and correctly terminates at 4.2 volts. This charger is often recommended in the forums. Because of the 600 ma charging rate, it is not appropriate for 10440 cells which often are 500 mAh. Note that Pila only recommends this charger be used with Pila cells, but it will work fine with any li-ion cells, but will require your own adapters for 16340's. About $45. [http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201323 CPF thread] | ||
* [http://www.sbflashlights.com/Batteries-Chargers/Xtar- | * [http://www.sbflashlights.com/Batteries-Chargers/Xtar-VP4-p376.html XTAR VP4] - 4-bay charger with digital readout. About $40. Review: [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/36335 HKJ]. A 2-bay version is also available. | ||
==Hobby Chargers== | ==Hobby Chargers== | ||