Rechargeable: Difference between revisions
→Battery types
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Li-ion cells have fairly low self-discharge, but in order to prolong the life of the battery, should be stored partially discharged. | Li-ion cells have fairly low self-discharge, but in order to prolong the life of the battery, should be stored partially discharged. | ||
'''Recommended batteries:''' There are a number of sources of batteries and quality varies widely. Some are outright frauds with brand name labels pasted over recycled cells or worse (one battery was hollow and contained a small Li-po battery inside). eBay is a notoriously bad place to buy lithium ion batteries, with fake brand name batteries and false claims regarding capacity and battery protection. Panasonic NCR18650, NCR18650A, and NCR18650B cells of 2900, 3100, and 3400 mAh capacity are high quality cells available from a variety of dealers. Cells by Samsung, Sony, and Sanyo are also good. Just make sure you find a reputable dealer with satisfied customers on the forums. | '''Recommended batteries:''' There are a number of sources of batteries and quality varies widely. Some are outright frauds with brand name labels pasted over recycled cells or worse (one battery was hollow and contained a small Li-po battery inside). eBay is a notoriously bad place to buy lithium ion batteries, with fake brand name batteries and false claims regarding capacity and battery protection. Panasonic NCR18650, NCR18650A, and NCR18650B cells of 2900, 3100, and 3400 mAh capacity are high quality cells available from a variety of dealers. Cells by LG, Samsung, Sony, and Sanyo are also good. Then retailers will put labels on those batteries and sell them. Just make sure you find a reputable dealer with satisfied customers on the forums and stick with batteries that use new cells from reputable companies. | ||
'''Reviews:''' Here is [http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Common18650comparator.php HKJ's comparison tool] of a large number of li-ion 18650 battery brands that lets you compare two different batteries at various discharge rates, based on HKJ's extensive testing of batteries. There is also this older [http://lux.yi.org/batt/ comparison by DrJones] of budget brands. Here's [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/2581 Mitro's group of discharge graphs] of different brands at different currents. | '''Reviews:''' Here is [http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Common18650comparator.php HKJ's comparison tool] of a large number of li-ion 18650 battery brands that lets you compare two different batteries at various discharge rates, based on HKJ's extensive testing of batteries. There is also this older [http://lux.yi.org/batt/ comparison by DrJones] of budget brands. Here's [http://budgetlightforum.com/node/2581 Mitro's group of discharge graphs] of different brands at different currents. | ||
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===Lithium Manganese Nickel (LiNiCoMn) 3.7/cell=== | ===Lithium Manganese Nickel (LiNiCoMn) 3.7/cell=== | ||
Similar to IMR cells above, and sometimes called INR, these cells typically are not rated for as high a draw as IMR cells, but are still safe without protection, and often have higher capacity than IMR cells. Realistically there may not be that much difference between IMR and INR batteries since different manufacturers will tweak the recipe with traces of elements to get the best performance. Panasonic makes 2250mAh cells that have the product number CGR18650CH and Samsung makes two highly regarded models called 25R and 30Q, with the 30Q offering a little more capacity. | Similar to IMR cells above, and sometimes called INR, these cells typically are not rated for as high a draw as IMR cells, but are still safe without protection, and often have higher capacity than IMR cells. Realistically there may not be that much difference between IMR and INR batteries since different manufacturers will tweak the recipe with traces of elements to get the best performance. Panasonic makes 2250mAh cells that have the product number CGR18650CH and Samsung makes two highly regarded models called 25R and 30Q, with the 30Q offering a little more capacity. Often the manufacturers will rates cells for some number of amps (10 amps, 15 amps) but beware false claims from retailers. | ||
===Lithium-Polymer (Li-Poly) - 3.7V/cell=== | ===Lithium-Polymer (Li-Poly) - 3.7V/cell=== | ||