3.8V vs. 4.2V charging

[cyberwolf]

The charger that came with my 16340 3.6V CR123 batteries charges them to 4.2V. The charger that came with 17335 3.7V CR123 batteries only charges them to 3.8V.

Am I risking anything by charging the 3.7V batteries to 4.2V?

[Houdini]

That's normal and not a problem. My 10440's come off the charger at 4.3v. and there's never been a problem and I have 11 of them.

[kc0cmp]

The charger that came with my 16340 3.6V CR123 batteries charges them to 4.2V. The charger that came with 17335 3.7V CR123 batteries only charges them to 3.8V.

Am I risking anything by charging the 3.7V batteries to 4.2V?

I'm a little puzzled, is that 3.8v charger intended for Li-ion or for LiPO? sounds more like a 3.2v LiPO charger, Ive never seen a non 4.2v Li-ion charger for 3.7v li-ions... I guess it coulda been for 3.0v but that seems a little excessive for 3.0 123a doesn't it?

A 3.7v li-ion battery actually charges to 4.2 on virtually every charger, which is .5 (1/2)v above its "rating" and is considered the standard for this battery type. With that as the model, your "3.8v" charger sounds a *lot* like a LiPO charger as that's close to the same percentage of overcharge..and seems slightly excessive if it's a 3.0v Li-ion charger.

[cyberwolf]

THe "4.2v" charger came with the 3.6V 16340 batteries, the "3.8v" charger came with the 3.7v 17335 batteries. That's the sum total of what I know about them.

After using these for about a week, I'm beginning to wonder if the charger that only reaches 3.8v is defective. I've found that the same 3.7v 17335 battery will only last for about an hour after a "full" charge on the charger that came with them, but lasts all day if I charge it on the charger that reaches 4.2v.

[doots]

that is within acceptable normal range for a full charge. nothing to worry about.

[raddiver]

I have to say that im glad i am in the rc hobby. One of the best purchases i have made is an accu-cycle elite battery charger. It will charge Nicd, Nimh, Lion, Lipo, and gel cel. in almost any combination up to 2 amps.
Hobbico Accu-Cycle Elite
I dont have to worry about specific chargers for specific batteries. Just the connections.

[bigozone]

I have to say that im glad i am in the rc hobby. One of the best purchases i have made is an accu-cycle elite battery charger. It will charge Nicd, Nimh, Lion, Lipo, and gel cel. in almost any combination up to 2 amps.
Hobbico Accu-Cycle Elite
I dont have to worry about specific chargers for specific batteries. Just the connections.

how expensive is that thing... i like it!

[Richie G]

The charger that came with my 16340 3.6V CR123 batteries charges them to 4.2V. The charger that came with 17335 3.7V CR123 batteries only charges them to 3.8V.

Am I risking anything by charging the 3.7V batteries to 4.2V?

I have two chargers that do exactly the same thing, albeit different battery types. I "top off" the 3.8 with the 4.2 when charging multiple batts at once. And yes, the amount of time the batts last is lengthy. Most PVs cut off (stop working) when voltage drops to about 3.4 volts. I usually change out batteries before the cut off, at about 3.6v. That's where I've found the voltages to be when vapor and TH drop off lower than when suits me.

Tenths of a volt mean a LOT when we're only starting out with 4-ish volts to begin with.

[raddiver]

how expensive is that thing... i like it!

I think i paid about 130ish. But like i said, i never have to worry about having a ton of specific chargers around. I only need the one.
Looks like this place has it for 127