2,900 mAh 18650's and the WF-188

[one_raven]

I'm about to charge the batteries for my GGTS for the first time.
I know I should set the UltraFire WF-188 charger to 3.7 V for the 18650's, but what about the amperage?

My gut tells me that the lower amperage (300mA) will still charge the batteries fully, but more slowly - and that's probably better for the batteries than the higher setting (650 mA).

Is that correct?
If not, please help me out.
If so, how much longer will it take? How long should it take to fully charge them from dead?

I also got a few sets of the Tenergy 3V 750 mAh 123A's...
These are not protected, correct? I know the VaporKings site says...

These are NOT lithium-ion batteries. They are the new LiFePo4 (lithium iron phosphate) and although aren't 100% safe, they are much safer to use than lithium-ion batteries because they don't fail "violently".

...but should I be concerned about them not being protected?

What should I set the charger amperage at for these?

Another, kind of related question: Do I need to worry about battery memory with Li-ion batteries? Should I look for a battery conditioner, or make sure they are fully dead before charging?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Krisb]

Wow, I'm glad someone reads the description! My GG is due to arrive tomorrow and I also ordered the LiFePo4 batteries and had not the slightest clue that they were unprotected! I put the GG in the cart and just threw in the batteries and charger that were shown below as accessories and raced through to checkout...ooops.

 

[B-Rad_The_Mad_Vapr]

charge the 18650 @ 3.7v 650mAh
charge the LiFePo4 123's @ 3.2v 300mAh
The LiFePo4 are not protected but are perfectly safe to use in a series for 6v vaping
I don't think you have to worry about memory w/ Li-ion bats, but I run them till performance goes then recharge

 

[Drozd]

I'd use the 650mA setting for the 18650 batteries... the slow seeting isn't nessicary as long as the charge rate doesnt exceed the speced max charge rating...
though I don't know which brand 2900mAh battery you got but for example the AW 2900mAh 18650 the max charge rate is 850mA

the tenergy though I'd charge at the 300mA rate **** and the 3V setting is critical**
realistically the tenergy are only supposed to be charged on thier own specific charger
but their max discharge rate is <550mA ...so it's a good assumption that the charge rate should be less than that as well

 

[Krisb]

Do they come fully charged? And, if not, do I have to completely charge them prior to initial use?

 

[B-Rad_The_Mad_Vapr]

they come w/ a charge, but depending on how long they've been stored might not be much. I usually charge mine first, the WF-188 charger does a good job @ not overcharging

 

[one_raven]

Thanks for the help, guys!
I love this place.

though I don't know which brand 2900mAh battery you got...

These AW batteries from VaporKings

Damn!
I just realized the charger setting is 3.2V, not 3.0V.
I'm guessing that poses a problem with these 3.0V batteries?

 

[Ways]

Thanks for the help, guys!
I love this place.


These AW batteries from VaporKings

Damn!
I just realized the charger setting is 3.2V, not 3.0V.
I'm guessing that poses a problem with these 3.0V batteries?

Those AW batteries are very good i have a couple of the 2900mah 18650s and they go for ages in my GGTS, i have a single cell 18650 charger that starts charging at 1A and drops the amperage as the battery fills which i use when in a hurry (which is most of the time) and have had no problems with any of my 18650s some of which are a few years old now, although i am well aware that charging at that rate will likely degrade the batteries performance much sooner than charging at a lower rate but i accept that as the price i pay for convenience.

A 3.2v / 300mAh charge setting should be fine for your tenergy cells, the following taken from:- http://www.tenergybattery.com/index...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27

Rechargeable LiFePO4 RCR123A 3.0V 750mAhBattery
Life cycle: 2000 times (Traditional Li-ion: 500 times)
Never explode or catch fire
100% Compatible with Disposable CR123A Batteries
Working Voltage:3.2V and Peak Voltage: 3.6V
Charging cut-off voltage: 3.6V
Discharge cut-off voltage: 2.2V
Please never overdischarge battery below 2.2V/cell
Charge the this battery with LiFePO4 RCR123A smart charger.
Capacity: 750 mAh
Maximum discharging rate:< 550 mA
Maximum charge current: <550 mA
Cell's dimension: 17mm Dia. x 34.5mm H.
Weight: 0.6 oz (18 grams).

although i would still check them with a multimeter / voltmeter before during and after charging just as a matter of course, i do like the "Never explode or catch fire" part as not exploding or catching fire is something i look for in a battery

 

[one_raven]

Great. Thanks for the info - and backing it up with a source.
Did I say how much I love this place?