At What Voltage to Charge Your 3.7v Mech Mod Batteries

[Nautiboy1279]

Hey everyone, just a quick question for all you mech mod user's of 3.7v batteries. I got three brand new Panasonic Ncr18650ch batteries. I am now on a mission to take the best care I can of these things and have them last as long as possible. I got a 5 stage Pila charger, but now just need to know, at what voltage are you guys waiting for your 18650's to get down to before charging. I keep seeing a vast amount of answers on this. I have heard 3.6, I have heard 3.1, etc. Anyone have any experience as to if its better to let them get lower, or just charge them once they start giving subpar vapor? Which I assume starts at around 3.6?

Thanks!

 

[Myrany]

Do not count on noticing the change in vapor as an indication for when to charge. Some people can notice it and some cannot. How noticeable it is can vary from device to device too.

Until I got a handle on a specific device + topper setup I would check my battery every hour with a multimeter and pull them when they hit 3.5v. Since I mostly use a reo grand with my RM 2 set up with a 1.2 ohm coil I now know I can vape 2/3 of an internal reo bottle (4mL in my case) before needing to change. As I said though the amount of juice will vary a great deal with which device + topper + ohms are being used.

 

[Singaw]

I don't carry a meter around with me because from experience I notice a significant decrease in performance with high drain batteries when they get to 3.6v.

 

[Myrany]

I don't carry a meter around with me because from experience I notice a significant decrease in performance with high drain batteries when they get to 3.6v.

You are lucky I could never notice until it got down around 2.7 which is not good. LOL

I don't carry a meter anymore either now that I have figured out how much juice I can run through before I hit 3.5v. It was a temporary measure until I got that worked out.

 

[Singaw]

Yeah the amount of juice you use helps as a reference too. I have just been using the same build and battery type for years so I have become accustomed to them. I still check the batteries before and after charging out of habit and confirmation.

 

[Nautiboy1279]

So the final verdict on the question is what, recharge at 3.6 for most out of the battery, or lower?

 

[Myrany]

So the final verdict on the question is what, recharge at 3.6 for most out of the battery, or lower?

3.6 is good but don't fret if it hits 3.5 I think it is such a small difference it does not matter much. Just don't make the mistake I did and take one down below 3 that really shortens the life.

 

[Topacka]

I have a friend who switches his battery out hourly, usually doesn't even let it get into the 3's.

I switch mine out when I notice a drop. Usually around 3.5 or 3.6

 

[volume control]

3.6V roughly is the perfect point to charge for long battery lifespan, above that is still fine, so charge frequently if you like. Letting ecig batteries go nder 50% before charging strains the battery shortening lifespan (nimh batteries which you shouldnt be using in ecigs prefer to be near fully discharged, a lot of people assume this is also best for ecig/laptop/cellphones but it is not)

 

[Vaslovik]

I generally recharge mine when they get below 3.7 volts, sometimes sooner, sometimes later, but never below 3.5 volts.

 

[crxess]

Actually you need to confirm manufacturers recommendations. Otherwise you will get a lot of canned info. Not all batteries fit into the same can.

Many newer batteries are -0- memory effect. This means you can Drain/charge anywhere within manufacturers recommended range without adverse effect.(imagine - them thinking they know more than us)
2 things that absolutely will shorten battery life:
1-Tossing a hot battery straight on charge
2-placing a just charged battery back into action

Always let a battery stabilize both before and after charging.

 

[Equilibrium]

So you're saying I shouldn't take a battery straight off the smart charger and immediately use it?

 

[crxess]

So you're saying I shouldn't take a battery straight off the smart charger and immediately use it?

Nope - Smart charger is not smart enough to know you want to do that. Otherwise it would delay letting you know the battery is charged on preference to the battery is Ready for use.

 

[Equilibrium]

Hmmm... No one has ever told me that. Thanks!