I recently took the plunge into variable voltage. I should be receiving my Apollo V-Tube in two days according to the tracking. I have a couple questions about batteries that may or may not apply to me. These may be very stupid questions so just bare with me here while I try to further understand. First of all, what is the difference between protected and unprotected batteries and what should I be using on my LavaTube clone? I am getting AW High drain 18650's with my kit. Are those protected? I'm assuming protected batteries have extra safety features. Second, what is wrong or unsafe about battery stacking? Not that I am going to stack batteries because I will be able to change voltage with the buttons. Lastly, do I need to charge my batteries I will be getting before I use them? How long does a dead 18650 take to charge? Anything extra anyone wants to add about battery safety or maintenance is also very welcome. I understand that these large batteries can be very dangerous if used incorrectly.
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The Lavatube (and it's counterparts) boost voltage up from 3.7V (a single li-ion battery) to achieve variable voltage. This requires a battery that can provide plenty of current. The IMR batteries do provide plenty of current for APVs that boost voltage.
Protected vs unprotected: A protected battery has a small circuit board on the negative end that monitors current drain and voltage during use. If too much current is being drawn from the battery, the circuit board 'shuts off'. If the battery voltage drops below a certain level (usually ~2.8V), the circuit board shuts off. The reason for this is if too much current is drawn from the battery it can go into "thermal runaway" which can lead to a venting or exploding battery. If the battery voltage drops too low, it can destroy the battery.
An unprotected battery doesn't have this protection circuit installed.
Now we look at the IMR batteries. IMR batteries have a different chemistry(li-mn) than the 'usual' li-ion batteries(li-co). This a safer chemistry. IMR batteries can supply higher currents than the li-co batteries and because of this do not have a protection circuit.
You should charge your batteries when you get them. Li-ion batteries will hold their charge for a fairly long time between uses; but you don't know how long the batteries you receive have been setting since last charged. Depending on your charger and the mAh capacity of your battery, it could take a couple of hours or more to charge up and 18650. Batteries that you've just purchased aren't 'dead'; but you won't know what level of charge they do have. Never store li-ion batteries for any extended period of time in an uncharged state; this could damage the battery.
Hope this helps
Protected vs unprotected: A protected battery has a small circuit board on the negative end that monitors current drain and voltage during use. If too much current is being drawn from the battery, the circuit board 'shuts off'. If the battery voltage drops below a certain level (usually ~2.8V), the circuit board shuts off. The reason for this is if too much current is drawn from the battery it can go into "thermal runaway" which can lead to a venting or exploding battery. If the battery voltage drops too low, it can destroy the battery.
An unprotected battery doesn't have this protection circuit installed.
Now we look at the IMR batteries. IMR batteries have a different chemistry(li-mn) than the 'usual' li-ion batteries(li-co). This a safer chemistry. IMR batteries can supply higher currents than the li-co batteries and because of this do not have a protection circuit.
You should charge your batteries when you get them. Li-ion batteries will hold their charge for a fairly long time between uses; but you don't know how long the batteries you receive have been setting since last charged. Depending on your charger and the mAh capacity of your battery, it could take a couple of hours or more to charge up and 18650. Batteries that you've just purchased aren't 'dead'; but you won't know what level of charge they do have. Never store li-ion batteries for any extended period of time in an uncharged state; this could damage the battery.
Hope this helps
Please read this- http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/ecf-library/129569-rechargeable-batteries.html It will answer all your questions, then some. Most likely your new batts will need charged, be sure you got the right charger for the right batts. Be safe! bnrk
1) The AW IMR 18650 is not protected (no little circuit board), it is considered a "safer chemistry" battery.
2) You will need to use only IMR High-Drain batteries with your new APV. This is because the voltage boosting circuitry will draw more current than a standard Li-Ion battery can deliver.
3) One of the most dangerous things about stacking batteries is that people sometimes use metal spacers in between the two batteries. A spacer or little magnet may be needed for the two batteries to make good contact with each other due to battery design or to fill a gap. If a spacer moves out of position and contacts the side of a metal tube APV the shorted battery will quickly overheat and very possibly explode. Hopefully it is not next to your face should this occur.
4) You will never stack batteries in you Apollo V-Tube because it is not designed to handle input voltage much greater than 4.2 volts. When two batteries are stacked their combined voltage is double that of a single battery.
5) I see that the Apollo V-Tube has a few protection features built in.
a) Short Circuit/Atomizer
b) Reverse Battery
c) Battery Monitoring/Over-Discharge
d) Amperage Limiting to 2.5 amp
e) Vent hole on the bottom
f) 10 second auto shut off
The only thing I see missing is thermal protection.
6) New batteries will have some charge but who knows how much. Charge them before you use them.
Just stick with a quality IMR high-drain 18650 battery and you'll be fine.
Theres danger everywhere in life, but hey, you got to live while you can.
2) You will need to use only IMR High-Drain batteries with your new APV. This is because the voltage boosting circuitry will draw more current than a standard Li-Ion battery can deliver.
3) One of the most dangerous things about stacking batteries is that people sometimes use metal spacers in between the two batteries. A spacer or little magnet may be needed for the two batteries to make good contact with each other due to battery design or to fill a gap. If a spacer moves out of position and contacts the side of a metal tube APV the shorted battery will quickly overheat and very possibly explode. Hopefully it is not next to your face should this occur.
4) You will never stack batteries in you Apollo V-Tube because it is not designed to handle input voltage much greater than 4.2 volts. When two batteries are stacked their combined voltage is double that of a single battery.
5) I see that the Apollo V-Tube has a few protection features built in.
a) Short Circuit/Atomizer
b) Reverse Battery
c) Battery Monitoring/Over-Discharge
d) Amperage Limiting to 2.5 amp
e) Vent hole on the bottom
f) 10 second auto shut off
The only thing I see missing is thermal protection.
6) New batteries will have some charge but who knows how much. Charge them before you use them.
Just stick with a quality IMR high-drain 18650 battery and you'll be fine.
Theres danger everywhere in life, but hey, you got to live while you can.
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