chargers

[VMGz]

Hey all,

I've been using the Intellicharger I2 for a while, and recently I've noticed it's taking a long time to charge batteries. Keep in mind I realize that the Amp output is distributed across two batteries, etc, but I feel as though its time for an upgrade.

I regularly use Samsung25R's and occasionally VTC5's, (18650) and I was wondering what your opinions are on the best charger I can buy. The criteria I'm looking for ideally are:

External transformer
Fast charging time
LCD screen
Ample venting
Autostop cuttoff when batteries finished

Thank you in advance!

 

[Thrasher]

Xtar vp 2

external power and 1 amp settings

 

[TyPie]

Nitecore Digicharger D2 or D4, a step or two down from Thrasher's VP 2 ( and VP 4) above, methinks, but still nice.

 

[beckdg]

Xtar vp2 or vp4 all day.

A recent discussion with info... http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=664782
Opinions on chargers?

Tapatyped

 

[Baldr]

Add another vote for the Xtar VP2. A year or so ago, I did a fair amount of research and bought the VP2. I wanted the best I could get. The only serious contender was the Pila, but the Pila was more expensive and requires that you use spacers for some battery sizes.

 

[AndriaD]

I was wondering about my Nitecore i4 the other day, it really was taking a LONG time to charge an 18350. When I picked up the charger, it felt rather warm, warmer than I recall it being before, so I took the battery out and just let it sit overnight. In the morning, I tried it in my efest luc2, it showed 3.9v, and proceeded to charge normally. Really not sure what was going on there, and it worries me, having no real idea.

Andria

 

[abn75]

I use the xtar. Best charger I've ever owned

 

[nic_fix]

I wish we could consolidate all these threads. as always xtar vp not vc even though it is cool and still good. pila is better regulation but pain to use spacers. not that much more expensive. really do not even think of nitecore or g-d forbid trustfire. I recently had 3 nitecoes die. 4th exploded very seriously. li batteries are not a joke. a guy at candlepower was critically injured by an explosion.

xtar vp. that's it.

 

[nic_fix]

I just wish the vp4 had a timer so I could see how freaking fast it is lol. anyways I love it. I wanted vc4 for the screen but the vp4 circuitry wins hands down. charging 4 batteries on usb spec is slow and can cause isssues. 1 battery on usb, okay. 4 it is not even designed for. that is why they stepped down the amperage. that can kill a pc plus if 500ma wall plug is used possible fire hazard. like the screen but they went wrong with usb imo. it's just the times. everything is usb.

 

[KGB7]

Hey all,

I've been using the Intellicharger I2 for a while, and recently I've noticed it's taking a long time to charge batteries. Keep in mind I realize that the Amp output is distributed across two batteries, etc, but I feel as though its time for an upgrade.

There is an old saying; "a watched pot never boils"

i2, D2, i4, D4 charges at 500mah and takes up to 4.5 hours to charge fully drained battery from 3.2v to 4.2v

You can get a charger that charges at 1amp, but it too will take up to 2.5 hours.


.

 

[Thrasher]

I just wish the vp4 had a timer so I could see how freaking fast it is lol. anyways I love it. I wanted vc4 for the screen but the vp4 circuitry wins hands down. charging 4 batteries on usb spec is slow and can cause isssues. 1 battery on usb, okay. 4 it is not even designed for. that is why they stepped down the amperage. that can kill a pc plus if 500ma wall plug is used possible fire hazard. like the screen but they went wrong with usb imo. it's just the times. everything is usb.

Not true, anymore, while I wouldn't use a PC USB the average phone or tablet today draws and uses a 2.1amp input and USB cables have been properly redesigned to handle the load. You can't just buy a spaghetti thin generic cable but at 1 amp total current draw the vc2 is drawing half of my shield tablet or galaxy phone. And out of the 10s of millions of phones and tablets not many USB cables been reported as an issue with fire hazards or bursting into flames.
Many items do this now because A it cuts price down not having to include the transformer and B the average home has a drawer full of 1+ amp wall worts already, why add another

As for the 4 bay model, I can easily find 6-7 2+ amp wall warts laying around, more if I dig in a couple drawers. No where in the packaging do they recommend using a PC out

www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-Cable-Micro-Meters/dp/B003ES5ZSW



Besides, who doesn't want a velvet swag bag

 

[LJFinFLA]

I have a Pila charger which I have been using for the past year and a half and I've had no problems what so ever with it. Now last week I bought some 26650 batteries which the Pila can not fit. I purchased a Efest Luc4 and I have to say it's pretty good as well. You can charge your batteries at .5, 1.0, and 2.0 ma. You can also charge a device off the batteries using the usb port on the charger. I saw a thread here about this website and this is where I purchased my batteries and charger. Their prices seem pretty good.

Liion Wholesale Batteries | Li-ion battery distributor

Well just MHO.

 

[Vatic]

Xtar's are my favorite too but right now I'm using a efest LUC because I'm too lazy to go get my xtar. I remember when all we had were trustfire TR-001's lmao.

 

[nic_fix]

I did not know that. I was just concerned someone plugs in a 500ma wall wort and gas station cable. I love the display. obviously the only reason it is less money is the exclusion of a transformer. still, what is important to me is the blazing speed of the vp4. do not know about time on vc4. on a vtc5 dead I am getting just over an hour. even though it says 2.5 hours. ymmv on that though I suppose. the only thing I would like on it is a timer just for kicks and giggles. it was great to see 4.5 hours on a nitecore lol. honestly I like nitecores display best but the things are bad news.

 

[Thrasher]

The vc is still only 500 ma per channel so its still slow. but it also has current limiting, if I accidentally plug it into a 500 ma wart it will cut both channels down to 250 ma ea. Their paying attention lol

personally this isn't an issue and unless you only own 2 or 3 batteries ( I can't understand why though) it shouldn't matter. If your constantly waiting on batteries to charge then you need more batteries not a faster charger
And as a side bonus the more batteries in rotation the longer they all last.




In general though we can't continue to blaim companies because the average consumer can't be bothered to read instructions anymore then has issues

 

[nic_fix]

I am a fiend lol. about 30 batteries and six chargers around here. I can exhaust a 18650 vtc5 in a regulated mod in 40 minutes! we are talking high power, sub ohm though. you are correct. companies should not be liable for consumer neglect.

 

[Thrasher]

I am a fiend lol. about 30 batteries and six chargers around here. I can exhaust a 18650 vtc5 in a regulated mod in 40 minutes! we are talking high power, sub ohm though. you are correct. companies should not be liable for consumer neglect.

You have many happy fun time enjoyment using smoke oil!

 

[beckdg]

^^^ Future oriental high dollar proof reader. ^^^

Tapatyped

 

[Thrasher]

I'm practicing my chinglish so I can get a job writing product descriptions on fasttech