Low cost 6-channel Li-ion battery charging

[yzer]

Fully independent multi-stage charging for up to six standard Li-ion batteries. I just clustered six of the common YL-103A chargers. Chargers are vertical and right side up, good air circulation, total cost well under $30. Now I can charge Li-ion batteries for a week's worth of vaping in one batch.

These look a little like the transformer toys the kids used to have.

A cluster at work.

 

[Anoob2]

Nice little set up.can u flip one and fit both into one outlet or do u have to use two dif outlets

 

[yzer]

I recommend using two separate duplex outlets. Theses chargers have air vents at the top and bottom so I'd feel better having them charge right side up. I've got plenty of outlets out at the workbench.

 

[yzer]

The thingy connecting the chargers is called a cube tap and comes from Ace Hardware. It even has a green power LED for a little bling. $4.29 from the bin. You can probably find these cheaper at a Home Depot or Lowes. The YL-103A chargers came from Hoosier e cig supply who sells them for $4.00 apiece.

 

[dormouse]

I wish there was a USB charger for even a single 14500. I have a nice 11,000mah portable USB charger w/ 1 amp output to use during power outages but I can't charge any mod batteries with it.

 

[yzer]

I just got a funny thought. I could actually pull off one of the center changers and plug in the other cluster, which would make a five battery megacluster in one wall socket. The cube taps are rated for 15 amps so it should work. I don't want that much stuff hanging out of a socket though.

 

[studio52]

Very cool. What will vapers think of next? Good inovation.

 

[markfm]

Dormouse, perhaps a small spacer and: Manafont.com | $8.27 XTAR - MP1 USB to 3.7V Li-ion Battery Charger For 14650/17670/18650/18700

 

[yzer]

Two more details. The label on the back of the case has the model number YL-103A. The battery charger item #HEC024 at Hoosier is the same charger. These chargers are a little different: the positive end of the battery faces down in the charger. There are + and - markings on the case.

 

[yzer]

Just an update. Brent at Hoosier is as honest as they come. Just Look at the way he handled the E-Power 14650 white LED switch issue.

At the time I ordered the five YL-103A chargers from Hoosier early on December 12 they cost $4.00 apiece. The price is now $5.99 apiece. Brent has business smarts.

That's still a good price if you want to make a DIY cluster charger. You can get safe and sane standard protected 14650 multi-cell fully independent charging at 4.10 to 4.17V at less cost than a 6-cell multi-charger that will terminate at a less safe 4.20V.

Still a smart deal.

 

[yzer]

An addendum to the update.

Here is a photo of the megacluster I mentioned in post #7. This charges 5x 14650 batteries: about as much as I use in a week at one whack.

These 14650s are fairly high capacity batteries (1050mAh). It takes about 6-7 hours to charge them to the full 4.10 to 4.17 volts with the YL-103As. I plug them in and look at them again about eight hours later. I only charge batteries once a week. No problem.

These are standard protected Li-ion batteries supplied by Smoktech with the E-Power 14650 kit and TrustFire protected 14650 Blue batteries I purchased separately for $8.42 a pair from FocalPrice.

Genuine TrustFire 2*3.7V 1600mAh 14650 Protected Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (Blue) EB289L - $8.42 - Affordable Batteries

With the YL-103A chargers from Hoosier this is very economical power for the E-Power 14650.

-Will this charger fit the 18650? I'm pretty sure it will. Measure the 18650s you have. If they measure 69mm in length or less they will fit the YL-103A.

-Will your IMR batteries work with the YL-103A? I'm pretty sure they will although I haven't tried it yet. According to YL-103A specs the changer will sense charge characteristics of any Li-ion battery and adjust accordingly.

 

[kmk]

MacGyver

 

[yzer]

MacGyver

Yeah, I do a lot that stuff.

 

[kmk]

Yeah, I do a lot that stuff.

Yeah, me too!

 

[yzer]

These charger clusters crank RF! If I drive my car along the street toward my house when 5-6 batteries are charging in the garage the RF interference will wipe out my AM car radio close to the house. As said on Tool Time, more power!

 

[yzer]

Thanks, kmk! If you want a healthy alternative to smoking: e-cigarettes are the best. If you want the most cost-effective e-cigarette alternative for regular or heavy smokers the E-Power 14650 or 18650 are very hard to beat.