new to batteries (other than eGO's of course)

[The Wolfman]

Alright...I've got an amazing Mod coming either Saturday or next Monday (depending on the USPS). I've got my attys, drip tip, tanks, cartos, batteries, charger and the spacers I was told that I need to charge my batteries. I'm using 16340 batteries using an XTAR WP2 II w/4 spacers per channel. When I put the batteries in I get a blinking red light. There is nothing in the owner's manual that talks about this situation...(it only has very broken English!).

Is there anyone out there who might know what is going on?!? When my Saber makes it's way to me I want to be able to vape on it straight away. I've got everything that I need, but I just don't know about the battery situation. If you know what's going on you will be my hero for the hour if you can help me out!!!

Thanks in advance...
The Wolfman

 

[nordoe]

I have the same charger but am only using it for 18650. What setting are you putting it on 0, 1 or 2. Charging that size battery I beleive it should be on 1 which is really .5ma.

 

[Rocketman]

Switch position 0 gives 0.5 AMP per channel.
Switch position 1 gives 1 AMP per channel.
Switch position 2 gives USB output.

0.5 amp might be high for some 16340 cells.
Hope you got good cells.
You can search for "XTAR WP2 II" for a couple of reviews of that charger.

 

[The Wolfman]

Switch position 0 gives 0.5 AMP per channel.
Switch position 1 gives 1 AMP per channel.
Switch position 2 gives USB output.

0.5 amp might be high for some 16340 cells.
Hope you got good cells.
You can search for "XTAR WP2 II" for a couple of reviews of that charger.

I got AW IMR 16340 550mAH batteries. Would these qualify as "good cells" or is there a big difference between individual batteries? Thanks for the input either way!!

 

[Rocketman]

You done good with the cell choice
Just pay close attention to the switch position on your charger, and watch for cells getting more than slightly warm.
I don't think I would try the "1" range with small cells like the 16340. The 0.5 AMP range (500ma) is hitting them hard enough. It's easy to forget what the switch positions mean.
Just think of it as 0.5 AMP, 1.0 AMP, USB out
A cheap digital meter would be a valuable accessory to have with a stacked battery mod.

 

[The Wolfman]

You done good with the cell choice
Just pay close attention to the switch position on your charger, and watch for cells getting more than slightly warm.
I don't think I would try the "1" range with small cells like the 16340. The half AMP range is hitting them hard enough. It's easy to forget what the switch positions mean.
Just think of it as 0.5 AMP, 1.0 AMP, USB out
A cheap digital meter would be a valuable accessory to have with a stacked battery mod.

Without trying to pry too much...do you know of a few places where I might purchase a "cheap digital meter"? I am in your debt Rocketman! Seriously...just give me a text/call/post when you board the plane and we will make sure our place is clean and we'll pick you up at the airport in Maui!!!

 

[Rocketman]

Most auto parts stores, Walmarts, K-Marts, have cheap digital volt meters in the $10 range.
Better ones run more but the cheapos are fine for e-cig applications.
HarborFreight, Tool Barn, plenty of places.

They aren't hard to learn how to use if you don't know already.


Walmart has one on-line for about $12. Shop around and you can find the same one for a little less.
various brand names applied to the same Chinese DVM
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Performance-W2974-Digital-Multi-Tester/14698338

Also read up on battery safety when using stacked battery mods. Keeping pairs together, and monitoring voltages, both full charge and after discharge can give you an early warning to a cell getting old or weak or a charger slot going bad.