NEWBIE W 2 POSSIBLE eGo BATTERY/CHARGER CONFLICTS

[kwalka]

Hi All,
First off I want to say this is a great thing we’ve gothere. Everyone should have to get some sort of ECF certification beforepurchasing anything above a simple basic starter kit.
6 weeks ago I switched from 2+ packs a day to all vaping,and have had no issues to speak of! I love it.
The first 2 weeks I started with a simple 2 pc 808D-2 starter kit, then upgraded to a eGo-t 900mah starter kit.
Here’s possible issue #1:
This purchase was made from an ECF approved vendor site. 510 USB Charger. The comments said they were using it for eGo batteries. Given the recent horrible events, I started really researching what I had and heres what I found. The charger is a knock off labeled as follows: Charger Model : USB-A InputC-5V OutputC4.2V---200mA
The charger that came with my kit says eGo USB Charger Input DC5v 500mA Output DC4.2 420mA
Is this a simple case of just extended charging time? Is this combination of 900mah batteries and 200mA charger safe?
The site also offers a second charger labeled USB Charger 420mah, which of course I did not find till after the fact.
Issue #2:
I walked into an E Cig store a few days ago and purchased an eGo 1100mah battery with no label. The store owner assured me that it was fully compatible with all my eGo hardware and charger. Last night I read that because it has a blue led button, this means it is also a knock off. Is this something that should go right off to recycle?
For now I'm not using the new charger at all and I'm quite hesitant about the new battery. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[n9emz]

The 110/240VAC wall unit of my eGO charger has a 5.0-7.0VDC output at 400mA; the USB section output is rated 4.2VDC at 420mA. Although it's stated that all 3.7VDC units should be used only with their specific chargers, my eGO charger should be safe to use with all my 3.7VDC devices.

As for USB charging with the computer, nominal USB port rated output is in the neighborhood of 4.375VDC with current delivery up to 500mA, also theoretically safe for a 3.7VDC device. However, USB host Voltage and Current delivery is contingent upon a number of things such as how the host reads the device; how many USB ports are in service; and, most importantly the health/condition of the device.

A USB port is capable of delivering up to 7VDC @ 4-5A. It should be obvious that there could be severe consequences with an internally or externally shorted battery connected.

 

[elfstone]

I would not use the 420 mA charger for standard 510 / slim batteries, but I guess it's OK to charge the eGo on the 200 mA. I hope someone can answer with a reliable reference.

 

[kwalka]

n9emz, I should of mentioned that I only use the supplied ac adapters to charge, as to avoid any pc involvement in possible failure. It has 5v 500mah. That is the one that came in the kit.
elfstone, I only have 2 eGo 900 mah, and 1 1100 mah eGo knockoff. No 510's. My concern is that the OEM supplied charger, that came with the kit is 420 and the knockoff is only 200.
Thank you both for responses

 

[Caridwen]

I understand exactly what you're asking. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer. Every one of my ego USB chargers is DC5v 500mA Output DC4.2 420mA.

After you have 5 posts, I can move this thread into the battery section. Maybe one of the battery experts can give you some advice. Sorry I can't give you more help.

 

[n9emz]

I would not use the 420 mA charger for standard 510 / slim batteries, but I guess it's OK to charge the eGo on the 200 mA. I hope someone can answer with a reliable reference.

My Joye 510 wall chargers are 5.0VDC +/-0.5V @ 500 mA; USB adapters are 4.2VDC @ 420mA. I charge them via my computer monitor's protected USB hub only. I probably have 50 cycles on the 4 original batteries and they still function as new.

My VECs are passthroughs with direct, unprotected connection to my USB hub. Charging Current is regulated only by the limitations of the microcable in the assembly. I probably have 40-50 cycles on my VECs and they continue to perform as new.

Again, nominal USB host voltage is in the neighborhood of 4.375VDC, the host initially delivers 100mA current (1 unit) to the connected device, and then reads delivery vs. discharge currents. When discharge current exceeds charging current, the USB host will incrementally deliver more current units until discharge rate is overcome up to 500mA. Simply, as battery charge increases, discharge rate also increases, and the USB host increases charging current 100mA greater than read discharge rate....up to a maximum of 500mA....until the connected device signals full charge, at which time it's time to disconnect.

Neither am I an electronics expert....I'm just a mediocre communications electronics enthusiast and I would also appreciate input from a real expert. My concerns are as great as anyone else's as I have a basketful of e-cig chargers and am tired of depending on Kentucky windage in their application.

 

[Blood_of_Adonis]

I've had to charge an 1100mah eGo on a 510 charger. It's safe, but takes FOREVER to charge.

The bit about the "200mAh" has to do with how much current is being used to charge from. If i'm not mistaken, lithium-ion chargers use a trickle from that 400-420mAh, which is sent to the battery in pulses, so the full 420mAh isn't flowing into the battery directly. THat's for safety.

Trying to charge a regular 510 in an eGo would not be good/safe. At best, you'll severely hurt the battery lifespan. At worst, you'll blow your 510 battery up. (The 510 charger trickles from 150mAh at ~4.2vdc)

Another important thing to know about that I don't see many people talking about is the C rating of a battery, or capacity. Common Sense RC

I was told you don't want to use any battery with a rating under 3C or 4C, to maintain safe discharge rates. I guess that's mostly for modders to worry about, though.

 

[Blood_of_Adonis]

For the Record- Not an expert

 

[Wichita]

You don't want to charge low ampre batteries with a high output charger. It never hurts a high capacity battery to charge on low output charger. I have lots of rechargeable batteries and chargers and have read much. The main difference is charging times and automatic cut off times. Your battery unit may not show it's battery as fully charged though. Which is another problem. I read that in a comment somewhere in this forum. So try it.