Pila chargers

[cigarbabe]

I just got a nice Pila charger and I like it very much.
Love all the features it has but I cannot figure out how to make it work for the smaller batteries.
Yes it has two screw in spacers, but they don't screw out enough to be able to accommodate my smaller cr123's or 10440's.
I need more specific information about using it.
This is the model I have ;http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?p=pila_bc01-ac01&product=171829
Does anyone have this model and if so can you offer any help?
C.B.

 

[mdocod]

Hi CB,

Unless you intend to speak of a primary non-rechargeable lithium manganese dioxide cell, it would be best to avoid using the term "CR123." The terms "RCR123" and "16340" are very loosely used in the industry and can mean many things. The term "CR123" is specific to a size and cell chemistry. Putting a CR123 on a charger is a very good way to blow up a cell and fill a room full of hydrofluoric acid gas. CR123s contain lithium metal which is not stable enough to handle reversing the reaction (charging).

The Pila IBC charges at ~600mA and should not be used for LiCo cells smaller than ~600mAH true capacity. 16340 and 14500 size 3.7V LiCo is as small as you should go. For LiMn chemistry cells, you can charge smaller cells at this rate but it will likely reduce their cycle life.

The included spacers are ~15mm spacers, so that the 65mm supporting bays now supports 50mm cells. In order to charge 16340 size cells, you will need another 15mm spacer to stack in conjunction with the included spacers, or a 16340 size dummy cell to use without the spacers.
Example of spacers: 15mm Charging Spacer Aluminum
Metal balls are also popular for use as spacers, a 5/8" diameter metallic ball is an ideal size to have for charging spacers...
McMaster-Carr

As for the 44mm length cells; You need basically a ~20mm spacer to use in place of the stock spacers, I'm not aware of any such spacer made specific for charging. You can use nuts/bolts as spacers from the hardware store, or a wad of aluminum foil in conjunction with 15mm spacers.

Eric

 

[Whistle_Pig]

Metal balls are also popular for use as spacers, a 5/8" diameter metallic ball is an ideal size to have for charging spacers...

Now that's a great idea. Don't know why I didn't think of using ball bearings myself.

 

[jonny2hottie]

I created the same thread a while back. someone suggested i use pennies. pennies are made of copper and are conductive. it works great for me! and "it only cost pennies"
i've been using them with my pila charger since and i have had no problems what so ever.