The Test on IMR 18650's

[Sad Society]

OK So the story goes, I really wanted to get a new mod. After two years of using the same mod, the metal plating finish is wearing off and I wanted something new. So after doing long hours of research I've decided to give the Lavatube a try.

I don't have the LT yet but my AW 18650 batteries arrived today (I ordered the mod by itself, not as a kit).

One of my main concerns was the batteries not being protected. And after doing more research I ordered an Ultrafire WF-188 Charger. It's supposed to be a smart charger that will not overcharge the batteries.

But the charger is still in the mail as well. So what I have is these batteries, a cheap charger and a multimeter.

I tested the batteries with the multimeter and the highest reading was 3.88, and the lowest on another battery was around 3.6

I put one of the batteries in my cheap charger and I plan on testing the battery voltage every half hour with the multimeter. I'm charging the battery next to me as I type and I'm keeping a close eye on it.

I have no idea if the charger would eventually overcharge the battery or not. But if the volts test higher than 4.2 volts then I guess thats the end of the test. And I will wait for my other charger.

I wonder if the charger will tell me if the charge is done. We will see.

 

[st0nedpenguin]

It's a shame Shekor stopped making their original charger, $15 was a steal for the peace of mind knowing your batteries weren't being trickle charged over capacity.

 

[Sad Society]

Do you mean this charger? e-lectronics.net

 

[Sad Society]

I guess my cheap charger works pretty well. It told me when the charge was done and the battery tested 4.21 on my multimeter. I put the battery in the charger again for 20 min longer and it still read 4.21 on the meter afterwards. So they are not being overcharged. Or perhaps I did not leave it in the charger long enough for it to be overcharged.

B.T.W. it's a two slot charger and I only charged one IMR 18650 battery on it so far.

 

[st0nedpenguin]

Do you mean this charger? e-lectronics.net

Yeah that's the one, I checked the site earlier planning on linking it, then I read the updates.

Mine takes everything to 4.15v then shuts off charging so you take a very slight drop in overall capacity but I think it's worth it for the peace of mind.

 

[Sad Society]

Like I said in my OP I went with the Ultrafire WF-188 Charger. It should do the same thing. And also my cheap charger seems to have some kind of smart charge in there as well from what I've gathered so far.