When to charge batteries?

[WilsonR]

I keep reading how people say they won't let their batteries go below 2.7v, 3.3v, etc. And to never let it completely drain out.

1. How exactly do you tell when a battery gets to a certain volt level if you use nothing but mech mods?
2. Is it OK to drain a battery completely?
3. I have an Nitecore i4. Should I stick to that or would anyone recommend something better?

TIA!

 

[rlockwich]

lmao I was litarally just about to ask these same questions making my own thread. Thanks.

 

[sumiquatchim]

dont go below 3.7V. Your charger is fine, make sure you use vtc5 18650 batteries. The positive section of the battery goes towards the battery. Dont over charge, dont stack. To know when you the volts are going down your vapor production will get less, i say go for a box mod with protections of all sorts cause you dont have a struggle with em.

 

[AzPlumber]

An IMR battery minimum voltage is typically 2.5 volts, will vary a bit between manufactures. Never go below the rated minimum voltage on a lithium battery. However you will notice a significant decrease in vapor before it gets too low.

 

[Rat2chat2]

It was recommended to me that I recharge at 3.7 volts. A good volt meter is essential. After awhile, you recognize when the performance starts to decline. Could be in my head but I get less flavor and vapor production.

I have the Nitecore also and have been pleased with its charging but have noticed that it is making dents in the bottom of my 18650's. I'm not very pleased with that and I don't know how to decrease the tension on the spring.

 

[rlockwich]

Voltmeter by Tobeco for RBA Vaporizer Battery Mod Atomizer 510 E Go Thread New | eBay

$11.95 Free Shipping by Tobeco. I think that's a hell of a deal. I just ordered this OP.

 

[rlockwich]

I just thought of something. It must be easy for women who vape lol always having a purse that you can carry stuff with you concealed and it doesn't look any different...

I might have to bring back the fanny pack for all my vaping ..... As far as when I'm going to work (Cell phone sales for 10 hours a day in a store by myself) I'm always bringing Batteries, 2 bottles of e-Liquid, Some days I bring my whole coil building kit (ohm reader, kanthol, torch, tweezers, screwdrivers, nailclippers, etc), battery charger some days, and now it might look like i'm adding a voltage meter!

Do I really need to be this excessive in all the things I need when I go to work for 10 hours every day? lol

 

[zoiDman]

I keep reading how people say they won't let their batteries go below 2.7v, 3.3v, etc. And to never let it completely drain out.

1. How exactly do you tell when a battery gets to a certain volt level if you use nothing but mech mods?
2. Is it OK to drain a battery completely?
3. I have an Nitecore i4. Should I stick to that or would anyone recommend something better?

TIA!

I Don't like to Run my Batteries below 3.7 Volts. And for Li-Ion Batteries, it is Better to Charge them More Often then to Drain them Completely before Charging.

Nothing Wrong with a Nitecore i4. I think it is a Pretty Good Charger.

 

[Sgt.Rock]

I have the Nitecore also and have been pleased with its charging but have noticed that it is making dents in the bottom of my 18650's. I'm not very pleased with that and I don't know how to decrease the tension on the spring.

Do you pull the negative contact back manually before inserting your battery or do you use the battery to pull it back?

I always pull it back and then insert the battery and only see some minor scratching --no dents.

 

[Firestorm]

1. I always have a pocket voltmeter in my backpack that I bring to work or on trips and I regularly check my voltage. If I'm going out for a few hours and I don't want to bring a voltmeter I'll pop in a freshly charged battery. Over time you'll be able to tell that you've gone below 3.7v due to decreased vapor production.

2. Never drain the battery completely or go below 2.8v - you will ruin it.

3. The Nitecore is a fine charger.

 

[WilsonR]

Thanks for responding everyone! Might be time to get a volt meter. My VTC5 is starting not to last as long as it once did. I'm starting to wonder if I was pushing the limits on it. I plan on getting more batteries when I get paid so I'll be more careful with those. But I was all over the place with builds and the way I vaped when I first started vaping 2 months ago.. So it took some abuse. I found my "sweet spot" and learned a few things over time.

Thanks again!

 

[Rat2chat2]

Do you pull the negative contact back manually before inserting your battery or do you use the battery to pull it back?

I always pull it back and then insert the battery and only see some minor scratching --no dents.

I try to but with the 18650 length it is hard too. I will try to be more careful. Thank you.

 

[Sgt.Rock]

I try to but with the 18650 length it is hard too. I will try to be more careful. Thank you.

Yep--it's a little awkward but you can do it! Of course as I'm a guy I don't have long nails--if you do they may suffer for it

 

[CAP1]

No, no you may not.



As far as the thread topic goes I've been wanting to ask the same question. I never know how much is left in my mechanical so I have to check often. Good thread.



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[Baditude]

1. How exactly do you tell when a battery gets to a certain volt level if you use nothing but mech mods?

You periodically check the battery voltage with either a digital multimeter, a 510 voltage meter, or an Omnitester while you are vaping. Once you become more familiar with vaping on a mechanical mod, you'll "know" with experience when the battery voltage drops to a certain point and need to be replaced in the mod.

2. Is it OK to drain a battery completely?

No. That will ruin the battery. Never drain an IMR or ICR battery below 3.4 volts, or an IMR/hybrid battery below 2.5 volts. Charge either type when voltage drops to 3.4 volts.

3. I have an Nitecore i4. Should I stick to that or would anyone recommend something better?

I use a Nitecore i4 charger as my daily battery charger myself. It's a great charger.

You'll get more advanced features with a better charger. For instance, the Xtar VP1 has a LED display showing battery voltage, charging status, and a feature to be able to revive some over-discharged batteries safely.