I also picked up the magnets but just need to get some thick silicone wiring and hope to have the charging algo graphed soon.
So it looks like a CC/CV charger but with the only drawback being that it won't/can't balance charge so the cells will likely eventually become unbalanced enough to require manual intervention. Main thing to keep in mind is to use balanced cells (in which case it'd be preferable if you can actually match the internal resistance and not just by voltage) and to check the individual cells every few charges to ensure that they're reasonably balanced.
The cells don't necessarily have to be new (although it's preferable if you're using primaries) but if there was a way to measure internal resistance and match that instead of just merely the voltage or capacity then that would be the best way to ensure one is using matched cells.
In short, the methods in order of decreasing accuracy of matching cells (and again, someone please correct if you disagree):
1 - Internal resistance
2 - Measured capacity (discharge/charge cycle)
3 - Voltage
Cheers,
Tim
From a safety point of view yes. If there were a blocking diode then the snap on tail cover with usb charger port would not work. Any one care to take on the task of designing the V60C USB charger port? Remember you are stepping down 12DC to 5VDC and a linear regulator may not be the best. Let's say round-about $20.
Re: the screws. Would there be any problem using blue lock-tite on these ? Are these screws conductive in any way? This light, for me, will eventually make it's way into the general use light-fleet for my staff.....after considerable testing ....maybe It would be nice to be able to just lock-tite the screws and forget about 'em.
I already anticipate having to do a bit of regular maintence checking and balancing batteries, but that's no big deal if done regularly. Don't want to worry about screws falling out if I can help it.