Test/Review of Charger Miller ML105 V1.0

HKJ

Flashaholic
Joined
Mar 26, 2008
Messages
9,715
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
[size=+3]Charger Miller ML105 V1.0[/size]

DSC_1362.jpg


DSC_1363.jpg


This charger is a very small 26650 charger, it needs an external USB power source.

DSC_1359.jpg
DSC_1360.jpg


There was no retail box for the charger and the only accessory was a polishing cloth for the clear lid.

DSC_1364.jpg


The charger has a micro usb connector for power input.

DSC_1759.jpg


The charger has space for 3 leds, but only two of them works.
The red one will show steady light when charging.
The green one will show steady light when done.
Without a battery in the charger the leds will alternate fast.

DSC_1365.jpg


This looks like space for usb output, but the charger is not equipped with that.

DSC_1368.jpg

DSC_1371.jpg


The led has no hinges and must be removed to charge 26650 batteries.

DSC_1372.jpg
DSC_1373.jpg


The battery slot is nearly fixed length, but behind the metal box at the back there is a spring, this allows some variation is accepted. Length must be between 64mm and 69.6mm, this means some protection cells will not fit.

supportedBatteryTypes.png


supportedBatterySizes.png
DSC_1370.jpg
DSC_1371.jpg


The charger can handle all unprotected 18650 and 26650 and many protected cells.
It is possible to charge some smaller IMR (high current) cells on this charge by using a spacer, but check the charge specification for the cell first.



[size=+2]Inside the charger[/size]

DSC_1761.jpg


The charger is easy to open, only four screws must be removed and it can be pulled apart.



There is not much electronic in the charger, only a buck converter for handling the charging and a couple of transistors.
There are two leds in this charger.



There is nothing on the bottom, except the type number and version.



DSC_1765.jpg


The charger has been prepared for more leds, it has 3 light pipes.



[size=+2]Measurements[/size]


  • Below 0.5 volt the red/green leds will alternating fast.
  • Above 0.5 volt the charger will start slow charging with about 45mA, red/green leds will alternating slow.
  • Above 2 volt the charger will increase current to 0.13A and only the red led will be on.
  • Above 2.5 volt the charger will start regular charging and only the red led will be on.
  • Without a battery the red/green leds will alternate fast.
  • The charger will restart if battery voltage drops below 4.10 volt.
  • Charge will restart charging after power loss, or battery insertion.
  • When not connected to power the batteries are drained with 0.08mA
  • With a full LiIon cell the charger will drain the battery with 0.05mA
  • This charge will not be able to reset battery protection.


Miller%20ML105%20(PA18650-31).png


The charger has a nice CC/CV charge curve.

Miller%20ML105%20(SA18650-26).png


Miller%20ML105%20(PA18650-34).png


No problem charging 18650 with 2600mAh and 3400mAh either.

Miller%20ML105%20(SH26650-35).png


A 26650 is also charged fine.

Miller%20ML105%20(BE18650-26).png


An older cell makes the charge circuit a little bit unstable, but the cell is charged fine.

Miller%20ML105%200.5ohm%20(PA18650-31).png


Adding 0.5ohm in series with the usb power supply to simulate a long cable or weak supply did not present any problems.

Temp2532.png


M1: 28,0°C, M2: 30,6°C, M3: 27,4°C, HS1: 32,7°C

There is not much heat in this charger.

Startup.png


The charger is a dumb charger, i.e. no microprocessor that needs to initialize or anything, when power is applied it will start charging immediately. This type of charger works perfectly with a solar panel.



[size=+2]Conclusion[/size]

The charger is a good charger and with the spring in the back it can handle many xx650 cell, both protected and unprotected (Very long protected cells will not fit).
The charger current is a bit above 1A, this is fine for most 18650 and all 26650 batteries, but a bit high for old 2900/3100mAh cells, if you have many of these cells and want to make the last as long as possible: use another charger. For other cells: enjoy the faster charging.



[size=+3]Notes[/size]

Here is an explanation on how I did the above charge curves: How do I test a charger
 

ChrisGarrett

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
5,725
Location
Miami, Florida
This charger is like the 'mother-in-law' that just won't go away.

I guess if you own a lot of 26650s and NCR-Bs, but don't have a lot of cash, this is the charger for you?

Chris
 
Top