Batteries & XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

gopajti

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Hello guys,

I've many XTAR chargers and because photography is another hobby, I thought, I will share my XTAR photos (and I will add some comments) in this dedicated thread. In past years I've seen, I've tried these models: first gen. WP2 (grey), second and third gen WP2/WP2 II, XP1, XP4, VP1, VP2, VP4, XP4, SP1, SP2, WP2h, WP2s, MC1 Plus, VC2, VC4.

Currently I have: VP1, VP2, VP4, WP2h, WP2s, WP2 II (3.gen), XP4, SP1, MC1 Plus and I think more to come in near future, because I want to try some new models, eg SV2 Rocket. I need min. 2 or 4*2A charge current for my new Sony Konion US18650 VTC6 cells.

VP1 is one of my favourite model (I've 3pcs), because all six slots can charge up to same voltage, 6 x 4.19V precisely! Mostly I use unprotected cells (in 4*18650 flashlights), so it's important me, there is no difference in voltage. I use these VP1 chargers since few years, without any problem. VP1 is my base charger.

Another favourite, SP1. Mostly I use with 26650 cells. Main features:

- Charge current:: 0.5A, 1A, 2A
- You can charge 3.2V, 3.6V (4.2V), 3.8V (4.35V) cells
- USB output (1A)
- Absolutely no overcharge, precisely stopped 4.19V (after rest time I measured 4.17-4.18V), in 3.8V settings max. 4.34V. (3.2V settings not tested)

MC1 Plus. An excellent "five star" little USB charger (0.5A/1A), which has very good price/value ratio. I've no problem with this charger, but I use rarely. Always stopped max 4.18-4.19V. Came with USB cable and a small carrying bag.

VP2. Similar as VP1, but came with some extra features, eg. USB output, 26650 size support or 4.35V battery support. If I want to charge more than one 26650 cell or more than one piece of 4.35V battery, I use this charger, but mostly I use my three VP1 or SP1 as I said.

WP2h. Overall, this is an VP2 without display. There is 0.01V difference between two slots.

XP4. Nothing special for me, it' s a good for Li-ion cells, but I've seen 0.01-0.02V difference between four slots. Charge current possible 4*1000mA.

VC2/VC4. Both charger came without wall adapter, just only USB cable, so if you want to use full power (eg. 4pcs 18650 cell in same time), you need an USB wall adapter with more than 2A output (VC4). Currently I've only 0.5 or 1A wall adapter so this is the reason why I use rarely these chargers in this time. btw both charger has an excellent quality plastic (ABS) house and very nice high contrast display.

VP4. For me, VP4's display looks better than VP1 or VP2 display. Overall I really like this charger, especially when I want to charge my four AW 16340 550mAh IMR batteries, but it's too slow for me for 4pcs 18650, because charge current max. 4*500mA. For two cell it's ok, 2*1A is possible.

XTAR chargers, detailed reviews by HKJ.

MP1
MP2
MC0
MC1
MC1 Plus
MC1 Plus (Ant)
MC2
MC4
MC6 Queen Ant
XP1
XP4
XP4c
WP2
WP2 II
WP2 II (2014)
WP6
WP6 II
SP1
SP2
WP2h
WP2s
VC2
VC2 Plus Master
VC4
VP1
VP2
VP4
VP4 Plus Dragon
SV2 Rocket


Later, I will update this thread with new photos! (if need higher res, just click images)

















 
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ven

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Hello there sir , hope all is well. I have missed your pics, we certainly need more of them. :) Out of my xtars, still today almost all get used. The vp2/vp4 and xp4 get use upstairs (wp6 II is stored away for now).

The vp1 and sp1 are both in work and get regular use. Over this time I have had only one issue, charger plug failing. Oh and mine collect a hell of a lot of dust! Certainly compared to yours ;)

Thanks for sharing your impressions and pics :)
 

gopajti

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

ven, thank you very much! I'm glad to see you









 

kreisl

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

you should try the VP4+

it is the best XTAR charger, flagship model in the catalog
 

ven

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

you should try the VP4+

it is the best XTAR charger, flagship model in the catalog


+1 defo there, would love some awesome detailed close up pics and more impressions...................may just push me over the edge:D
 

kreisl

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

you should try the VP4+

it is the best XTAR charger, flagship model in the catalog

.... but I have the feeling that MIBOXER chargers are taking over the lead in the game
 

olemil

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Thank you for sharing your Xtar collection, very nice!! As always, your pics are over the top beautiful!! I can appreciate them even more since I have been dabbling in photography for many years (decades). Thanks again for sharing. :thumbsup:
 

gopajti

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Thank you very much olemil, I appreciate your comment. I'm amateur in photography, which means, I didn't learn photography and I don't have any special equipment, eg. soft box etc. + my camera is not professional, just an old Canon Powershot + I have a cheap Hama tripod (ca. 25 usd). But I use this camera since ~8 years, so I know how working :) Of course I use some tricks, but nothing special.

 
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vadimax

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

.... but I have the feeling that MIBOXER chargers are taking over the lead in the game

Nope. Read the "Conclusion" part. A charger that drastically wears out a battery in case it was "forgotten" in it is not my choice. They should either lower "restart" voltage threshold or remove it entirely until a cell disconnected.
 
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gopajti

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Update: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread] now = Batteries & XTAR Chargers [Photo thread] :thumbsup:

I will share battery photos and some experience

My newest 18650 cells came from german battery specialist, akkuteile.de. 8pcs Sony US18650VTC6 and 8pcs Keeppower Protected 3120mAh (R Series). 8pcs Sony voltage was 3.48V. Similar as Keeppower cells, 3.44-3.46V

Why ~3.48V? The reason: It has been decided by air safety since this year. According to this, all manufacturers are required to load the cells to 20% of the capacity.

Earlier (eg. in 2016) LG MJ1, MH1, HG2, Panasonic NCRGA, Sony VTC5 and similar batteries voltage was ~3.62V originally.


Shipping time was 4 days from Germany to Hungary. (shipping via DHL & Hungarian Post)


All batteries came in perfect condition. Sony cells date code: "ZA17" which means, Z=2017, A17=January 17.













 

kreisl

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Why ~3.48V? The reason: It has been decided by air safety since this year. According to this, all manufacturers are required to load the cells to 20% of the capacity.

Sorry i cant find official information colloborating such claims
 

gopajti

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Hi kreisl,

I will ask my friend who's said this thing. If more info will be available I will share with you.
 

kreisl

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Never mind gopajti, i will stick with the 40% official guideline by BU-702.

maybe battery manufacturers are to ship batteries at 20% from now on, who knows, but it wouldn't change the official 40% guideline for end consumers.
 

gopajti

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Re: XTAR Chargers [Photo thread]

Ok kreisl.

VP2



VTC6









 
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usdiver

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I have a vp2 and vp4 dragon. Can't work out in my head what is lowest voltage or percentage before battery dies or is no good to use
 

Wrongway

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I have an SkyRC MC3000 that gets used for battery analysing and serious work. The MC3000 is a fantastic beast, but is not intuitive for quickly putting something on charge. I have just bought a VP2 for less serious quick charge of Panasonic 18650's and RCR123's. I'm a bit disappointed that the VP2 doesn't show capacity or have simple analytical functions. I will probably leave it in the car for use out and about where needed. I am wondering if there is an alternative I can use that will give more basic charge info. Would the VP4 Dragon be something more appropriate for me and is it as good as the VP1 and VP2 are claimed to be with accuracy and cell protection etc. Though I think I say mentioned that battery voltage is not shown with the VP4 Plus Dragon which is a bit of a disappointment.
 
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terjee

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The MC3000 is a fantastic beast, but is not intuitive for quickly putting something on charge.

Highly subjective I suppose, but I've come to the opposite conclusion. Nothing could be easier (for me!) than simply dumping the batteries in, selecting a program for just the charging I want on my phone, and walking away.

I've had about a dozen other chargers, and for most of them, just starting a charge would require multiple button presses to set correct rare, and so on. Defaults are too often too high or low, no memory for which rare was used last time to mitigate, and so on.

Currently tempted to consider another MC3000, so I could use one of long running tasks, and the other for basic charging, but not sure how that'd work with the app.
 

ChrisGarrett

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I have an SkyRC MC3000 that gets used for battery analysing and serious work. The MC3000 is a fantastic beast, but is not intuitive for quickly putting something on charge. I have just bought a VP2 for less serious quick charge of Panasonic 18650's and RCR123's. I'm a bit disappointed that the VP2 doesn't show capacity or have simple analytical functions. I will probably leave it in the car for use out and about where needed. I am wondering if there is an alternative I can use that will give more basic charge info. Would the VP4 Dragon be something more appropriate for me and is it as good as the VP1 and VP2 are claimed to be with accuracy and cell protection etc. Though I think I say mentioned that battery voltage is not shown with the VP4 Plus Dragon which is a bit of a disappointment.

Remember, much like computer processors in the late 90s and early 2000s, things (chargers) have been moving at a rapid pace in only these past 5 years.

Back in May of 2012, I bought my first li-ion charger and at that time, the king of the heap was PILA. A safe, but basic charger. I went with an Xtar WP2 II, which offered two charging rates (1A/500mA) and was equally adept.

When the Xtar VP2 came out, it was the de facto 'best charger' on the planet, sans the hobby charger class of chargers.

It's now dated. I was probably the first one on this entire board to have one, but then the first batch was recalled for 'brittle plastic under freezing conditions' and I ended up waiting a few weeks for the replacement.

The VP2 does 2 bays, it does 250mA, 500mA and 1A rates, it does all common li-ion chemistries, it's 12vdc (solar), it comes with a 12vdc car adapter and it does the three common voltages, plus it has a numeric voltage meter on it, which was novel for the time. Finally, it still does a safe and efficient job of charging up our li-ion cells, 3 years after its introduction.

It doesn't analyze and it doesn't do multi-chemistries (NiMH) and, but if you told me I had to only use my Xtar VP2 for the rest of my life, I wouldn't be pitching a hissy fit.

Chris
 
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