HKJ
Flashaholic
18650 Charger Box Question
What would be the consequence of using protected cells in this power pack?
None, if they can fit in it.
Some of these boxes are to short for protected cells.
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
18650 Charger Box Question
What would be the consequence of using protected cells in this power pack?
not having seen the inside of one of these, I would say that the only thing I could equate as a possible problem is batteries not fitting as protected cells tend to be longer than unprotected ones.18650 Charger Box Question
Picked up one of these 18650 power packs on ebay...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-5V-2A-Dual-USB-18650-battery-Mobile-Power-Charger-box-For-iphone-ipod-Mp3/390654017801?_trksid=p2047675.m1985&_trkparms=aid%3D444000%26algo%3DSOI.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D13%26meid%3D1080939390461984181%26pid%3D100012%26prg%3D1014%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D370888259958%26
With the intention of using it to charge phones, lights, etc. It can operate with any number of cells installed, up to four.
I was just reading the description and it says to use with unprotected cells because the box itself has "built in circuit protection."
But my plan was that if the need ever arose, I could simply steal a cell from the charger to power my flashlight in a pinch. Was going to use Callies Kustoms 3400 protected cells.
What would be the consequence of using protected cells in this power pack?

I see some DIY power box that uses Li-Ion 18650 cells, from 1 up to 6 cells, on ebay. Here is one example: link - 4 cells
Based on the item descriptions, it uses unprotected cells (configured in parallel) and has protection against over-charge and over-discharge.
Similar power box appears to use somewhat different circuitry, a few claim that their box has short-circuit protection.
Does anyone have experience on using this kind of box? Is it worth buying?
@Norm : Thanks for merging the thread, I did not know it has been asked previously
@KiwiMark : That is what I was thinking to put some good 3100 mAh cells to charge my gadgets a few times
Does anyone know whether this kind of powerbank will be allowed in cabin while flying?