18650 questions

[Neilrazer]

I have some 18650 batteries and I don't know what the numbers printed on them indicate. I'd like to use them in a Convoy S2+, Olight S2 Baton, Lumintop FW3A, and Streamlight HL-X (All of my 18650 lights). Obviously, the ones marked Samsung are Samsung, and I think the green one at the bottom is Panasonic. I just don't know if the numbers tell the amps or mAh or anything. Was hoping someone could tell me their secrets. Hopefully the link will work:

I think the pic was too big and I can't figure out how to lower it to 800x600 on my phone so please just click the link.

 

[peter yetman]

Sorry, I'm not going to open a Google account just to look.
Hopefully someone who has one will know the answer.
Good luck,
P

 

[Neilrazer]

 

[WalkIntoTheLight]

Those Samsung 22F cells means they're 2200 mAh capacity. I think those went out of production years ago, so they're likely quite old. I have some from laptop pulls, and they're actually decent cells if you don't need high drain or high capacity. I'm not sure what the code on the wrap means, but there are also codes on the metal can under the wrap. Those indicate when the cell was made, what assembly line, etc. Sometimes you can read them through the wrap.

 

[peter yetman]

The bottom one, if you search for li-ion mh12210, looks like a Panasonic 3100mah cell.
The best way to find out if your cells are worth using is to put them on an analysing charger and test for capacity.
P

 

[Neilrazer]

Is there a commonly recommended charger/analyzer?

I have a Eastshine S2 charger and also a Boruit C1 charger. I'm pretty sure neither will analyze anything.

Thanks for the help so far!

 

[peter yetman]

It depends on how deeply you want to get involved with this stuff.

https://lygte-info.dk/info/roundCellChargerIndex UK.html
is the ultimate rescource for information on various chargers.

Off the top of my head, I'd look at LiitoKala Engineer Lii-260 and Allmaybe TC2 as entry level chargers that analyse.

On the other hand you could probably spend the same money on a basic Xtar and some new cells and not have to worry about it.

As long as you observe some basic safety precautions, you can use Li Ions without the need of complicated chargers, although a Multimeter can be a great help.

I've not read anything about the two chargers that you have, and for that reason I would not put my trust in them. The Eastshine looks like a rebadged Ultrafire H2, which HKJ (his link above) did not have a great time with.

If you are going to commit to using Li Ions, it's not a good idea to buy cheaply, certainly not off of Ebay or Amazon (too many fakes). Buy from a reputable seller who will sell you genuine gear. Illumn and Mountain Electronics come to mind, but with a little searching on here you'll find some more.

Sorry for the long post, and I haven't even had my Conflakes yet!

P

 

[RetroTechie]

This page has specifications & links to datasheets for all the cell types shown above.

Btw the SDI stands for "Samsung" and "Display / Digital" and "Interface / Internet Component" (source). These days mostly known for battery systems, it seems. Also see here.

 

[Neilrazer]

The specifications page with pictures is very helpful.


I'm looking at 2 different charger/analyzers at this point.
Xstar VC4S and Opus BT-C3100. Are either or both of these good options for someone who likes to tinker but doesn't necessarily want or need to become a battery guru?
Thanks,

 

[peter yetman]

I'm a great fan of Xtar chargers, however the VC4S has Automatic Current Selection which can be a bit hit and miss. I don't know anything about the Opus, you'll have to search and see.
If I were buying a new charger in the morning I'd get a Vapcell S4+, it seems to be getting a lot of things right.
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...fast-charger&p=5353267&viewfull=1#post5353267

Here's what HKJ says about your two...

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?460065-Test-review-of-Charger-Xtar-VC4S

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?389732-Test-Review-of-Charger-Opus-BT-C3100-V2-1

 

[Neilrazer]

I ordered a Vapcell S4+ yesterday.

Thanks again for the help and resources.

 

[peter yetman]

How exciting, let us know how you get on.
P