Anyone own a DSD dual station battery charger?
- Thread starter Arnulf
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Also - you must put the cells into the cradle before you connect the power adapter to the cradle.
I found that mine was making my cells warm (checked on Fluke voltmeter at 4.23v) along with that was slow charging. I ended up getting a better charger and now use the DSD just as a charging cradle for the new charger.
I found that mine was making my cells warm (checked on Fluke voltmeter at 4.23v) along with that was slow charging. I ended up getting a better charger and now use the DSD just as a charging cradle for the new charger.
I've had good luck with my DSD so far. Only charge "protected" Li Ion rechargeables. All 18650's are single brand and come off between 4.16 - 4,20 V. If fully depleted, 3-4 hours charge time. Runs at 450mA so a bit slower than other more expensive chargers but for me, shorter charge time than this, isn't a big deal to me. I always test with DMM before and after (Not a Fluke but was cheap and gives me consistent and expected values). I also use three different brands of 16340's and consistently get similar results (4.09 -4.13 V) and it usually take about 1.5 - 2 hours for depleted cells. This lower ending voltage for the 16340's is similar to results posted by fellow CPFers on this and other chargers als well, so it doesn't concern me. Some argue that charging to 4.1 V max extends life of battery. If the 16340 comes off on lower end of this range and I have the time, I will pop it/them right back in in charger. It usually charges for another 10 -20 minutes before it goes green again. They will then come off at 4.15 - 4.18 V). So, my routine is:
Voltage check with DMM.
Battery(ies) into cradle then plug in.
Red "charging" light illuminates
Green light indicates "charge finished".
Unplug power cord from unit then take out Battery(ies).
Voltage checked with DMM to confirm properly charged.
Occassionally you might see the light do an alternating red-green strobe effect (real christmas-like). This is an error indicator and, as best as I have been able to determine, could indicate one of several things; individual battery problem/malfunction, battery is not properly contacting charging clips, battery insertion is reversed +/-, or the battery is already full.
I am very happy with it so far (3 months). Charger came from DX. DT-530B DMM from Amazon.com. Hope my luck continue to hold and hope yours works well for you too.
Voltage check with DMM.
Battery(ies) into cradle then plug in.
Red "charging" light illuminates
Green light indicates "charge finished".
Unplug power cord from unit then take out Battery(ies).
Voltage checked with DMM to confirm properly charged.
Occassionally you might see the light do an alternating red-green strobe effect (real christmas-like). This is an error indicator and, as best as I have been able to determine, could indicate one of several things; individual battery problem/malfunction, battery is not properly contacting charging clips, battery insertion is reversed +/-, or the battery is already full.
I am very happy with it so far (3 months). Charger came from DX. DT-530B DMM from Amazon.com. Hope my luck continue to hold and hope yours works well for you too.
Thanks for all the good info....I appreciate it.
How long does it take to charge 2 LIR CR123A 1000Mah batteries.....they still had a charge and I put them in the charger to top them up because they had been in my flashlight for about 3 weeks of use...I charged them for about 3hrs and the LED light on the charger stayed red....not knowing for sure how it worked...I was worried it was over charging the batteries...I felt the batteries and they did not feel warm?
rmteo
Flashlight Enthusiast
Just like Mik, I no longer use the DSD as a charger and gutted it to use as a cradle for charging 18650 cells. I use the Accucel-6 for all my charging needs. It has recently been reduced to $25 here http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7028Thanks Mik.
What kind is the better charger....so I could get the same set up you have?
Here are some features/specs:
Microprocessor controlled
Delta-peak sensitivity (NiMH/NiCd)
Individual cell balancing
Li-ion, LiPo and LiFe capable
Ni-Cd and NiMH capable
Large range of charge currents
Store function, allows safe storage current
Time limit function
Input voltage monitoring. (Protects car batteries at the field)
Data storage (Store up to 5 packs in memory)
Battery break in and cycling.
Input Voltage: 11~17v
Circuit power: Max Charge: 50W / Max Discharge: 5W
Charge Current Range: .1~5.0A
Ni-MH/NiCd cells: 1~15
Li-ion/Poly cells: 1~6
Pb battery voltage: 2~20v
Weight: 355g
Here I'm charging 8x 16340 cells:
45/70
Flashlight Enthusiast
You may, or may not be aware of this, Arnulf, but when you charge 2 cells in the DSD, the charge current is divided between the two cells. It is a parallel charger. My DSD is 350mA, so when I charge two RCR123/16340 cells, it takes twice as long. I don't run my cells down, as it's not good for Li-Ion cells to do so, but 3-4hrs sounds about right for 2, more or less depleted RCR123 cells.
I have to say, after having and using, a lot of different Li-Ion chargers, that the DSD IMO, is one of the least impressive chargers available. The only cells mine does a reasonable job with, are RCR123/16340's. It charges them to 4.19-4.20 Volts. Any other size it's usually either too slow, too fast, or under charges the cells, and then there's the fact that it trickle charges. That's a definite "no no" for Li-Ion cell charging, and the cells must be removed from the charger as soon as the LED turns green.
On another note, after typing RCR123/16340 three times now, they are the same thing. An RCR123 is a 16340, and vice versa. A lot of folks seem oblivious to this fact.
Dave
Mr Happy
Flashlight Enthusiast
That Accucel is a bargain. However, I have looked online and in the manual and I cannot find the specification (size) for the DC input power plug. These plugs come in various combinations of external diameter, internal diameter and pin diameter, and I'd like to know in advance what plug the Accucel-6 takes. Can anyone tell me?
rmteo
Flashlight Enthusiast
I don't know what the actual size is but the charger does come with a cable with the proper plug on one end and alligator clips on the other. It is a common size though eg. it is the same as the one on my FUTABA transmitter.
Just like Mik, I no longer use the DSD as a charger and gutted it to use as a cradle for charging 18650 cells. I use the Accucel-6 for all my charging needs. It has recently been reduced to $25 here http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7028
Here are some features/specs:
Microprocessor controlled
Delta-peak sensitivity (NiMH/NiCd)
Individual cell balancing
Li-ion, LiPo and LiFe capable
Ni-Cd and NiMH capable
Large range of charge currents
Store function, allows safe storage current
Time limit function
Input voltage monitoring. (Protects car batteries at the field)
Data storage (Store up to 5 packs in memory)
Battery break in and cycling.
Input Voltage: 11~17v
Circuit power: Max Charge: 50W / Max Discharge: 5W
Charge Current Range: .1~5.0A
Ni-MH/NiCd cells: 1~15
Li-ion/Poly cells: 1~6
Pb battery voltage: 2~20v
Weight: 355g
Here I'm charging 8x 16340 cells:
That is a nice rig....thanks for the info.
You may, or may not be aware of this, Arnulf, but when you charge 2 cells in the DSD, the charge current is divided between the two cells. It is a parallel charger. My DSD is 350mA, so when I charge two RCR123/16340 cells, it takes twice as long. I don't run my cells down, as it's not good for Li-Ion cells to do so, but 3-4hrs sounds about right for 2, more or less depleted RCR123 cells.
I have to say, after having and using, a lot of different Li-Ion chargers, that the DSD IMO, is one of the least impressive chargers available. The only cells mine does a reasonable job with, are RCR123/16340's. It charges them to 4.19-4.20 Volts. Any other size it's usually either too slow, too fast, or under charges the cells, and then there's the fact that it trickle charges. That's a definite "no no" for Li-Ion cell charging, and the cells must be removed from the charger as soon as the LED turns green.
On another note, after typing RCR123/16340 three times now, they are the same thing. An RCR123 is a 16340, and vice versa. A lot of folks seem oblivious to this fact.
Dave
Thanks for all the good information...I appreciate it and I am learning.
BTW....I've always wanted a 45/70 Marlin. :thumbsup:
45/70
Flashlight Enthusiast
That's definitely one of mine! It was my first centerfire rifle. I bought it new in 1980. 24" barrel, 2/3 magazine, gorgeous black walnut straight butt stock, and forearm.
Dave
rmteo
Flashlight Enthusiast
It is a CONN 2.5MM FEMALE PLUG 5.5MM OUT, like this one http://search.digikey.com/scripts/D...age_link=hp_go_button&KeyWords=cp3-1001&x=&y=
That's definitely one of mine! It was my first centerfire rifle. I bought it new in 1980. 24" barrel, 2/3 magazine, gorgeous black walnut straight butt stock, and forearm.
Dave
Someday.
Mr Happy
Flashlight Enthusiast
Thanks :thumbsup:
I wanted to compare the plug with any 12 V power bricks I already have. I think that's a fairly common size.
Kraeken
Newly Enlightened
I've had a DSD charger for a few years now, I use it to charge 18650, 17670 and 17500 batteries. I don't have any measuring instruments, but I don't seem to have any problems yet. I probably should upgrade to a better charger eventually though.
If I leave it plugged in accidentally without a battery, the light blinks periodically to remind me to unplug it.
If I leave it plugged in accidentally without a battery, the light blinks periodically to remind me to unplug it.
Yeah....I only paid $9.00 for mine so I figured it was cheap sh#t....good to hear that they do work and last a while....although it would not hurt them to throw in some instructions.
NutSAK
Flashlight Enthusiast
It should blink constantly when plugged in without a battery present.
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