best value charger?
- Thread starter DavidC
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Gunner12
Flashaholic
DM51
Flashaholic
Leaving DX out of the equation, if I may:
Best quality Li-Ion charger: Pila IBC
Best quality Li-Ion cells: AW protected Li-Ion cells
Best value usually = best quality, as the items will last longer and won't let you down.
Best place for this thread: 'Batteries Included' sub-forum, so I'm moving it there now.
Best quality Li-Ion charger: Pila IBC
Best quality Li-Ion cells: AW protected Li-Ion cells
Best value usually = best quality, as the items will last longer and won't let you down.
Best place for this thread: 'Batteries Included' sub-forum, so I'm moving it there now.
Gary123
Enlightened
The Ultrafire is a very nice charger, particularly because you can mix batteries with different capacities since each bay is separately controlled. This could be a consideration if you might start using 14500 (AA size) and RCR123's. You will have more flexibility with this charger. And of course, as for precautions with charging lithium batteries, don't leave them unattended (or check on them frequently), and promptly remove from the charger when they are fully charged. Do not leave overnight!!! These batteries have been known to explode if handled improperly. If you do go with Lithium batteries, it would be wise to read up a little on appropriate care. Do a search for threads in CPF. Knowledge here is mandatory.
For batteries, stay with popular brands: Tenergy and AW are good. Ultrafires and LG's are relatively new on the scene, although they are well known companies.
For batteries, stay with popular brands: Tenergy and AW are good. Ultrafires and LG's are relatively new on the scene, although they are well known companies.
Gary123
Enlightened
DM51
This charger looks good! I have heard that sometimes there are issues with sizes of Pila batteries compared to other makers. Sorry to ask a dumb question, but do you know for sure that this charger will fit standard 18650's?
And do you also know of a comparable charger that will do 14500's / RCR123's?
Thanks.
DM51
Flashaholic
The Pila IBC is a superior charger to the WF-139, as it uses the correct CC-CV algorithm, and it terminates properly at 4.20V.
All brands of 18650 cells will fit into the bays. It will charge any Li-Ion cell from RCR123 and 14500 up to 18650. Cells must be 600mAh capacity or greater.
Screw-in spacers are included for xx500 size cells, but additional/longer ones are needed for smaller sizes.
All brands of 18650 cells will fit into the bays. It will charge any Li-Ion cell from RCR123 and 14500 up to 18650. Cells must be 600mAh capacity or greater.
Screw-in spacers are included for xx500 size cells, but additional/longer ones are needed for smaller sizes.
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Nebula
Enlightened
I agree 100% with DM. The IBC charger is a terrific piece of engineering and quality craftsmanship. At $36 and some change it is an outstanding bargain.
KK
HunkaBurninLove
Newly Enlightened
If I already had not ordered my WF-139, I *probably* would have gotten the Pila charger at $36.
The DSD won't charge your cell 100% full, the WF-139 will probably overcharge and damage your cell.
The best 18650 charger ist this one:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5837
and his 2-cell brother:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105
But because of the high charging current of 1A you won't be able to charge 14500 oder RCR123s with this charger without risking severe damage to your cells.
gilly
Enlightened
DM51 - on your recommendation in another thread, I just purchased a Pila IBC (have some AW 18650s in it right now
). I plan on eventually purchasing some RCR-123s also. Where can one acquire these additional/longer spacers??Thanks!
DM51
Flashaholic
You can make your own spacers out of Al bar stock, or any suitably sized pieces of conductive metal. Alternatively, AW sells different sized dummies/spacers in this thread.
Just one caution - NEVER use an expired cell as a basis for a dummy (wrapped in tinfoil or whatever).
Just one caution - NEVER use an expired cell as a basis for a dummy (wrapped in tinfoil or whatever).
gilly
Enlightened
Thanks for the good info! Much appreciated.:thumbsup:
PhotonAddict
Enlightened
I'm pretty happy with my Pila charger as well - much better than the DSD charger I had before. Just a little warning, I believe the Pila charges batteries at 600ma. As a rule of thumb you should not charge Li-ions at more than 1C so you should avoid charging batteries with a capacity lower than 600ma in the Pila IBC.
Following DM51's lead, I posted my two cents on that Marketplace thread.
1-2 years later, I'm still using my Pila for all those spare single/two-fer cells I want to juice up easily.
1-2 years later, I'm still using my Pila for all those spare single/two-fer cells I want to juice up easily.
Hitthespot
Flashlight Enthusiast
There is a mini review I just did on the Pila IBC charger in the Flashlight review section. You may want to take a look at it.
Bill
