Can a hobbico quick field charger MkII charge RCR123?

[Daravon]

I've just been clued into the existence of rechargeable lithium batteries such as RCR123s. I have several questions. First of all, could I charge them with this charger:
http://www.hobbico.com/chargers/hcap0290.html
it says LiPo on it, and I have conflicting reports on whether that means it can recharge lithum too. I figure this forum would know if anyone would. It is the only charger that I have and I use it for eneloops too. Is this bad? I usually charge singly but sometimes put the cells in a 4xAA holder and charge as a pack if they have been used as a pack.

Second, are the other lithium rechargable (such as the AA size lithiums that have long names like 18650 or whatever), are those the same chemistry as RCR123?

How is self discharge with these types of lithium batteries? I understand that I can't use 2x RCR123 in my E2E or it will blow the bulb.

 

[Cheesy]

could I charge them with this charger:
http://www.hobbico.com/chargers/hcap0290.html
it says LiPo on it

Yes you can, the link has Li-Ion written throughout it and the charger has it on the front. If you intend to do this, judging by the level of experience in your question, you need to do some serious reading of this forum before you try. If you do, watch the current setting, that knob will be easy to leave set too high (But the 1A max rate will probably save you).

I use it for eneloops too. Is this bad? I usually charge singly but sometimes put the cells in a 4xAA holder and charge as a pack if they have been used as a pack.

No problems here, just make sure you charge them using the NiMH setting. I would also recommend that you continue to charge singly (or in parallel) occasionally for balancing purposes.

Second, are the other lithium rechargeable (such as the AA size lithiums that have long names like 18650 or whatever), are those the same chemistry as RCR123?

They generally are, as long as they are 3.7V cells, your charger will be safe for any lithium rechargeable regardless of specific chemistry. Note that there are lower voltage cells available (for compatibility with equipment using primary cells) that your charger will destroy (and possibly you with them, be careful, read these forums).

How is self discharge with these types of lithium batteries?

Practically nonexistent, possibly better than eneloops, just be aware that storage fully charged will reduce capacity over time.


Kev.

 

[mdocod]

Make sure the CV stage is setup for 4.20V and not 4.30V like some LiPo chargers.

Your manual actually answers a lot of your questions in saying that not all lithium chemistry cells are the same and each needs special consideration for care and proper charging. Not all lithium chemistry cells can be charged with that charger.

As for rechargeable lithium chemistries you may run across... there are LiPo, LiMn, LiCo, LiFePO4, and variations within each chemistry that may have different charging requirements. The LiCo (lithium cobalt) chemistry is the more common cell type usually referred to as "li-ion" and is normally 3.7V. Most 3.7V RCR123s are LiCo cells.

Yes there are LiCo cells available in a lot of sizes. A 14500 is an AA cell. 10440 is an AAA cell. There are many more cell sizes out there available in many different chemistries. A LiCo 14500 is still going to be a 3.7V cell, and can not be used as a direct replacement for 1.2V nickel chemistry cells in most applications (there are exceptions to this rule).

Eric