how long to charge new AW cells?

[toph]

i just purchased some AW Protected RCR123's and an UltraFire Charger.

After charging the new batteries for approx. 47 mins, the indicator light went from flashing red/green (charge mode) to solid green (fully charged). Is this the normal charge time for new batteries?

Should i keep them on the charger for a few more hours? If so, How long?

Also, when i start using them and initially break them in, is it ok to just leave em charging overnight? I plan to use my light (SF 6PD with Malkoff M60) occasionally during the day and night then toss the batteries in the charger even though they are still somewhat charged at the end of the day.

The cells are protected against over charging and discharging, so im guessing it would be safe.

Some thoughtful insight please?

 

[Beastmaster]

IIRC, it takes about 3-4 cycles to get cells to their peak.

Don't leave the batteries on the charger any longer than necessary. I pull mine out of the chargers as soon as it turns green.

Even with my balancer setup (with automatic power cutoff after it reaches full charge) I will pull the batteries out after the charger goes "ding".

Enjoy them - AW makes a great battery!

-Steve

 

[jugg2]

The cells only take a short while to charge he first time because they come somewhat charged.

 

[Oddjob]

The cells only take a short while to charge he first time because they come somewhat charged.

As jugg2 said this is normal. All my AW cells came to me about 80% charged so to top them up would only take 45 min. Even though they have protection circuits its good practice to treat them as if they did not. From what I have read, relying on the proection circuitry all the time can decrease the cells overall life. I would certainly not leave any litium ion cell unattended especially overnight. A multimeter would be a good investment so you know the state of charge of your cells. Check out the battery forum for lots of good info on the safe usage of these kinds of cells.

 

[toph]

As jugg2 said this is normal. All my AW cells came to me about 80% charged so to top them up would only take 45 min. Even though they have protection circuits its good practice to treat them as if they did not. From what I have read, relying on the proection circuitry all the time can decrease the cells overall life. I would certainly not leave any litium ion cell unattended especially overnight. A multimeter would be a good investment so you know the state of charge of your cells. Check out the battery forum for lots of good info on the safe usage of these kinds of cells.

where can i get a decent multimeter to check the voltage, charge, etc? im really thinking about getting one. thanks!

 

[jugg2]

Sears has some. The Craftsman brand seems like a decent meter. I don't personally have one, but have used them before. if you want to spend more, and get top of the line, look at Fluke, Fieldpiece, and UEI. In the HVAC field they are considered some of the best.

 

[Mr Happy]

You can get a useful multimeter for $2.99 at a Harbor Freight Tools shop right now ($3.99 if you want a backlight). It will work fine for measuring the voltages on batteries and you really don't need to spend more. Buy a few, they are handy to have around.

 

[HunkaBurninLove]

For some reason I couldn't find this thread when I got my AW cells yesterday

I had the same charging times as toph (about 45-60 minutes) before the lights turned green. Voltage off the charger was 4.15-4.17 (i had a few 17500's and 4 RCR123's). The uncharged RCR123 were around 3.89V.

I got my DMM off of eBay (a Fluke) for a reasonable price. Be patient and you can save some $. Or maybe Craigslist.

 

[hopkins]

Hi toph
For peace of mind, consider fire proofing the area around the charger.
Venting-with-Flame has destroyed more than one home.

Think a gallon sized tomatoe sauce can -restaurant size-
sitting on a brick would be ok. Make sure its not beneath
the drapes or wood tables that could catch on fire.
The charger sits inside the can..charging the batteries..
an extension cord to the wall outlet...maybe have one of the
AC timer things too so it absolutely cannot run all night.
Working smoke detector on the ceiling and the Insurance company will probably pay off...hehe...

They report 1000degree jets of flame coming out when these
batts fail...as you sleep soundly in another room.
I've been called paranoid before but still got the house!
Cheers
-hopkins

 

[toph]

Hi toph
For peace of mind, consider fire proofing the area around the charger.
Venting-with-Flame has destroyed more than one home.

Think a gallon sized tomatoe sauce can -restaurant size-
sitting on a brick would be ok. Make sure its not beneath
the drapes or wood tables that could catch on fire.
The charger sits inside the can..charging the batteries..
an extension cord to the wall outlet...maybe have one of the
AC timer things too so it absolutely cannot run all night.
Working smoke detector on the ceiling and the Insurance company will probably pay off...hehe...

They report 1000degree jets of flame coming out when these
batts fail...as you sleep soundly in another room.
I've been called paranoid before but still got the house!
Cheers
-hopkins

thanks for the advice! well, im not even gonna think about letting em sit overnight. it only takes 2 hours to fully charge em. not that long as i expected. i keep the charger in the same room as i sleep in, but still, i dont think id want to risk it.