How smart is the Nano charger?

[deusexaethera]

I know I've asked this question before, but I want to double-check. I just bought a pair of Ultrafire unprotected RCR123's to use with my Arc6, and I put one of them on the charger and it's charging away. A minute ago I had the lucidity to check the voltage on the other cell that isn't charging, and it's reading at 3.8v, so I dunno, maybe I didn't need to charge it at all? But whether or not there's room for more charge in my new batteries, is the Nano charger smart enough to charge unprotected cells?

 

[Dan FO]

Yes, it will stop at about 4.2 volts protected or unprotected. It is smart, I have had it take up to 5 hours to charge a RCR123 that was run down. The Nano refers to size not time.

 

[deusexaethera]

I don't care how long it takes, I'm not going to run my Arc6 on high for long periods of time anyway. As long as it isn't going to start a thermonuclear reaction inside my batteries.

 

[xcel730]

Why not pick up a protected AW RCR123a? It's only like $6 for one of them. This way, it'll give you a peace of mind.

 

[Dan FO]

Just take the battery out when the little LED turns green.

 

[deusexaethera]

Why not pick up a protected AW RCR123a? It's only like $6 for one of them. This way, it'll give you a peace of mind.

The Arc6 is specifically designed to use unprotected cells. It has a microprocessor that monitors the battery and shuts off the light when it gets dangerously low.

Level 7 on the Arc6 doesn't work without the added current from the unprotected cells. And with CR123's...I hit the button to turn it on high, and within a second it drops to Level 5 (I'm guessing). It really is a bright little light (pun intended).

 

[deusexaethera]

Just take the battery out when the little LED turns green.

Heh...read my mind. That was my next question.

It hasn't turned green yet.

 

[bondr006]

The Arc6 is specifically designed to use unprotected cells. It has a microprocessor that monitors the battery and shuts off the light when it gets dangerously low.

Level 7 on the Arc6 doesn't work without the added current from the unprotected cells. And with CR123's...I hit the button to turn it on high, and within a second it drops to Level 5 (I'm guessing). It really is a bright little light (pun intended).

The AW protected cells charge to the 4.2v also, and have just as much current and capacity as the unprotected cells. I also believe the protection circuit is for over discharge....not over charge. The charger has the circuitry that prevents over charging. I believe the AW protected cells will work fine in your Arc6.

 

[Derek Dean]

Because of the potential for problems while charging your lithium-ion cell (especially since it's unprotected), it's highly recommended that you NOT leave it unattended during charging. Many folks take the added precaution of placing the charger on a fire resistant surface away from any other flammable materials ...... just in case.

While the charger is designed to terminate at 4.2 volts..... equipment can fail, so it's always a good idea to be nearby and occasionally monitor the charging process.

This may all seem to be a bit overly cautious, but I've read enough posts about problems actually happening to have become a believer in an ounce of prevention.

 

[deusexaethera]

The AW protected cells charge to the 4.2v also, and have just as much current and capacity as the unprotected cells. I also believe the protection circuit is for over discharge....not over charge. The charger has the circuitry that prevents over charging. I believe the AW protected cells will work fine in your Arc6.

I'm sure they will work, but I'm also sure Mr. Gransee specified unprotected RCR123's for best performance for reasons other than pure whim.

 

[deusexaethera]

Because of the potential for problems while charging your lithium-ion cell (especially since it's unprotected), it's highly recommended that you NOT leave it unattended during charging. Many folks take the added precaution of placing the charger on a fire resistant surface away from any other flammable materials ...... just in case.

While the charger is designed to terminate at 4.2 volts..... equipment can fail, so it's always a good idea to be nearby and occasionally monitor the charging process.

This may all seem to be a bit overly cautious, but I've read enough posts about problems actually happening to have become a believer in an ounce of prevention.

It's plugged into the wall of my office, and when I get home it will be plugged into the wall of my concrete garage. Thanks for the heads-up though.

 

[DM51]

Please post in the correct forum. This is clearly a battery-related question, so it belongs in the Batteries section. Moving it there now.

 

[bondr006]

I'm sure they will work, but I'm also sure Mr. Gransee specified unprotected RCR123's for best performance for reasons other than pure whim.

Pure whim? I think not....rather preference. Although he gives reasons for some people to use non-protected cells; for my usage, the protected cells would still work better. And, are much safer in my opinion....:thumbsup:

 

[rockz4532]

For even more safety, you can hook up one of those christmas tree timers that shut off at certain times. I use them for charging my Ni-MHs, since I always forget to take them out of the charger, which ruined most of my AA's

anyway... WOOHOO 500th post! Im a Flashaholic*

 

[EngrPaul]

I've had several, and they work great. Each one I've had would not charge beyond 4.2V, and taper off gently when getting there.

 

[deusexaethera]

Please post in the correct forum. This is clearly a battery-related question, so it belongs in the Batteries section. Moving it there now.

I didn't notice the Battery section before. I'll keep it in mind next time.

 

[deusexaethera]

Pure whim? I think not....rather preference. Although he gives reasons for some people to use non-protected cells; for my usage, the protected cells would still work better. And, are much safer in my opinion....:thumbsup:

The Arc6 has more computing power than Apollo 11 had. I'm confident that it can track the battery voltage and shut off at the appropriate time.

It's good to know the Nano will taper-off the charge as it approaches 4.2v, because I waited and waited for it to finish charging the one battery, until I gave up and pulled it out and tested it -- 4.17v. I thought I'd yanked it 5 minutes too soon; now I know it might well have been longer than that.

 

[deusexaethera]

On another note, has anyone had problems with the Nano being so small that RCR123's just pop right out of it? I have; I settled on using a small rubber band to hold the cell in place. Works well enough.

 

[Bushman5]

yea it does'nt fit the batts very well. I too use an elastic to hold batts in.