Issues charging flat cells on Xtar Dragon VP4 plus

[kimloris]

So I recently got a Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus and I was not able to charge Keeppower 18650 flat top cells in it.
It seems that it does not make contact while it's not a problem on my Xtar VP2.

The VP4 could charge flat top 18350 cells also from Keeppower so it only seems to struggle with slightly recessed flat positive end.
It is not the end of the world as I can probably buy some small magnets to make contact but disappointing that the VP2 can handle a cell that the VP4 cannot without tweaking.

Have you experienced similar issue with your VP4?

 

[Tachead]

I have no issues with mine. I regularly charge flat top unprotected Sony VTC6, Sanyo GA's, and KP 18350's. I suspect the issue may be due to KP using extra layers of shrink wrap causing the positive terminal to be further recessed(although I have an extra clear shrink wrap on all my unprotected flat tops). You could try removing KP's shrink wrap and just leaving the manufacturers.

 

[Mr. LED]

I have an extra layer of shrink on a few Panasonic NCR18650B and I have to use magnets to make contact. The Sanyo GA are ok, because the positive contact is a little elevated.

 

[kimloris]

Thanks.
Glad to know that it is not an issue with my particular model.
I have just ordered some magnets on Amazon.
It is just frustrating that Xtar implemented a slightly different design on the probes on the VP4 than on some of their older models like the VP2.
The probes on the VP2 can handle the more recessed flat top without any issues.

I have an extra layer of shrink on a few Panasonic NCR18650B and I have to use magnets to make contact. The Sanyo GA are ok, because the positive contact is a little elevated.

 

[peter yetman]

I have exactly the same two chargers and experience the same problem with my AWT flat tops. I've also ordered some more magnets. Fit the magnet then dribble a little Superglue around the edge, that'll stop them slipping about and causing problems.
I do find that if I draw the cell back against the slider and let it twang back into position it nearly always makes contact. I guess one could fix a magnet on the charger contact, but it wouldn't work for diffent cell centres.
I wouldn't be without the Dragon, though. It's too useful.
They're bringing out a V2, wonder if they've fixed it?
P

 

[kimloris]

I agree. I wish that they would implement a system like on the GyrFalcon

[photo borrowed from lygte-info.dk website]
Replaceable probes would handle any type of batteries.

I have exactly the same two chargers and experience the same problem with my AWT flat tops. I've also ordered some more magnets. Fit the magnet then dribble a little Superglue around the edge, that'll stop them slipping about and causing problems.
I do find that if I draw the cell back against the slider and let it twang back into position it nearly always makes contact. I guess one could fix a magnet on the charger contact, but it wouldn't work for diffent cell centres.
I wouldn't be without the Dragon, though. It's too useful.
They're bringing out a V2, wonder if they've fixed it?
P

 

[peter yetman]

I agree. I wish that they would implement a system like on the GyrFalcon

Replaceable probes would handle any type of batteries.

Very nice.
P

 

[peter yetman]

I've just put some 6mm x !mm magnets on my flat top AWTs and fixed them with superglue. Once I cleaned off the dry glue with an abrasive stone they worked a treat. Great for use in series as well.
P