just bought an auroralite minimag hotwire [batteries]

[Illum]

this will be my first experience in using rechargeable batteries, the 14500s respectively.

is there anything I should do to condition the batteries upon the packages arrival?
how often should I charge and will a complete discharge ruin the chemistry?

any maintenance tips are also welcome :thanks:

I tried searching but for some reason search isn't working on my computer at the moment, I don't know why but it was fine earlier:sigh:

 

[nein166]

I have the same light and I use AW's Protected 14500s. You need Protected Cells. I've run the light for a straight 23 minutes recharged the cells once they cooled off and ran it again without noticing anything wrong.

THe protected cells will not be damaged because they will cut out when the voltage drops too low.

Your taking a chance with unprotected cells they can go too low, below 2.75v, as the incan. bulb will run but not as bright sucking the batteries like a vampire. You can also get an uneven discharge resulting in BANG!

That said take the fully charged cells off the charger together stick them in the Auroralite and don't switch or swap them.

Hope that helps

 

[Illum]

thanks, I bought protected for my own protection.

does the batteries come with a dry charge and would require sitting on the charger for a full 24 hours like sealed lead acids are?

I don't have one of those sophisticated multimeters...only a basic voltmeter, so theres really no way for me to check a 3.6V battery:candle:

 

[Trashman]

thanks, I bought protected for my own protection.

does the batteries come with a dry charge and would require sitting on the charger for a full 24 hours like sealed lead acids are?

I don't have one of those sophisticated multimeters...only a basic voltmeter, so theres really no way for me to check a 3.6V battery:candle:

You just need to throw them on the charger until they're fully charged. That's it. They'll have a charge when you receive them, but they probably won't be fully charged. 14500s don't take very long to charge, either. I'd guess, about an hour or less, per battery.

 

[barkingmad]

A really basic multimeter is all you need for most things - you can get one for literally US$5-15 - they are useful to quickly check the approximate charge of the battery etc.

But most chargers will charge to around 4.2v and turn off.

 

[Illum]

is it best to charge the 14500s as soon as after you use them regardless of the level of discharge or should I wait till the output diminishes before popping them on the charger

someone once told me to burn a new laptop battery down to almost nothing and recharge it to extend its life...but I never did so and my lappy still lasted 3 years

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Illum the nation,

Li-Ion cells do not need to be broken in or cycled when used at moderate rates. In high drain applications (5C or higher), they do seem to benefit from a couple of cycles charging at 0.8C and discharging at around 2C as a break in.

I always suggest charging often and never intentionally running until the light goes dim. If you are in a situation where you need light, by all means use it, but in normal running around, charge often.

The RC people have "discovered" that if they limit their use to 80% of the capacity of the battery, their packs last for many more cycles.

Tom