Lithuim batteries charger recommendation ?

[kirby]

I am looking for a good charger that can charge not only 18650 lithium battery but also other sizes like the CR123A. I am going to get some torches that uses those batteries.

These chargers are like these ones

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4151
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12162
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5965


This one is faster but only charge one size http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105

Because I have never used or owned such batteries and their chargers, I don't have any experience with them.

Please recommend a good one or two.

Thanks.

 

[Mr Happy]

Hi Kirby,

:welcome:

Be aware that Li-ion cells are strictly speaking not consumer cells, and some care and knowledge is needed when using them and charging them. The cheapest charger is not always the best choice therefore.

The Pila IBC is the charger most often recommended by the members here. If you do a search you will find lots of discussion about it.

Before buying and using Li-ion cells and chargers, make sure to become informed about the potential dangers of mishandling.

 

[Dantor]

welcome to CPF kirby:wave:

"faster" is not always a good thing!
their are sticky threads here (at the top of topics)
that have very good info, like; http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=133440

take a look at some and maybe they can help, good luck.

 

[marschw]

I'd vote for the DSD if you just want 3.6v Li-Ion. I also like this charger a lot, since it's tiny and can handle a huge variety of 1.2v/3.6v/9v cells. It terminates a little bit early on NiMH cells, but not much.

 

[cy]

stay away from cheap chinese li-ion chargers!

for Li-ion chargers, best to buy only from USA based dealers.
overseas dealers has zero liability vs USA dealers has to follow liability laws here.

this is the wrong place to scrimp... what's it worth not to burn down your home?

here's a thread about Pila chargers on sale for $36
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=174625

here's a direct link
http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?p=pila_bc01-ac01&product=171829

 

[Illumination]

I thought that using the PILA IBC to charge 123s was questionable... I read that it should only be used for the larger cells like the 17670 and 18650s.

PILA only advertises using it with their cells, which are all larger than 123s.

EDIT: I can't believe I missed this:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201323
​

 

[gtsx]

I have tried sku 1251 twice, both over charged.

Recently tried sku 12594, TrustFire TR-001 Multi-Purpose Lithium Battery Charger.

It looks identical to sku 1251 accept black in color. I have given the sku 12594 multiple opportunities to over charge. After leaving batteries in for 36 hours, the batteries never exceeded 4.17 volts.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12594

 

[cy]

I've taken 5 chinese li-ion chargers... all the same model. some overcharged to 4.28v, some undercharged to 4.0v some were right on at 4.17v

some early chinese li-ion chargers caught on fire. do a search... all this is well documented.

it's most important to trust who you are buying from. AW for instance has been selling li-ion cells almost from the beginning of the consumer use of individual li-ion cells. He's been totally trust worthy and has backup ALL his products.

based upon track record, would trust AW's li-ion offering before anyone else's. if buying overseas.

that said... I'd still recommend a quality hobby li-ion charger like Triton or Schulz. for low cost li-ion chargers... Pila IBC is clearly better/safer.

I have tried sku 1251 twice, both over charged.

Recently tried sku 12594, TrustFire TR-001 Multi-Purpose Lithium Battery Charger.

It looks identical to sku 1251 accept black in color. I have given the sku 12594 multiple opportunities to over charge. After leaving batteries in for 36 hours, the batteries never exceeded 4.17 volts.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12594

 

[Monocrom]

I'd vote for the DSD if you just want 3.6v Li-Ion.

I have the DSD charger. It's a POS (Piece Of $#^%)!

If you plan to use your Li-ion cells on a regular basis, get the Pila IBC charger.

Review ~ http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201323

BOG sells it ~ http://blackforce.stores.yahoo.net/bach.html

If you want a cheaper charger with less features, I've had good results with the Ultrafire WF-139 model. (Don't own any Ultrafire lights. Their cells are crap! But their charger is actually decent, and works well if you use rechargeable cells only every now & then).

Link ~ http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2566&HS=1