Noob charger question (18650&16340)

[Raymond]

I've been looking for a nice flashlight, and have narrowed the choice to about 3 models. But high-output small flashlights work with 16340 or 17670/18650 batteries.
So now I'm looking for a charger. There are about a dozen of them, so I'd like your help in picking one or two that don't suck

I've compiled a list of the offerings over at dealextreme (I suspect kaidomain has similar chargers):

"universal" chargers (16340/17670/18650):
ultrafire WF-139
trustfire TR-001
DSD charger
Rodee charger

cr123 chargers:
ultrafire WF138
since cr123A charger
soshine cr123A charger

18650/17670 chargers:
digital 18650 charger

I only selected chargers that can charge a pair of batteries and that can be used in europe (with the use of a different cord or a flat to round pin adapter)

Off course, a universal charger would be simplest. But I prefer to not have to use seperate spacers. Also, I've read that a lot of the ultrafire wf-139's overcharge the batteries, if they're left on the charger when the light turns green. The trustfire appears to do the opposite, and doesn't fullly charge the batteries. Also, it seems a little slow.

The chargers for a single type of battery usually charge at a higher current and also seem to charge the batteries to the correct capacity.

For now, my preference is for the ultrafire WF-138 for cr123a cells and the digital 18650 charger for 18650/17670 cells.

What's your input?

 

[DM51]

If you want a good quality 2-bay charger, my answer would be "none of the above." Some of those chargers, such as the WF-139, are not very reliable even with protected cells, and should not be used with unprotected cells at all.

The best 2-bay charger is the Pila IBC. It is more expensive, but it uses the correct CC/CV algorithm, the bays are properly independent of each other, and it terminates properly at 4.20V.

With an output of 600mA per bay, you can charge a RCR123 in one bay at the same time as an 18650 in the other.

It comes with its own spacers for xx500 size (50mm) cells. To charge RCR123s (34mm) you will need longer spacers/dummies, but you will find this is the case for all 2-bay chargers, and dummies are not a nuisance to use. AW sells CR123-size dummy cells, as well as the most recommended brand of Protected Li-Ion rechargeable cells.

The Pila IBC charger would be a better and more reliable solution for your Li-Ion cells than the other options you have listed.

 

[Raymond]

oh dear. There I was, thinking I could get away with a $8 charger :shrug:

Thanks for the tip. I'll just my standard reasoning for getting this one: With this one, I'll only need to buy this once and the price will be long forgotten when it works like it's supposed to.
(a bit of a reverse of that famous quote, that I can't remember right now).

 

[coppertrail]

FWIW, I use the WF-139 and haven't had any problems with protected cells. I pull non-protected cells when they reach 4.15V to avoid over-charging. While I'm not doubting that the Pila charger is a much better charger, the WF-139 has been working fine for my needs.

 

[Lite_me]

oh dear. There I was, thinking I could get away with a $8 charger :shrug:

Thanks for the tip. I'll just my standard reasoning for getting this one: With this one, I'll only need to buy this once and the price will be long forgotten when it works like it's supposed to.
(a bit of a reverse of that famous quote, that I can't remember right now).

It appears the FlashlightZ is still selling the Pila IBC charger for $36.65. Hard to beat that deal. That's where I got mine from. It's a great charger like DM51 says.

 

[Raymond]

Sadly, they don't ship internationally

 

[coppertrail]

For those of you who own this charger, what size cells does it accomodate? I'm hoping RCR123A and 18650.

Thanks

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Coppertrail,

The Pila IBC charger is set up for 65 mm cells, and comes with a spacer to accommodate 50 mm cells. You have to provide your own spacer if you want to charge 34 mm cells.

Tom

 

[Raymond]

You can also check out the reply from DM51, he mentions where you can get the spacers.

 

[coppertrail]

Thanks, so I simply need one CR123A dummy cell for each slot to charge RCR123A cells?

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Coppertrail,

Yes.

Tom