Quick 18650 and charger question

[ZW99GT]

I just received my first ever DX order today. I bought 4 lights and 8 18650 Trustfire "true 2400" batteries. Also bought the TR-001 charger.

So I popped out the ole Volt-meter and tested the cells as they came out of the package. They ranged from 3.4V to 3.65V. I know my Volt-meter isn't super accurate, but what should my batteries read when fully charged? I was told not over over discharge the cells below 3.6V, although I have some brand new batteries that are lower than that already! Should I be worried about them?

THANKS!

 

[aurum]

what should my batteries read when fully charged?

4.2V

I was told not over over discharge the cells below 3.6V, although I have some brand new batteries that are lower than that already! Should I be worried about them?

No

 

[Milan]

They ranged from 3.4V to 3.65V.

That's pretty low value for a new batteries. As I know these shops you probably got some old stock.

One of the reason I dont buy batteries at these shops anymore.

 

[ZW99GT]

Since yesterday morning I have charged all 8 18650 batteries. None of which are even close to fully charged. The TR-001 charger is sitting at a constant output of 3.91V, and when it says it's finished charging, I pull the batteries out and they all read 3.87V. Charging two batteries at a time, they have all taken at least 4 hours to get the "green light"

I guess I will source another volt meter to ensure it's not an error on my part, but if not I guess it's time to try another charger? What do you guys recommend?

 

[aurum]

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.6105 never had any problems ...

 

[mfm]

What do you guys recommend?

That you change the battery in your DMM, your values sounds totally off.

 

[ZW99GT]

That you change the battery in your DMM, your values sounds totally off.

That's certainly a possibility. But it threw me off when I tested a rayovac D cell and it showed 1.45V, which was believeable.

Either way I will grab a voltmeter from work and check for discrepancy. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

[Battery Guy]

That's certainly a possibility. But it threw me off when I tested a rayovac D cell and it showed 1.45V, which was believeable.

If it was a new alkaline D cell, then it should be 1.65V, not 1.45V, which is 0.2V too low.

Your "charged" lithium cells are reading 3.91V instead of 4.20V, which is 0.2V too low.

Although I frequently have to tell young engineers that "two data points do not a trend make", in this case, I think you have good reason to suspect your meter.

Either way I will grab a voltmeter from work and check for discrepancy. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Good idea.

Cheers,
Battery Guy