I've been putting off my first forays into Li Ion but when I saw this, I couldn't help myself. I decided I'd better order it before the stock runs out and figure out the charging details later. However, having spent quite some time reading up on C-rates, comparing charger reviews, etc., it seems that it is not easy to find what I want, which is a charger with:
- Proper constant-current (CC) and constant-voltage (CV) stages;
- Safe cut-off with no potentially unsafe trickle-charge beyond the CV limit;
- Voltage cut-off at the right level for 10180 (I haven't even been able to find out what the is!)
- Low maximum current, ideally less than 100ma.
- Ideally, an option to charge to ~80% or whatever level is best for safe storage while not in use.
- Voltage read-out nice but not essential; if it has one it must be accurate!
It seems that finding chargers with the first 2 is easy, but they all put out far too much current for a 10180 to handle. Finding low-current is also relatively easy in the wrong kind of charger, but that's no good for safely charging lithium ion cells. Safety features or the lack thereof is a complete deal-breaker for me, as I don't really have space for a fireproof sandpit to do my charging in.
Also, if anyone knows where I can find a technical spec for the 10180 giving the correct charging voltage & tolerance, that would be a big help in itself. Once I receive the batteries with the torch I will find out what their specific capacity rating is, but from what I've read I'd guess it's about 90mAh.
In an ideal world, I'd also like something that comes off-the-shelf with a warranty and can be bought in the UK, although I'm increasingly prepared to admit that is a pipe dream, so will consider other options. Safety is the number one overriding concern.
- Proper constant-current (CC) and constant-voltage (CV) stages;
- Safe cut-off with no potentially unsafe trickle-charge beyond the CV limit;
- Voltage cut-off at the right level for 10180 (I haven't even been able to find out what the is!)
- Low maximum current, ideally less than 100ma.
- Ideally, an option to charge to ~80% or whatever level is best for safe storage while not in use.
- Voltage read-out nice but not essential; if it has one it must be accurate!
It seems that finding chargers with the first 2 is easy, but they all put out far too much current for a 10180 to handle. Finding low-current is also relatively easy in the wrong kind of charger, but that's no good for safely charging lithium ion cells. Safety features or the lack thereof is a complete deal-breaker for me, as I don't really have space for a fireproof sandpit to do my charging in.
Also, if anyone knows where I can find a technical spec for the 10180 giving the correct charging voltage & tolerance, that would be a big help in itself. Once I receive the batteries with the torch I will find out what their specific capacity rating is, but from what I've read I'd guess it's about 90mAh.
In an ideal world, I'd also like something that comes off-the-shelf with a warranty and can be bought in the UK, although I'm increasingly prepared to admit that is a pipe dream, so will consider other options. Safety is the number one overriding concern.