I bought batteries from both vendors at my own expense (no shilling or favoritism or promotion should be inferred), and wanted to compare them. They are obviously both using the same Panasonic NCR18650 described in this PDF.
The Redilast cell had the label removed by CPF member csshih in this thread, and I was willing to do the same with one of my AW cells, but given the nearly identical discharge curves and claims by AW, I saw little point in taking one of his apart.
There are a few things to consider in examining these two cells which are closely priced. I charged 2 of each brand in two Pila IBC chargers, figuring it would be the way most of us would charge. I waited until Pila turned green, took cells out, waited 30 mins, then reversed cells in chargers in case one charged a bit higher. Removed re-charged cells when light turned green, and let sit for an hour for charge to stabilize.
I used my Fluke 189 to set the voltage calibration values in my CBA-II Pro software for each discharge rate, and confirmed there was voltage correlation during the run at several points, which was recently discussed in this thread.
The Redilast cell had the label removed by CPF member csshih in this thread, and I was willing to do the same with one of my AW cells, but given the nearly identical discharge curves and claims by AW, I saw little point in taking one of his apart.
There are a few things to consider in examining these two cells which are closely priced. I charged 2 of each brand in two Pila IBC chargers, figuring it would be the way most of us would charge. I waited until Pila turned green, took cells out, waited 30 mins, then reversed cells in chargers in case one charged a bit higher. Removed re-charged cells when light turned green, and let sit for an hour for charge to stabilize.
I used my Fluke 189 to set the voltage calibration values in my CBA-II Pro software for each discharge rate, and confirmed there was voltage correlation during the run at several points, which was recently discussed in this thread.
1) Interestingly, the cells ended charging with slight differences determined by my Fluke 189
3) At the 5 amp discharge the cells got warm to hot. Best I could measure with Fluke temp probe, and another Laser thermometer, and by touch, I estimate they get up to about 115°F (46°C).
4) The AW cells do not seem to finish the last 100-200mAh as well as the Redi, but it is pretty negligible at that low of voltage anyway. Still, I have to give props to Redi.
5) I did not see the PCB low voltage protection cutoff at 2.5V with the AW cells which concerns me. For the 2A test, I set the endpoint at 2.4V, and the AW's PCB did not terminate. I dropped it to 2.3V cutoff for the 5A test, and it still did not terminate. I ran another test not shown after a partial charge, and found that it terminates at 2.2V which is probably a bit too low if using a low amp draining application. So I have to give a nod to Redilast on this point. The Redi #1 cutoff at 2.42V, and #2 cutoff at 2.33V (I watched the dropping voltage number display box)
6) After the cells reached their endpoints, their voltage rebounded back up to at least 3.25V within 2 minutes. Damage to Lithium Cobalt cells is correlated to how long they spend under 2.5 to 2.7V, so I'm not concerned that even dipping this low is an issue.
AW #1 - 4.188 V
AW #2 - 4.192 V
Readi #1 - 4.206 V
Readi #2 - 4.198 V
2) I don't feel that these cells hold their voltage very well under any kind of a medium load. So you either need to use them in low amp demand applications, use multiple cells to get your delivered voltage under load into the range you need--and then likely use regulation, or settle for a better performing cell under load.AW #2 - 4.192 V
Readi #1 - 4.206 V
Readi #2 - 4.198 V
3) At the 5 amp discharge the cells got warm to hot. Best I could measure with Fluke temp probe, and another Laser thermometer, and by touch, I estimate they get up to about 115°F (46°C).
4) The AW cells do not seem to finish the last 100-200mAh as well as the Redi, but it is pretty negligible at that low of voltage anyway. Still, I have to give props to Redi.
5) I did not see the PCB low voltage protection cutoff at 2.5V with the AW cells which concerns me. For the 2A test, I set the endpoint at 2.4V, and the AW's PCB did not terminate. I dropped it to 2.3V cutoff for the 5A test, and it still did not terminate. I ran another test not shown after a partial charge, and found that it terminates at 2.2V which is probably a bit too low if using a low amp draining application. So I have to give a nod to Redilast on this point. The Redi #1 cutoff at 2.42V, and #2 cutoff at 2.33V (I watched the dropping voltage number display box)
6) After the cells reached their endpoints, their voltage rebounded back up to at least 3.25V within 2 minutes. Damage to Lithium Cobalt cells is correlated to how long they spend under 2.5 to 2.7V, so I'm not concerned that even dipping this low is an issue.
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But i get what you mean.
