Xtar MC4 constantly overcharges!

[datumdatzgr]

Hi,
I have bought an Xtar MC4 in 2020. I use it for charging unprotected 18650s. End voltage for my cells are mostly around 4.22-4.25V. The charging led remains red sometimes even around 4.27V, then i terminate charging manually. I have tested many old/new 18650 cells, various 5Vdc adapters and different charging slots. I suspected it is fake. As you can see in the images, the branding style is different from packaging. But the build quality is too good to be fake. I have also MC1, it charges exactly to 4.19-4.20V. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[orbital]

+

Branding & graphics on the unit are different to the graphics on the box and all online pictures.
Quite possibly a fake.



_____________________________________________________

My XTAR chargers are my favorite


Add: if all the sudden you post praising another brand of charger, that'll send red flags to CPF Administrators.

 

[Dave_H]

Looks a bit high. Genuine or not I would not continue to use it. Cell life can be extended a fair bit by terminating lower,
say 4.10v with slightly lower capacity per charge.

A have a cheap 2-bay charger which also terminates a bit high. Opening the charger I found no control circuits;
all of it being in the wall-plug adapter which specified 4.2v but obviously with some tolerance.


Dave

 

[Thetasigma]

Construction and labeling is off, going with fake or illegitimately repurposed first runs that had an issue with overcharging with a weak power supply or long cable.

Source a legitimate charger from a reputable dealer.