XTAR SP2

[Cascade Hops]

I just received my XTAR SP2 Charger & have a couple of questions . I have a couple of 2900mah AW 18650 batteries & was wondering at what setting should I charge them ? .5A 0r 1.0A ? And if I were to buy some 3100mah AW 18650's , at what level should I charge them . This is the first time I've used a charger & rechargeable batteries , other than my bike lights . Should I also invest in some type of volt metre ? Thanks .

 

[jonnyfgroove]

You can use the 1.0A setting for 18650 cells. Yes, you should get a multimeter if you are getting into Li-Ion cells. :)

 

[Knight_Light]

I just received my XTAR SP2 Charger & have a couple of questions . I have a couple of 2900mah AW 18650 batteries & was wondering at what setting should I charge them ? .5A 0r 1.0A ? And if I were to buy some 3100mah AW 18650's , at what level should I charge them . This is the first time I've used a charger & rechargeable batteries , other than my bike lights . Should I also invest in some type of volt metre ? Thanks .

1st​ of all congratulations on a great charger and batteries. You can charge your 2900 batteries at any of the settings the charger has. If you are in a rush you can charge them at the 2A setting otherwise the 1A is fine. The most important thing is not to leave your charger unattended while charging. So if you are pressed for time use the 2A setting.

A multimeter is a useful tool but remember the cheaper ones are not all that accurate so be prepared to spend some money. In the meantime here is a list of facts and do’s and don’ts about lithium ions to help you on your way.

• Charge between .6C to 1C. .6C is considered the ideal and 1C is considered to be the MAXIMUM.
• Lithium-ion is a very clean system and does not need formatting when new, nor does it require the level of maintenance that nickel-based batteries do. The first charge is no different than the fifth or the 50th. Formatting makes little difference because the maximum capacity is available right from the beginning. Nor does a full discharge improve the capacity once faded. In most cases, a low capacity signals the end of life.
• nickel- and lithium-based chemistries should be stored at around a 40 percent state-of-charge (SoC).
• The SoC of Li-ion is roughly 50 percent at 3.80V/cell and 40 percent at 3.75V/cell.
• Allow Li-ion to rest 90 minutes after charge or discharge before taking the voltage reading to get equilibrium.
• All batteries must have the ability to relax after charged, even when kept on float or trickle charge.
• Primary alkaline and lithium batteries can be stored for up to 10 years with minimal capacity loss.
• Avoid freezing. Batteries freeze more easily if in discharged state.
• Many battery users are unaware that weak batteries charge faster than good ones
• Lithium-ion must be stored in a charged state, ideally 40 percent. This assures that the battery will not drop below 2.50V/cell with self-discharge and fall asleep.
• Discard Li-ion if the voltage has stayed below 2.00/V/cell for more than a week.
• lithium-ion fades when the transfer of ions slows down for degenerative reasons.
• The most simplistic method to determine end-of-battery-life is by applying a date stamp or observing cycle count and how it corresponds to capacity.

 

[HKJ]

Charge between .6C to 1C. .6C is considered the ideal and 1C is considered to be the MAXIMUM.

Panasonic, the manufacturer of the 2900mAh cell inside the AW battery does specify 0.3C or 825mA as recommended and maximum charge current (The 3100mAh cell has the same rating). View datasheet.
I would expect them to know a little bit more about the cell, than you do.


Personally I uses 1A for 18650 batteries, I do not expect the small over current to do any serious damage.

 

[Knight_Light]

Personally I uses 1A for 18650 batteries, I do not expect the small over current to do any serious damage.

Neither will 2 A.