18650 DIY Powerbanks

Sos24

Enlightened
Joined
Jan 18, 2018
Messages
508
Does anyone have any experience with 18650 DIY Powerbanks like the Tomo M2 or XTAR PB2. I am considering getting one instead of a regular power bank, because I have 18650 batteries already for a few flashlights and thought one of these might be versatile.

I'm curious how well they work as powerbank for phone and or tablet. Does it also work to charge the batteries from other power source?

I saw a couple older threads on these but nothing new.
 

peter yetman

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 23, 2014
Messages
5,100
Location
North Norfolk UK
I'm a great fan of the PB2, it's been a very useful device.
It does cut off at low current draws and so doesn't charge my iPhone any more than 95%. However they now have an updated PB2S version which can use bigger cells and may well have fixed the low current problem.
I have also used it to power chargers, a bluetooth speaker and a baby monitor.
It also makes a very useful carry case for your cells, so as well as charging and powerbank, you can also pop out a charged cell and use it in a light.
I wish more manufacturers would go down this route as the waste involved with non replaceable cells is not sensible.

Here HKJs reviews on the two....

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...est-review-of-Xtar-PB2-Charger-amp-power-bank

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...st-review-of-Xtar-PB2S-Charger-amp-power-bank

P
 

djkode

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Dec 8, 2019
Messages
6
Personally I would get the Xtar PB2S - it can accept 18650 or 21700 cells. HKJ did a great review of this power bank.

If you want a 4 bay bank for 18650 only, you could look at the Nitecore F4, HKJ has also reviewed this one.
 
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