I will buy one, but not for $50. I can always charge 26650 on my SP2. The SP2 was highly priced when it first arrived also. I’m betting that it will accept 26650, but only one bay at a time. I’m hoping the VP1 will outperform the SP2, which I believe to be one of the best. The VP1s 250/500/1000mA charging rate is a fabulous combo for the widest range of Li-ion. I really don’t like chargers that try to be too smart. Do one thing, and do it well. Li-ion charger for Li-ions, NiMh chargers for NiMhs.
I don’t want a tool that’s a fishing rod, gun, flashlight and potato peeler all in one.
It’s 2013 and we’re still looking for the ideal charger. Problems that still persist:
Doesn’t support 26650
Doesn’t include voltmeter
Doesn’t display capacity
Doesn’t charge NiMH and/or LiFePO4
Not enough bays
Too expensive
Seriously… how come no one has figured it out yet?
This new XTAR offering is a fail if it’s really priced near $50. That would be a joke. Also, I still prefer the convenience of a charger that measures voltage over having to manually check with my DMM every time. Then again, I also prefer automatic transmissions. I like progress and convenience
Anyone know where the VP1 is in stock? - or at least an estimate of when it might come back in stock? Every site I’ve tried has them listed as out of stock or backordered
Edit:
Wallbuys had it in stock. (link and price removed)
It will take some time before the product is sent. If you are not familiar with wallbuys, you can read up on them in other threads. Some people are not happy with them.
(please, no wallbuys talk in this thread!)
That video posted longer up in this thread. The charger looks really nice! drool…
could someone explain briefly what those charging levels mean?.
say if I place an 18650 in to fully charge, how long in minutes would each of those levels take to charge?.
if anything else could be added, much appreciated.
Well, just divide 18650 or any other cell capacity. 2600 mAh / 250 mA = 11 hours of charging 0.3-0.5C charging rate is more than enough (i.e. 30-50% of total capacity. If your cell is 3000 mA, don’t charge it at more than 1500 mAh (50%))