Hi again HKJ. Can you please comment on this feature of the Xtar chargers
“0V activation function which rescues your overly discharged batteries when in most cases the batteries must be discarded. With our chargers you can bring them back to life.”
Most Xtar chargers have this. You do not include this test when testing chargers. Does this feature really work? Can it not be ‘tested’? Nitecore i4 chargers does not advertise this feature.
I do not directly test it, but in the list of various measurements I usual list current at different voltage. I it chargers from 0 volt with some current it has the function.
BUT it is not really a recommended function, LiIon manufacturers always says that you must discard cells when they are below a certain voltage (Usual 1.5 to 2 volt), Laptop cell protection will permanently disable a pack if it happens.
Thank you for the review HKJ
It is too bad that this charger does not come with a power supply, especially if one considers that at the moment it sells for ~ USD 30 / 30 euros (without the said power supply). Personally (for LiIon) I would buy a VP2 at this price -oh wait! I already have a VP2 :)
FT does show the Ioncell label on their picture, so … who knows.
They often don’t really know what they’re selling there, unfortunately.
A “review” at FT claims HJK reviewed “this charger”— is that true?
(relevant to this VC4 review thread, would this Ioncell (if only one USB port is used) power the VC4 correctly?
https://www.fasttech.com/forums/1336202/t/1053121/it-is-a-original-ioncell-product/1
EDIT —- no, FT admits it’s a fake charger in their discussion thread
“This is not advertised as an brand name item.
Thank you
FastTech ”
Just got mine from Banggood……it charged 18650 PF was at 2.8v with 3100ma and the second one at 2.9v for 3040ma
Compapred to VP2( whitch i also have) it charged them slower, in spite of i used that Samsung PCU on the pic above
The display is kinda dim looked at the angle, also the charge indicators
Cant charge either LiPo and 4.35v ones
I am kinda disapointed from this charger,and it seems the PSU is kinda week for him, have to look for another one
If you have VP2 like me, dont even think of getting this one, if you plan getting a new charge just get VP2 or Opus
Actualy a VP2 + Nitecore I2( which is extremely cheap atm) is a great all arround combo
Hi,
You don’t mention if you can use a standard DC adaptor…I have one with multiple ends that I can change and I can set it to 5V and it has 2A current. Would that work?
Also, if I use a standard 5V 2A adaptor, cut the wires on both the adaptor and the USB input cable, would that work also?
Many thanks HKJ!
When the input says 5V 2.1A it means you can use any stabilized power supply that delivers 5V and enough amperes, your adapter will probably be fine.
The main caveat's are actual voltage from the adapter and cable length, the voltage must be high enough at the charger or it will reduce the charge current.
After reading many of HKJ’s review, asking questions here and there, I finally settled for a VP2 
Just a waiting game now to get it
Welcome to the Forum! 
I have a i2 charger and decided it was time to upgrade. I ended up choosing the VC4. It’s on the way to me now, judging by the reviews I’ve read including HKJs its a good choice. Not sure it’s the best in the price range but I expect I’ll be happy. The 4.35V option on the VP2 would have made that a better choice but too late for a change. Thanks again HKJ and others for comments.
I would like to use a 5V 2.5A plug pack (D-Link 240V CF1505-D) with the VC4. The plug pack has what could be a 5.5x2.1mm plug. Does anyone know if the socket on the VC4 can accpet a 2.1mm DC plug?
I’ll find out when the unit arrives, but if it cannot I may just need an adaptor to a 2.5mm socket if that is what’s needed.
I don’t like the fact that you can only charge 2 batteries @1A. ALL of my high powered lights take 3 or 4 X 18650.
I will stick w/ my Two - ARE-C2 and my newly[today] acquired Efest LUC V4 which both can charge 4 batteries @ 1A 
Beware of this charger, if the cable becomes faulty, as mine has, you will not be able to use the charger at all!
Replacements are not available, afaik, at present time!
Id you know how to solder it is easy to make your own.
Buy a USB cable and a barrel 5.5/2.5mm connector. Cut the usb cable and solder the read and black wire onto the barrel connector.
It is strongly recommended to use a short cable.
And as I wrote in my review, I would have preferred a USB power connector. I do have a good idea why Xtar selected this solution: They wanted a fairly thick cable from the power supply to the charger, not a random thin and long cable.
Yes it looks like making one up is the solution but really not what you expect to need to do and hardly convenient.
All the decent Tablets and some high end phones use 2A charging as standard. Quality cables are everywhere, I can get them next day on Amazon etc.
Clearly the supplied cable is not up to the job as mine shows, it will be interesting to see if this problem develops and many users suffer, time will tell….
I’ve got a VC4 on the way to me now. I plan to use a plug pack that was supplied for a router that I no longer use for powering the charger. The Plug pack as 5V @ a max of 2.5A. The connector appears to be a 5.5x2.1mm which isn’t quite right. I’ll probably buy an adaptor if it’s the wrong size. In between time I’ll use the supplied cable with a USB charger.
Hi Rolz, what adaptor do you intend to use? Could be an easy solution for me and any others who come across this issue.
I believe my 5v 2.5A plug pack has a 5.5x2.1mm plug. I found a 5.5x2.1mm adaptor on ebay for about $1 AUD
Other sellers have it too.
Just did some more research and found my plug pack has a 5.5x2.1 DC plug, so I bought one of the adaptors from ebay that I list in the post above.
The plug pack is from one the many spare routers I have.
That’s useful, thanks Rolz. I have found an old style TomTom sat nav wall supply that is 5v 2a but is 5.5 x 2.1 so I may grab an adaptor if I can find in UK. Edit, found one but over £2, annoying but ordered.
> adapter
You can find them at DX as well.
http://www.dx.com/p/5-5-x-2-1mm-female-to-5-5-x-2-5mm-male-adapter-2-pcs-348789
http://www.dx.com/p/5-5-x-2-5mm-male-dc-adapter-cable-10-pcs-302590