So, I finally received my XTAR PB2.
And knowing that a lot of people bought it, I created this thread so people can discuss about it and share their thoughts and what could be done to make it better.
It can only handle unprotected flat tops.
Button tops can be inserted, but they are almost impossible to remove, and even putting them in is a chore.
Protected cells are out of the question. Too long, and even if you managed to put them in, you would not be able to pull them out.
Smallest DIY 2 18650 power bank that I have seen, and the finish is so good. Smooth rubber feel, but gets dirty quite easily.
It only has a micro-USB port for charging and a USB-A for output. I would have preferred having USB-A out with QC 3.0 since it operates 2 cells, and 18W is possible then with even laptop pulls.
One nice feature is that I don’t have to worry about hurting cells that have SOC: it is the first non dedicated charger that I’ve seen that had two separate charging channels! This is what XTAR meant by separate charging of the lowest charged battery.
In output, it combines the parallel output of the cells, but in charge, it charges the lowest voltage cell first.
It works, as I have tried putting 2 cells with different voltages(3.8V vs 4.24V), and they didn’t discharge into each other. Great stuff.
It has a max power input of 10W, and a max power output of 10W. The package includes a micro-USB cable, and a small manual explaining things.
BTW, the cells used are LG D1 laptop pulls.
Both are tested to be 2500mAh cells at 2A using my constant current tester, so they are good.
Edit: Sorry for the poor layout, but I don’t know how to link pics on mobile, and formatting is poor. I will correct this once I get home on my PC.
Nice review. Thanks
I am suppose to have a few on the way but got a email from BG about production problems and my shipment being late. Got some BG points out of it though. Don’t know when it’s shipping. It’s okay, I was real late getting into the BG and am not in any hurry for it really. Sounds like they will be nice to have on camping and outdoor trips this summer.
Mine just came. I’m charging up a fresh set of Samsung 30Q’s right now. Initial opinion is it’s built really nice. I like the feel in my hands and it has a nice display which at this time say’s my batteries are a 22%.
The blue display LEDs are so bright i can barely read the number. 99 looks like 88
Mine hasnt arrived yet… they shipped out on may 19th… i didnt buy an insurance so no tracking number… i am little bit concerned…
I wouldnt worry mine just came yesterday
Cool… i have a plan for this power bank… i will hook it up to my nitecore tini and light it up…
@Newlumen, don’t worry. It will come soon enough.
BTW, nice idea for using it to run a Nitecore Tini. It will run forever on a 6000mAh power bank.
@contactr, what do you mean too bright? The contrast is not lacking, unless you are viewing it on the side.
The parts of the number that are lit up are bleeding into the unlit parts so it looks like all parts of it are lit
99 (i think):
This should be emphasized. It’s not even easy to get flat tops out.
They probably did this to keep it from moving around but when you have two cells in there I basically have to bang the other end and let them come lose. A better solution would have been a bit more flex in the terminal and then maybe some foam on the battery cover side to keep them in place from that angle too.
I got my pb2 today from banggood… took 24 days… not bad…
Lcd is not bad… you need to angle little bit to read out the numbers… i have good eyes… not a problem… numbers are clear if i read it from 3 feets…
It feel good… remind me of motorola pebble cellphone texture…
Simple design… 2 usb ports…
I am using lg mj1 flat top for the extra mah…
Mine arrived in the U.S. from Banggood’s China warehouse in only 7 days. Fastest BG order I’ve ever received!
I should mention I did pay for tracking and insurance. It seems this speeds the order along.
My display is much easier to read than yours. If it’s 99, 88, or any other reading, I can make it out clearly.
Mine pb2 came from thailand. According from the package label… your?
The package label says mine came from China.
Can I use different batteries at the same time without any risks, e.g. one Sony VTC6 and one Samsung 35E or would this have a negative effect on one or both cells.
My package says shipped from China too