10180 Chargers

Been reading about and searching for the latest on chargers for 10180s. Still looks like one of the most reasonable is the DQG.
Is there anything out newer out there?
Thanks.

You’re just better off (IMO) buying a USB light that utilizes that cell…using that.

It’s an oddball, generic Chinese cell, with little support, so don’t overthink things.

Chris

Have a Peak Eiger that uses it so will need a charger.

Cottonpickers used to be a gold standard.

The maker has disappeared…but he showed up recently. You may try to contact him.

Yeah, he had a niche going and then just walked away a few years back.

Redilast/EDC+ has a 100mA usb charger, similar to what CP used to make, but 100mA might be a stretch for the 10180, although I’ve had a 110mAh cell in a CooYoo Quantum that I lost. That would be 1C for the Redilast/10180, which might kill the cell, sooner, rather than later.

I’m charging a JetBeam Mini 1 right now and that has a 70mAh rated cell in it. I’d just look to something like that and be done with it. At worst, you have an extra keychain light.

There’s one there for ~$23 shipped:

JetBeam Mini1 usb light

Chris

Yeah, Cottonpickers chargers are great. I have one and I also have the DQG and both work very well with the 10180 cells.

I use one of these, micro-USB powered, you can set the charge current with the resistor at the bottom (now set to 60mA charge current), two wires with small magnets soldered are used to attach the battery.

HKJ reviewed it in 2012, Review / Measurement: Charger module with TP4056 controller , but I bet there are newer/improved versions now

I think the DQG is still the best choice. I just tried to do a search for Cottonpickers and couldn’t find anything alive.

CP hasn’t started a new sales thread so I don’t think it’s a business for him anymore. But he may have some unsold stock or something.

Thanks to all. I will pursue some of these leads.

Very interesting. It looks like they copied CP but CP went the extra mile and encapsulated his boards in plastic and he was a wonderful person to deal with. I had one go bad on me, (do to MY incompetence!), and he replaced it without question. Also, HJK gave his basic charger his highest rating.

I agree that the little DQG chargers are now the best available.

Thanks. Found it but they wanted over $40 shipping. Guess I will go with DQG.

Been looking at the DQG charger piece. I apologize in advance but I really don’t know much about these batteries. Do I need to buy the complete light and charger piece to charge a battery for my other light?

Well, you have to be partially concerned with threads matching up across differing brands.

That’s why I just suggested getting a cheaper complete light that one might also be able to use elsewhere.

Let’s face it people, these are the lowliest of li-ion cells and they’re not going to last long, in any event. Either the charging algorithm works, or it doesn’t. In my two 10180 lights—CooYoo Quantum and Jetbeam Mini 1, both charging modules slightly under charge, but that’s fine.

It’s your money and buy what makes you comfortable, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated.

Chris

Thanks Chris. I guess I could use the piece on my light if the threads fit. If not, I will need the other light also. Probably shouldn’t have jumped into this pool so quickly. Looking at a 10280 also and will probably have the same issues. Light is a Peak Eiger. May just sell it before I end up with a bunch of extra parts.

Ven sent me the CooYoo for Christmas a few years back and during Irma, I was clearing some fallen branches in front of downstairs neighbors and I lost it along with my house key, that was attached.

Hearing my plight, Ven sent me the JetBeam (among others!) and I got another key made for it.

They’re neat little lights and suitable for key chains IMO, although I keep a BatteryJunction freebie coin light on my KC.

This is ‘Budget’ Light forums, so I’m just suggesting viable options that don’t cost all that much.

Chris

Not so concerned about price. Would have gladly got a Veleno but couldn’t see $40 for shipping.
Already got the Peak in a trade and looks like a neat little light. Got a chance to get the 10280 tube also. Now have 2nd thoughts.
As mentioned, will probably just sell it

You could use the DQG brass charger, with the DQG brass pill capsule and DQG extension pieces with the through hole to make a standalone charger to fit various 10xx0 cells.

There used to be a DQG charger body available, I made my own 10180/ 10250 charger from it. Has a spring in the base.

The 10180 lights often have chargers built in that charge at up to 140mA so not the best for 10180 cells.

Thank you CRX. Looks like that may be my best option especially if it would also work for a 10280.

Searching for “50mA USB charger” shows this one . No resistor tuning required. Can charge four batteries of any size with 50 mA or 100 mA each.
Just add two cables and two magnets like djozz shows above and you are done. Hard to beat at $1.55.