Wuben C3 flashlight: built-in charging overcharges?!

4.57V!! At that voltage they might as well just connect the battery with the USB input…

It does not surprise me. I would say it is more common than we realize among the Chinese brands who are racing to the bottom.

Anybody selling $20 lights with charging and included 18650 cell - I have serious concerns about corner-cutting.

4.29v is likely the over-voltage cut-off protection of the Wuben protected 18650…

Would you be able to test using an unprotected 18650 (use a battery that you’re OK with overcharging…)?

I have tested other Wuben flashlights charging: Wuben L50, Wuben LT35, Wuben TO46R = they charge and terminate properly, some slightly less than 4.20v or just slightly over (I think like 4.14-4.23v, tested charging using unprotected batteries, not just the “protected” batteries that Wuben flashlights come with.)

I suppose we need to report this serious overvoltage to Wuben?

(the light indicator on the Wuben C3 turns green at about correct voltage, but leaving it still charging will charge to the too high voltage…)

In this case, perhaps Wuben should send with the light the special Samsung (ICR?) cell that normally takes 4.35v as limit! :person_facepalming:

I used to have those batteries but can’t remember its exact model designation.

You mean like the Samsung 28A? Those are certainly not designed for use in a pocket rocket.
Bought a couple for use with a UV-led with rather high Vf.

hello, its my video of C3, please welcome

Wuben recommend to use “only” protected batteries to charg with built in charger

While that may be true (using only “protected” batteries), I have tested a few other Wuben flashlights, namely Wuben TO46R, L50 and LT35 and both flashlights also come including with a Wuben protected 18650 — however, the L50 and LT35 do not overcharge batteries — I tried charging unprotected 18650s in these 3 other Wuben 18650-flashlights and they checking the battery voltage after charging, they are around 4.20v or a bit less — unlike the C3 which continues charging when the user does not unplug the flashlight from the USB power. Also, 4.57v (could have been higher, since I unplugged after about 2 or 3 hours after the C3’s charge indicator light turns green) is definitely too high for 18650 batteries.

I suspect some people will charge overnight and may not be able to monitor the charging state, and overcharging would not be good then (if they use an unprotected 18650 on the C3)

That’s really bad. I eyed it when it was on sale, I’m glad i didn’t buy it.

I ordered it and so far, haven't tried charging another battery without protection. I did observe that the green LED comes on at 4V and when the battery was at 4.18V, the charging current was at 0.002A.

Is there a tear down of the Wuben C3?

I didn't let mine charge that long but I can confirm the problem too. The voltage on the DMM is taken directly from the battery after charging with this light.

As ordered in pictures (V, charge rate @ time):

4.38V, 0.116A @ 9:02PM

4.43V, 0.08A @ 10:15PM

if you are removing the battery and adding wires to measure things, that may be throwing the charging off

also if you stop and restart a cycle (esp when it is finished) that may throw it off also

maybe what it really wants is to
a. start with a discharged cell (somewhat)
b. charge from there to 4.13V

if you restart it already at 4.13, that might throw it off

but it should always be checking for 4.20 and never go over that

if you have extra wires, that may uncalibrate the voltage or current readings it is taking during the cycle.

4.52 volts!
Yikes.

First time I tried to charge in flashlight since I got it.
Purchased Nov 27, 2020

It is going back to Amazon.
I’ll try another one as do like the light.

New stock is supposed to be fixed.

Thank you for your time and effort to run a C3 report. I just found this thread on the comment of my WUBEN C3 30% off deals.

Our tech guys has fixed the overchage issues and sqare spot after getting the feedbacks from customers. Stocks now in Amazon

is the new version C3 that do not has overcharge issues and already update the TIRE to has a round spot.

Links to access: https://amzn.to/38EnK7G

A lighting deal is coming in Dec 26th to save 15% off. Additional coupons might show up too.

That’s good to hear. Would be interested to re-test the Wuben C3, but I’m unable to order from Amazon…

“… the TIRE to has a round spot” What does this mean?

The spill with the previous TIR has a square shape... more like 3 corners and a rounded 4th. The spot is round and nice. I should take a picture...

I have a new one inbound for Monday.

Still confused on that comment.

I have a C3 bought about 6 weeks back. Guessing it’s got this over-charge “feature” :smiley:

I do like the light though (despite the 2600mAh “protected” battery- wass’up with that?). Still a nice throw for it’s small form factor. I’ll just charge via the Zanflare Vs. the internal USB port anyway. Also prolly’ use a Q30 or something a bit more modern battery wise.

I would be too. I posted a picture above so the outer and inner spot IS round and it's just that outer TIR artifact, aka. spill, I think, what some commenters find detracting.

I just pulled mine out and see the “square bottomed” spill as your pic shows… looks like a “flat tire” :smiley:

— thanks for that effort Nach!