Charging USB devices with 18650 batteries

No, I was being lazy and linking the first one that looked to be about the same.

This: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5V-Mobile-Power-Supply-USB-Battery-Charger-18650-Box-/330587233336?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item4cf888dc38

is the seller I used, and the picture looks like it’s the same from the front panel. That said, I can’t vouch for the fact that anything would be the same as I bought mine almost a year ago.

Mine does have a tp4056 inside, but for all I know, it could be decorative. Maybe I’ll try a charge cycle and see what the termination voltage is. I don’t really have the setup to see what kind of current it’s charging with.

Edit: just charged up and it looks (to my cheap dmm) like 4.19 volts after a bit of a rest. Not bad.

The one I got from DX which looks identical only takes unprotected 18650s.

I have same battery banks.
it works well with LG 3000 unprotected cells .
Seller recommends to use below 0.75a chager.

For the issue with some boxes, not charging i think some fones need a signal from the usb cable. Maybe i’m wrong but there was something about a resistor on the usb connections in the charger signaling what charge current the fone should take.

Just had my order for a couple of them canceled and refunded, OOS.

Hey,

I have pretty much at least a couple of all those 18650 5v usb chargers mentioned. Atm using OP’s version as my edc and it will sometimes just stop charging my phone for no apparent reason. This one is more ‘automatic’ in a sense as it can detect when i unplug my phone and switch off. Charging via mini usb seems to work ok. Just wish their was something with more than one battery bay that is reliable. Will take a look at the hobby king suggestion

Does the ML-102 fit the blf favorite 18680 xtar? (edit: actually 68.5mm, but who's counting?) I have a few repurposed ipod chargers (cellboost irecharge IPR3) that just happen to have USB-in, USB-out, and takes 18700 with some soldering, not worth the hassle to do it again. Would have gotten the ml-102 if i'd known about it earlier.

My ML-102 takes XTAR 18700 without a problem (26650 too)

not sure about the XTAR 18680?

!!

How efficient would that setup be? Say a 10000mah 7.4v lipoly with that adaptor? How many watt hours are we talking compared to 4x18650 on one of those ebay boxes (70-80% efficiency). Video at the link you provided looks pretty convincing. cheers

I’d prefer the charger that wouldn’t need assembling (putting a battery in) whenever device needs charging. but since ML-102 has so many positive feedback I’ve ordered one and I’m waiting to receive it.

I just received a 1s4p charger with an adjustable output current today (check out #170880896962) and I’ve been charging individual cells up in it while powered from my ML-102 (don’t ask why, lol). So far so good, the 1s4p charger has been terminating early at around 4.083V.

Will do a couple discharge tests from it to see if it will do low voltage cutoff correctly, if this doesn’t die in a month’s time like another BLFer’s experience from such charger boxes, I’ll be a happy camper :slight_smile:

i just got one white one. lucky for me , it works great. bought from aliexpress

I have the 'same' pack and found that my batteries died very quickly while sitting and waiting to be used.

I put in 4 freshly charged Flames and let it sit for almost 3 weeks.

When I tried to turn it on I didnt get any of the lights on even after pushing that button inside. I tested the batteries and found a low voltage (it was a couple months ago now).

Just wondering if you'd seen the same thing?

If I put fresh cells in and don't press the button would it last longer?

Shur, is there any way you can measure the current draw in mA or even uA from the cells?

ML-102

why would anybody buy something else

I'm trying. I could use some tips.

Right away I blew the fuse in my only meter that will to mA.

My other meter will do uA and it's reading 32uA but the pack doesnt function with this meter in-line.

I'm heading out to pick up a new fuse in a bit.

Ok, things are kind of working here now.

I have a second one of these so I cut the -'ve plate out of it and left myself a tail to clip my probe to.

With the Flames I didnt get anything different, the pack was unresponsive. All cells tested at 4.0v

I put in some Eagletac 2500mAh and after hitting the reset button I have a constant drain of 1-1.5mA

With the pack turned on and the white LED on I get 4mA

When pressing the button to check charge level I get 8.5mA

When plugging in my phone to charge the pack stops working and needs to be reset.

It dose look good:
Light weight
well constructed (physically tough)
can run a single battery without big bulk
input and output (assuming both are good: CC/CV input and protect for output)
Takes 18700 (protected 18650) cells

But it’s not enclosed is the only thing.

I’d be using it for campers, perhaps a water proof box that is both waterproof and can have wires coming through it’s lip/seals… hmmm that might be hard to make work. Perhaps a bit of velcro strip to hold batteries in place while jogging or falling.

Yes, if it could take a solar panel charge, while velcro held the bat in place, while inside a waterproof storage box, yet stilled wired to be taking that charge, while in a side pocket of my backpack = would be perfect :smiley:

when you’re camping you’re willing to spend a few more $$ to ‘get it right’, but the weight of the accessory equipment described would be detrimental. This set up would still be on par with about the best other options I’ve seen though.

HI

IN charging samsung 30q 3000mah unprotected battery, it is safe to use NItecore D2 (charging mode CV and low)?

Thanks

Using a slowass charger (D2 review) to charge a high drain cell. I certainly don't see what could go wrong.

No battery is charged in CV (Constant Voltage) mode. Li-ion cells are charged using a CC/CV protocol.