Test/Review of Charger Xtar SP1

There could be a few improvements, but nothing would make it charge better.

For a single cell universal charger this is the best I have seen.

Thanks for another great review..

Fingers crossed they will make a 4 bay version of this.

Nice review again HKJ! When does the low voltage stop kick in for the USB out? I’m curious if it would be usable as a USB out supply with an LiFePO4 cell.

I do not really believe that a 4 bay version of this is that interesting. The VP2 would be more interesting as a 4 bay charger.

Wow! I have one on the way right now; glad to hear it's top notch!

-Garry

At about 3 volt, you can see it on the usb output curves. At high load the voltage is slightly above 3 volt.

The specifications says 3 volt +/-0.3 volt

I.e. you cannot be sure it will work on LiFePO4.

A good 4 bay charger that could do 4x 26650@ 2A, very interesting IMO.

A good 4 bay charger that could do 4x 18650 4,35V cells, very interesting IMO.

At the moment, I have to use two chargers in order to charge 3x 26650 cells (I also have to use two chargers that will terminate at same voltage).

At the moment, I have not bothered with 4,35V cells, mostly because I want a charger that can charge several of them. Buying a bunch of SP1 chargers is not something I would consider.

Looking forward to your "dreamcharger review".. That might get me into 4,35V cells.

Thanks, I see that on the curves now. If the sample was the minus .3V then that would work well since you would get most of your capacity by 2.7 V. Even 3.0 V would be decent, I may have to check it out. :slight_smile:

Great review, as always, HKJ!

I wish it was tiny bit cheaper tho :D!

Cheaper ? You are jesting, I trust !… :wink:

How cheap can you get ?…this cheap, perchance :

http://eu.nkon.nl/xtar-sp1-charger.html

Cheers,

__philippe

Thanks for the review. Great charger!

I would also like the charger to be able to charge at 250mA or lower. I am waiting for the MC0 to become for sale somewhere, but nicer would be a charger like this one, that also accepts 18650.

Must be your lucky day… :slight_smile:

http://eu.nkon.nl/xtar-mc0-mini-li-ion-battery-charger.html

Cheers,

__philippe

Customary disclaimer: I have no connection with nkon.nl whatsoever, besides being a satisfied, return customer.

Yeah thanks, I have seen it there, but they're out of stock :-(

Thanks for the review.

What is the standard charging setting, after plugging it in.

The low end voltage for 4.35V batteries makes me a bit sad, are you sure that it is only a matter of production differences or have they adjusted the voltage a bit low to be on the save side?

Do you plan to review the new sample of the LGD1 which is in your picture…?

For that money I would like to have dual slot capability ;)!

Money be damned… :slight_smile:
treat yourself to the ultimate, nay, to the Rolls-Royce of 2-channel Li-ion chargers.

…Ladies and Gentlemen, a roll of drums, please….introducing the only game in town:

(…frantic applause…)…the Xtar VP2 !

You know where to get one, don’t you ?..:wink:

Cheers,

__philippe

Nice review, thanks! Hope a VP2 is on deck, it’d be interesting to see how it handles 4.35V cells.

The voltage is controlled with a 3 position switch and will start at the last selected value.

The current will start at 0.5A

I do not know, but would expect it to be production tolerances.

http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/LG%2018650%20D1%203000mAh%20(Pink)%20UK.html

That seems awesome but then you put this comment above…

“Before using the charger for a 4.30 volt cell I will strongly advice to check the charge voltage with a DMM: Connect a DMM parallel to the battery and check that the voltage stays below 4.35 volt all the time while charging”

Any risks?

The charger is rated for 4.35 volt cell that can be charged with up to 4.40 volt.

If you wish to charge 4.30 volt cells, than can be charged with up to 4.35 volt, it is a good idea to check that the charger is below 4.35 volt.

If you overcharge a LiIon battery slightly you will reduce its lifetime significantly, but as long as you uses good cells there is not any risk.