I’m looking for a charger that uses 18650 cells to charge devices like IPhones and such. All the ones I see have the cells permanently soldered in place.
I’m sure such a thing exists but can’t seem to find any.
There are lots of those things out there. Look at some of HKJ’s reviews. (There are a couple of people here who are just incredible goldmines of information, he’s right up there at the top of the list.)
I decided on this one: http://www.fasttech.com/products/1421/10002784/1483300
It’s still in transit so I can’t give a personal review yet, but it and the other ENB models have gotten good word of mouth and one of them was favorably reviewed by HKJ.
I have been using the miller ml-102. I slightly modified it to fit Panny 3400 protected batteries and charges my droid razr maxx rather well in emergency situations.
I ordered 4 of these, both in and outputs using KNOWN good chips architectures
I am thinking a wrap of clear packaging tape to secure the battery, then maybe taking an x-acto and cutting the micro usb in port…would like to find some clear heat shrink tubing that might fit all the way around the unit and see how that goes, not only are these chargers, but they are portable power banks as well
I got my ENB power bank yesterday. I haven’t done a full test yet, but I did verify it’s not DOA and, more importantly, I verified that protected Panasonic 3400’s fit.
I’m going to wind up using Samsung laptop pulls (see the ‘purple Samsung laptop pack frenzy’ thread) in mine, and I verified that those work so flat tops are fine. But some people are very serious about their protected 3400’s.
My Tri-18650 ENB has been working well and also seems to work well being used to recharge the cells. I just use laptop pulls in it.
-Garry
I have been using the RAVPower 14,000mAh and it really rocks! I am able to charge two devices at the same time.
HKJ just did a review on a VERY good one…
I would consider this one: http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S022116
It is a pretty good flashlight with side switch that can be recharged via micro USB, and some mystery 5V input plugin.
It also works as a 3x18650 battery USB charger with 2 ports that can be used at once. Has 5 LEDs that give you approximate battery life, and low voltage cutoff.
Also, if you look closely you can REMOVE THE FLASHLIGHT HEAD and just use as a battery backup! Cool for airport,etc.
The only caveat is that high capacity 18650s that are protected will have a hard time fitting. I wouldn’t get much longer than 68mm on the specs, or you may have to cut the springs down a bit. I used 2600mAh protected trustfires that were like 66mm and they fit fine.
I personally like the Ruinovo pack with 4x18650 batteries in it. I put 4 green Sony batteries in it from a laptop pull and it’s just a fantastic charger. Unlike the cheap plastic ones, it’s anodized aluminum. It likes to scratch up other equipment so I put mine in a Maxpedition Rat wallet in such a way that I can charge all my devices without taking it out.
NOTE: Most of these DIY packs specifically say to put unprotected cells in them so be sure and verify that before you buy batteries, though there’s no such thing as too many 18650s.
I have a couple ML-102’s V6.0 and very happy with em! I have modded one to take protected 18650s as well and i added some velcro to it so i can toss it in a bag holding a cell without it falling out;
Compact, charger, emergency power bank, whats not to love?
I also have a dedicated bank;
http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004450/1340311-ruinovo-102-1a-2-18650-single-usb-output-mobile
I put two 3400 unprotected panas in there, needs some tinkering and a little screwdriver to access the cells so its not really removeable but since its a light and a power-bank i think its a very very useful little thing nonetheless.
I’m also using ML-102, bought from Intl Outdoor, and so far I love it. Great backup tool and emergency 18650 charger too.
Velcro strip is a better idea than heatshrinking or taping like I was contemplating…mainly because sometimes the packs go to sleep and you have to pull the battery
But these work GREAT, even if you don’t get a full charge it will give you MUCH more time on your battery if not at least charge it up enough to use it in case of emergency or whatnot
I have 4 of them at the house and the kids use them to get a full 2 hours extra use out of their kindle fires (gen 2 not the HD)
I put some 2600mAh Samsungs in mine…mainly because I got 8 of em for crazy cheap and they work VERY well
I did open em up and using a hot air rework station change the 1301 RProg resistor to a 222 (2.2K) thru reducing the charge to the battery to 500mA~, it takes longer to charge but is less stressful on the batteries, and keeps the heat down on the TP4056 charging chip
