I am new to using rechargeable flashlight batteries and have heard some horror stories, so I wanted to run this by you guys.
I have a new XTAR VC4 charger and 4 new Panasonic NCR18650A batteries. 3 of the batteries charge properly as Li-Ion and one charges as NiMH. The NiMH icon on the LCD keeps flashing as the battery charges. I took it off the charger after about 30 seconds to be safe.
Questions: Any idea what would cause this? Should I leave the problem battery on the charger for awhile to see if the issue sorts itself out or is this too risky?
Thanks for the help in advance! Also, I have been lurking around BLF for awhile and really appreciate all the posts and info!
When charging the last digit in the capacity displays will flash.
The charger will charge with 100mA from 0 volt and display will show NiMH
Charger will not stop NiMH charging within the first 10 minutes.
Above 2.0 volt the charger assumes LiIon battery.
Between 2.0 volt and 2.9 volt charge current is 120mA on 1A range.
Above 2.9 volt the full charge current will be applied.
Can you check your NCR18650GA’s voltage. From what you said, seems like they discharged below 2.0v. I think that is why your charger think it is NiMH.
It is showing as 1.5 volts. Supposedly the XTAR has a feature for bringing back overly discharged batteries, so I guess I will give it a try and see if it switches to Li-Ion after 10 minutes or so.
IF you did buy those from IMR I would definitely ask them before doing too much. New batteries (lions) should arrive with about 3.6 volts, never less than 2. Never.