I’m not new to rechargeable 18650’s having used them for a long time in flashlights.
Not long ago I started using them in “Power bank” cell phone chargers.
My problem…
My cell phone has a Li-Ion 2800 mAh cell and whether my power bank uses 1, 2 or 4 pieces of 18650 cells I get barely one full charge regardless of the brand and ratings of the cells.
OK, I understand there are losses from DC to DC conversion, regulation and isolation but this doesn’t add up.
Of the cells I use the Nitecore branded cells and those removed from laptop and power tool packs work best and far better than those with bogus mAh ratings but even on the conservative side of cell ratings I would expect more than 1 charge?
I have about 6 different branded power banks so I am guessing that either the charge losses are a LOT worse than I think, the cells in parallel have worse discharge characteristics, or some other unknown factor is afoot?
Thoughts?
PS… once my phone is fully charged and I connect a fully charged 2 cell power bank my phone will run MUCH longer than a full phone charge and a recharge while running.
Look into a charger that is capable of giving discharge capacities of you batteries. Once you get a capacity of your batts. Match them with others of similar ratings.
You may have some batts that are short lived and putting them with other cell in a power bank will quickly diminish the bank.
Not all power banks are created equal. Efficiency is key.
there are many reviews of chargers and power banks on this site.
Oh, I am pretty sure your phone has a LiPo battery, Not LiIon.
If your getting your batteries from used laptops and power tools. Your using batteries at the end of their life. They maybe between 1000-2000 mah. Occasionally you get a couple good cells. I have 3 tomo powerbanks each filled with 3400 mah Panasonic ncr18650b and I get about 3 1/2 charges from it. My battery is the same mah as your phone. Tomo has around 80% effiency rating. If your using old worn out cells and bogus rewrap ultraturds you won’t get much charge time. Invest in name brand cells. Panasonic, Sanyo, Samsung, lg. Nitrcore cells are overpriced Panasonic rewraps. Don’t buy rewraps go with original manufactures. Rewrap cells cost more then direct manufacter. Never understood why people would buy a rewrapped battery when the original battery used in the rewrap is multiple dollars cheaper
I use the 2 amp output on my chargers. I really think the issue is old worn batteries ready for the recycle bin. If you have 6 powerbanks and not one can do more then a single charge. Time for new fresh cells up to the task.
I change the cells in my tomo powerbanks once a year. But they get used and charged everyday. But a 4 cell powerbank should charge your phone at least 3 times minimum. Maybe 2 1/2 depending on cell age and size of phone. I take one tomo powerbank with us. I can charge my phone, wife’s and daughters on a charge. Buy a 4-8 new high capacity cells and try it before replacing all them in the other powerbanks
Solely out of curiosity, may I have the Samsung model to get the specs?
Swap cells all you want, but mAh is a measured capacity and something a decent charger can provide. It will tell you all about the cells you have, regardless of the print on the plastic sleeve.
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3. Don’t know why for sure since it’s the only one of THAT phone I have but it’s VERY particular about USB charge cord AND powerbanks.
The only cable I’ve found that works reliably is a monoprice. The best Powerbanks are the ENB that I can put my own cells in, all cells being checked with an Opus charger and are good.
I have a cheap no name powerbank that I replaced the junk cell and it seems to work for some reason. All the others (including some very decent brand name powerbanks) either don’t work at all or work when fully charged for a short time and then stop. Check cell voltage and it’s fine. Hook them up to even more demanding products and they resume charging with no problems down to normal cut-off if I want.
I don’t understand it. Maybe you are having a similar problem?
I also find the same problem with USB outlets for a cigarette lighter and that phone.
The phone is a Galaxy S5, and the better chargers say that under load with the brightness up and the 4g online with the bluetooth mouse, and kbd it draws around 300 mills.
PS. Im beginning to believe my cell battery is an issue