charger questions (for 16650 and 17500 batteries)

Captains1911

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I am looking for a charger that will charge 16650 and 17500 batteries, as well as 18650. The Xtar VP2 seems to be a popular charger, however, it doesn't list 16650 as a compatible battery type. I was also looking at the KeepPower L2, which lists 16650, but not 17500. Will either of these work with both, or is there a better option for a similar price? Thanks for the help.
 
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HKJ

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Re: Need a charger for 16650 and 17500 Batteries

With normal LiIon the general rule is that any battery that fit in the charger can be charged. For best lifetime the current must not be too high for the size. In my reviews you can usual find a list of supported batteries* and marked with red if the current is on the high side.
*I do not list all sizes either, but I show photos how well they fit in the charger.
 

Captains1911

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17500 Battery Charging Question

I have an XTAR VP2 charger, that has charging options for both voltage and current. The voltage options are 3.2, 3.6, and 3.8V, and the current 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0A. If I'm charging AW 17500 batteries, that are 3.7V and 1100mAH, which voltage and current settings should I use on the charger?

Also, I keep seeing warnings about not over charging these types of batteries. Is this possible with this particular charger, or is it ok if I leave the batteries on the charger over night?

Thanks.
 
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archimedes

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I am looking for a charger that will charge 16650 and 17500 batteries, as well as 18650....

I have an XTAR VP2 charger, that has charging options for both voltage and current. The voltage options are 3.2, 3.6, and 3.8V, and the current 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0A. If I'm charging AW 17500 batteries, that are 3.7V and 1100mAH, which voltage and current settings should I use on the charger?

Similar threads merged, with a slight title edit ....
 

ven

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You should use the 3.6v setting, this charges the cell to 4.2v + or -. The 3.8v setting is for 4.35v cells...........

Charge rate being 1100mah, i would use the 0.5a level. If high drain, you could get away with 1a for quick charges when short on time. But overall for cell life, the 0.5a would be my choice.
 
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Captains1911

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You should use the 3.6v setting, this charges the cell to 4.2v + or -. The 3.8v setting is for 4.35v cells...........

Charge rate being 1100mah, i would use the 0.5a level. If high drain, you could get away with 1a for quick charges when short on time. But overall for cell life, the 0.5a would be my choice.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of charging them with 0.25A vs. 05A? I ended up charging the new batteries for the first time on 0.25A because the owners manual that came with the charger suggested it based on the 1100mah charge rate. Hopefully doing it one time is ok. Thanks for the help.
 

Captains1911

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One more question: I just purchased a pair of Keeppower 16650, 2500mah batteries. What charge current would you recommend for them? Thanks.
 

ven

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I charge my keeppower 16650 cells on 3.6v and at 1a rate.

To try and not confuse here, the keeppower wrap actually covers a sanyo 4.35v cell. Keeppower have a protection circuit, so their 16650 cells need to be charged to 4.2v(3.6v setting).

Reg adv or disadvantages of 0.25 and 0.5a setting would depend on the actual cell. For 17500, it's a little too low imo . The 0.25a is more for smaller cells, maybe the 10440 size(3.7v AAA) for example with 350mah capacity.
 

Swedpat

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I charge my keeppower 16650 cells on 3.6v and at 1a rate.

To try and not confuse here, the keeppower wrap actually covers a sanyo 4.35v cell. Keeppower have a protection circuit, so their 16650 cells need to be charged to 4.2v(3.6v setting).

Reg adv or disadvantages of 0.25 and 0.5a setting would depend on the actual cell. For 17500, it's a little too low imo . The 0.25a is more for smaller cells, maybe the 10440 size(3.7v AAA) for example with 350mah capacity.

Now I become a bit confused. Earlier in some other thread I was recommended to charge my Keeppower 16650 2500mAh cell to 4,35V for best performance. But is 4,35V only for unprotected version?
Also: is 2500mAh the energy capacity when charged up to 4,2V or 4,35V?
 

HKJ

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Now I become a bit confused. Earlier in some other thread I was recommended to charge my Keeppower 16650 2500mAh cell to 4,35V for best performance. But is 4,35V only for unprotected version?
Also: is 2500mAh the energy capacity when charged up to 4,2V or 4,35V?

Usual a protection circuit will prevent charging to 4.35V, this means you will not get the full capacity, as can be seen in my reviews.
 

ven

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Now I become a bit confused. Earlier in some other thread I was recommended to charge my Keeppower 16650 2500mAh cell to 4,35V for best performance. But is 4,35V only for unprotected version?
Also: is 2500mAh the energy capacity when charged up to 4,2V or 4,35V?

KP 16650 is 4.2v, the "naked" sanyo 16650 can be charged to 4.35v, it is a little confusing . Your KP cells should only be charged to 4.2v, going above will trip the PCB(presume over 4.25v but not sure where that is set).

I have a few KP wrapped sanyo 16650 cells, few sanyo(both are sanyo inside) cells which are pink wrapped. I am not sure what the actual mah loss is from the 4.2v V the 4.35v termination. Neither of my 16650 versions end up much under 3.4-3.6v after a day's use in work. I am sure some still charge their sanyo 16650 cells to 4.2v instead of the 4.35v. Its no big deal imho...........

I am sure the 2500mah is from the 4.35v charge(no doubt measured from 2.5v which is bellow what most would use anyway).
 
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