18650 Batteries

[DaveABQ]

Trying to get inputs on experiences with 18650 batteries.

There is finally an analyzer out there, the BT-C3100:

I read reviews on Candlepower forums, seems to be fairly accurate at measuring capacity, voltage, etc., it is also a charger. It will do numerous types, but I really wanted for the 18650 and 14500 batteries, as I use a different analyzer for AA's.

I haven't went through my stock of 18650's yet, but I did measure some Ultrafire 5000mah batteries, for the most part they really hold only about 1000mah charge.

I also did some 3000mah Ultrafires, they got around the same, with one measuring 1800mah.

I read that AW 18650 batteries are the best, but they are also expensive, so you get what you pay for.

Interested in what others like, think?

 

[Ratdog68]

Got my attention, I haven't started acquiring this gear yet.

 

[DaveABQ]

Supposedly Panasonic makes the cells for the AW batteries as well as other top batteries.

 

[FrankT]

Dave, ok going to buy one, says these batteries
AA(LR6) and AAA(LR3) NiCd, NiMH or 3.7v Li-ion rechargeable batteries in size type of 10440, 14500, 16340, 18500, 26650, 26500

but not the 18650??

 

[DaveABQ]

Yes it does, read further down in the descriptions here

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231164866267?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Designed for AA(LR6) and AAA(LR3）NiCd, NiMH or 3.7v Li-ion rechargeable batteries in size type of 10440, 14500, 16340, 18500, 18650, 26650, 26500

 

[FrankT]

Duh...thanks..that the best price? or another one close to that you would rather have?

 

[Brian Shaffer]

I'm interested in learning more!

 

[FrankT]

Does this do the same thing so I don't have to wait for China mail? seems to be the newer model


http://www.amazon.com/BT-C3400-Univ...&qid=1413051800&sr=8-1&keywords=opus+BT-C3100

 

[DaveABQ]

yes, I imagine its the same thing, just different name

 

[FrankT]

Here is what I found Dave, I ordered it, will test all mine and give you a report

Q: What are the differences between opus bt- c3100 and opus bt-c3400?
A:
The C3100 had problems. One was overloading the power adapter when charging 4 cells. Those issues have all been resolved in the C3400.

 

[DaveABQ]

here are some reviews

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/28599

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...of-Analyzing-NiMH-LiIon-Charger-Opus-BT-C3100

 

[DaveABQ]

Here is what I found Dave, I ordered it, will test all mine and give you a report

Q: What are the differences between opus bt- c3100 and opus bt-c3400?
A:
The C3100 had problems. One was overloading the power adapter when charging 4 cells. Those issues have all been resolved in the C3400.

no problems here with the 3100, and if you read the reviews don't think they had issues, but didn't read in detail, I like pictures lol

 

[Hard_ware]

Panasonic 3400mah cells http://www.illumn.com/batteries-cha...650-panasonic-3400mah-ncr18650b-flat-top.html

Use code illumination to get a discount, usually around 34.00 for 4 of them plus shipping, I got them for under $40 for 4 delivered.
The panasonics are the raw cell most companies use, others won't deliver on the rated capacity on the battery label but people buy them all the time.
orbtronic, panasonic are what I have found to deliver on the printed specs, based on the current draw of the device and the expected runtimes, I do not have a dedicated tester.

These are not protected, so you need a good charger and a device that will not keep discharging them below 2.4volts, the armasight power supply fits the bill.
It cuts out at 4.8 volts, which is around 2.4 volts per cell.

 

[DaveABQ]

Sounds good on the Panasonic, I'm going to have to get some, thanks.

 

[FrankT]

I have only been using the protected 18650 and for lights.

 

[DaveABQ]

I bought some of these, protected

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-PANASONIC...US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item5b01d5bfab

 

[FrankT]

yeah I have never paid that much for a battery, I have 20 lights to feed and the ones I use are great for them

 

[DaveABQ]

I have a ton of lights, headlights, etc. Which 18650's were you using Frank?

 

[FrankT]

The blue and the energy white 5000Mah ones I sent you the links on and some red 3000Mah. . I drop a battery in the garage and it is gone, only had one go bad w/o dropping. I have been using them over 5 years now I guess

 

[DaveABQ]

I checked the reviews on the 5000mah Energy batteries, didn't find anything good on them, but you can check with the analyzer when you get it.