18350 batteries

[NickIcon]

Just received a new shiny toy (Sirius mod - may do some pics tomorrow!) so have been trying out 18350's for the first time.

Although I'm using a Kick - which I'm aware does use up more power than without - my AW IMR 18350 batteries have only lasted a couple of hours each without really caning it.

Consequently, both of my two 18350's have been through my charger this evening and have finished charging in under 40 minutes each. Does this seem about right?

I'm using an Xtar WP2 charger (with a couple of spacers) and it's set to charge at 0.5A. I've got the Kick set to 7.5w (I think - it's in the middle!) and my coil measures 2.6 ohms on my Lavatube.

Am I charging my batteries correctly or were my expectations for a 700mAh battery + a Kick just a bit too high?

Edited due to fat fingers.

[djs]

Jan 16, 2013 22:01:02 GMT NickIcon said:

my AW IMR 18350 batteries have only lasted a couple of hours each without really caning it.

my AW IMR 18350 batteries only last a couple of hours each without really caning it

ooohhh....is there an echo in here....

They're not great. Oh well. Better buy plenty....

[Karma]

I've never used a kick, so can't comment from that point of view.

Once my 18350s have dropped to, I think about 3.4, or when the light flashes, it takes a good couple of hours to recharge them on my XTar set at 500

have you any way of checking the power in the batteries when they seem to be charged up?

[maccafan]

Yeah 18350 batteries are naff except for the compact size..With a Kick they'll drain even faster..

18490 or above is what is best to have a half decent battery life..My 14650 lasts longer in my Vamo than a 18350..

[NickIcon]

Good point Karma - will see if I can jerry-rig something with my Lavatube tonight to see if I can get the charge of the battery.

As feared - sounds like I need to track down some 18490s and save the little 'uns for brief stealth operations.

Even though the AW IMRs are "safe(r) chemistry" they aren't protected so they shouldn't be used on their own - right? Is there anything else around that can sit between the battery and mod to provide some degree of protection? Just so the 18350s don't go to waste!

[Moon]

Jan 17, 2013 12:51:23 GMT NickIcon said:

Good point Karma - will see if I can jerry-rig something with my Lavatube tonight to see if I can get the charge of the battery.

As feared - sounds like I need to track down some 18490s and save the little 'uns for brief stealth operations.

Even though the AW IMRs are "safe(r) chemistry" they aren't protected so they shouldn't be used on their own - right? Is there anything else around that can sit between the battery and mod to provide some degree of protection? Just so the 18350s don't go to waste!

Safercigs do a short stop which is a reusable fuse 3mm thick.

I got one for a tenner just before Christmas but think that was a sale price.

[brysoni23]

When plugged in do you get any lights on the laptop?

[brysoni23]

Jan 17, 2013 13:31:58 GMT brysoni23 said:

When plugged in do you get any lights on the laptop?

Or can you even turn the laptop on when plugged in?

[brysoni23]

egnor numpty here wrong post haha sorry

[Clutter]

My 18350s only last just over a couple of hours on the ProVari & take a couple of hours to recharge on the TR001. I haven't checked whether recharging is quicker on the XStar II I recently bought. 2 pairs of 18350s are the minimum requirement I think.

[NickIcon]

Jan 17, 2013 13:08:34 GMT Moon said:

Safercigs do a short stop which is a reusable fuse 3mm thick.

Lavatube reckons the 18350s charge to 4/4.1v - given the method used to close the circuit (stuffing an AGA-S down the open tube and tilting) I guess that means it's pretty much fully charged.

*Heads off to safercigs.co.uk*

[djs]

I've tested 18350s on two multis and the LT itself. They charge up quickly (90 minutes) and are excellent while they last.