Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Best 18650 Lithium-Ion Solar Charger





When buying a suitable charger for your 18650 batteries, your priority must be to find a product with good quality and relatively low price.

There are several manufacturers of the 18650 lithium-ion solar charger but very few provide the high quality products that Orbtronic USA does. Orbtronic is a well-known name in the rechargeable battery industry and provides a vast variety of rechargeable batteries and chargers of high quality. It has two brands available in 18650 lithium-ion solar charger. The first is the Orbtronic Rapid Dual Channel Battery Charger for Li-ion 18650 Battery available with 4 high-capacity 2800mAh 3.7V 18650 Protected Batteries. It comes with a car adaptor and is a product of superior quality.

In addition to this brand, Orbtronic has a Orbtronic Rapid Charger with Two CR2 800mAh 3V Lithium Li-ion Rechargeable Battery that comes with Wall-Car (110V/240V/12V) Adapters. This particular brand has a relatively lower price than the first which may attract customers looking for cheaper options.

The 18650 lithium-ion solar charger by Orbtronic comes with the following features.

  • A high quality charger that gets your 18650 and 17650 Li-ion batteries charged quickly and efficiently.
  • It has a dual channel.
  • It is perfect for use with flashlights, torches and lasers with 18650 and 17650 batteries which need to be recharged frequently.
  • There is built-in end-of-charge voltage detection ensuring that the battery is fully charged.
  • It has an over-voltage protector that prevents damage from over voltage and sudden changes in voltage.
  • There are two completely separate individual charging channels.
  • Additional protection for reverse polarity.
  • Charging the battery is quick and complete.

  • Method for charging the battery is CC/CV.
  • It comes with an 110V/240V Wall adapter.
  • 12V Car Adapter is also part of the pack can charge your batteries when driving.

 

Another brand that customers love is the Tenergy 2-Channel 18650/14500 Li-ion Battery Charger. Tenergy is a Chinese manufacturer that has a whole range of products in this range. This particular charger comes with 2 Li-ion 18650 Cylindrical 3.7V 2600mAh Rechargeable Batteries.

·         It has two separate charging channels.

·         Charging mode involves constant passage of current and voltage.

·         There is special reverse polarity protection with a red flashing light indicating reverse polarity.

·         The batteries provided are rechargeable.

·         Special PCB protection controls voltage.

 

 

 

When selecting a charger for your 18650 lithium-ion batteries, it is best to go for quality rather than price. A product by a reputable company may cost you comparatively more but will last you a lifetime. With the two available brands in Orbtronic 18650 lithium-ion solar charger, making a choice depends on the particular specifications that you need in your charger. A major difference between the two brands in addition to the better quality of Orbtronic Rapid Dual Channel Battery Charger for Li-ion 18650 Battery is the battery type that it comes with. These batteries are 3.7V with 2800 mAh capacity. In comparison, the second brand comes with 3V batteries and a capacity of 800 mAh which is relatively low.

When selecting an 18650 lithium ion solar charger there is certain important features that your choice of product must have.
    1. Durability and toughness.
    2. Ease of use.
    3. The ability to charge batteries quickly.
    4. Protection from voltage variations.
    5. Safety features that prevent accidents and electric shocks.
    6. A charger that comes with free batteries.
Customer reviews:
Customer reviews show that the Orbtronic 18650 lithium-ion solar charger works amazingly fast with zero problems. Several customers have complained about the quality of other cheaper brands that they bought. In comparison, they find that Orbtronic products are high quality, easy to use and with great customer support. The 18650 lithium-ion solar charger by Tenergy is also a bestseller among customers due to the lower price. Most customers like the smaller compact size of the charger that makes it easy to carry around.





UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion Batteries: Are They Worth the Money?


Are you looking for good and durable batteries? Did you hear about UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion batteries? Well, you would be missing one good product if you did not hear about them. 18650 Li-Ion batteries are generally known to be better than regular Li-Ion batteries. The 18650 cells were originally developed by Panasonic. The goal was to create a more durable battery cell which could output more energy and use fewer resources.
Although some people prefer to buy Panasonic batteries, they are usually only suitable for Panasonic products. UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion batteries are a worthy universal replacement. However, note if your product will support this type of battery, they come in different sizes and have different features and safety measures.
What Are the Technical Details of UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion batteries?
That would depend on the type of battery you choose. But since 18650 Li-Ion batteries have the same cells powering them, they also share some general features.
-          High capacity, usually around 2400 mAh
-          Reliable
-          2-4 hour charge time
-          More than 500 recharge cycles
-          Better energy output
Most of these batteries have a protection system from over-charging. That technology should not be confused with 18650 cells. They are only created to have better output, they are not safer. You should take care of them just as well as any Li-Ion battery. Some will come with a protection circuit, but do not treat them as indestructible.
What People Have to Say About UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion Batteries?
They are mostly satisfied. These are batteries like any other and more, since the 18650 Li-Ion batteries are a more advanced version of the standard Li-Ion batteries. They also come with several improvements:
-          Better heat tolerance
-          Energy conserving
-          Longer life
-          Memory-free
Any Bad Comments on UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion Batteries?
Some people naturally complain. But it is important to understand the massive ignorance present in people when it comes to technology. The only reason people are considered geeks or geniuses is because the masses do not want to learn. Some may still consider electronics and energy magical rather than scientific.
So it is no surprise that people who purchase UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion batteries complain about several things like:
-          They do not fit
-          They do not charge
-          They have short lifespan
Does This Mean That the Manufacturers Are Lying About Quality?
To clarify these comments is actually very simple if you understand what 18650 Li-Ion batteries are. UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion batteries are built in different sizes than regular AAA, AA or any other battery. If you have a product which does not fit these specifications, do not buy them. Well you can buy them, the manufacturer will not mind. But you will be at a loss.
Naturally, you will need a charger for Li-Ion batteries, not just some regular charger. You can save money by buying it in a combo with the batteries at Amazon to get a discount price.
One customer said you should have common sense to buy these cells. This is true. Most people will get the feeling just because UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion batteries are improved that they are indestructible. 18650 Li-Ion batteries are more forgiving than regular Li-Ion batteries, but you should learn how to take good care of them.
How to Take Care of My UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion Batteries?
Take care of them just like you would take care of your regular Li-Ion batteries. Do not expose them to too much heat, although UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion batteries can handle it better than regular Li-Ion batteries. Try not to over-charge them even if the product specifies that it has a protection circuit. You can never be too careful.
Will My Investment in UltraFire 18650 Li-Ion Batteries Pay Off?
If you know how to take care of them and for what products to use them, it will definitely pay off as a more durable product. You can choose the type you need on Amazon by category, since some of them are only suitable for flashlights and others for cameras or laptops. Either way, try to get the best price by buying the product with a battery charger.




The Things You Need to Know 18560 Battery Holders


A battery is an important electronic accessory because it provides the source of power to an electronic machine. This keeps all the processes and functions of the user in place and running very effectively. As such, it is important that it is kept safely. 18650 batteries are manufactured together with their holders in order to increase safety of both the battery and the user.
Usually, a battery holder is a compartment that accepts a battery, a plastic case with the shape of the housing or a separate plastic that is mounted with screws, glue and other components to ensure the safety of the battery. Battery holders may have a lid depending on the brand. Hence, there are very many types and sizes of battery holders.
The major brands of 18650 battery holders include the Olight triton M30 flashlight which is frequently bought together with other items. The accompanying items involve a Tenergy multifunctional charger for the Li-ion cylindrical rechargeable batteries and 4 pieces of Tenergy Li-ion 18560 3.7V 2600 mAh rechargeable batteries with an internal PCB for flashlights and other items.
Other brands include the Fenix TK35High Performance 820 with a lumen flashlight, Olight M30 Triton MC-E LED 700 Lumens, Olight M20S Warrior Premium R5 Technical flashlight of the 320 Lumens Law Enforcement Special Edition and a Pailede 68 LED Heavy-duty compact flashlight among others. These are currently available although new brands with more unique specifications keep coming to the market each new day. There are other battery cases which can be used in the place of the battery holders or as complements. Flashlights are technical battery holders in themselves.
The technical details that you would consider are the dimensions of the battery holder and the extender.
There are many factors that are considered in obtaining any battery holder. Some include:
·         The design in terms of size and color
·         The weight of the battery and the battery holder
·         The contacts and their components
·         Polarity, reversibility and protection level offered to both the battery and the user
·         Environmental effects
18650 battery holders are usually made in an environmentally friendly manner because they do not contain a chemical content that causes harm. However, they ought to be disposed of very wisely.
The weight usually differs with the nature, type, size and weight of the battery to be held. The material of the battery holder and the components also contribute to their price. Those with a more appealing design and an attractive color also attract a high price.
It is always advisable to go for the more expensive 18650 battery holder because the higher the cost, the higher the quality in terms of appeal, material and durability of the battery holder.
Some 18650 batteries are held by a battery clip often made of lead wires on the end although these can change depending on the brand of the battery itself. Some battery holders are also made of polypropylene plastic which shields the battery from any external phenomena such as dust and water.
18650 battery holders offer protection to the user and the battery itself. They also act as an outside case in which the electronic gadget rests. Some have positions for connectivity of the machine to other gadgets and other external sources of power. They also ensure that the electronic gadget lasts longer as it lives to serve its purpose.
A Smart Choice
It is advisable that you gather as much information as possible about the type of 18650 battery holder that they want so that they buy the best that suits their needs. The prices of 18650 battery holders vary intensively and are competitive. However, cheap is expensive, hence better holders are obtained at relatively higher prices.








The World Of Icr18650 Batteries


The lithium-ion batteries are very popular today and they can be found in many electronic devices, such as telephones, laptops, flashlights, etc. Their format can be different as well, so there are small cylindrical, large cylindrical, pouch or prismatic. When it comes to this specific category icr18650, these are not just the batteries, but the holders, charges, flashlights as well.  There are many types and brands you can choose from, but all depends on the performances you expect and the price you want to pay. Some of the most important brands of icr18650 batteries are Sanyo, Tenergy, LG, Samsung, Ultrafire with the wide range of products of this kind, but the bestselling are batteries with the power of 3.7V and 2600 mAh.
   All of the icr18650 batteries, not just the batteries have a lot of benefits, that’s why they are so popular, and some of the things that people love about them, the most are:
·         The icr18650 batteries are mush efficient and last much longer than any other types,
·         There are so many shapes and sizes you can choose from, meaning that they can fit any electronic device,
·         They are not heavy like many secondary batteries,
·         On e thing that people love the most is that those batteries are rechargeable, so it is not necessary to buy another one when it’s empty,
·         Their self discharge rate is approximately 5-10% per month comparing to 30% of nickel metal hybrid batteries,
·         The components are environment friendly since there is no free lithium metal,
·         There is additional equipment such as holder or charger that provide a full performance of a battery.
   Just like with any other product, it is important to know what exactly to look for in order to get the best product. When it comes to lithium-ion batteries, the most important is to know that they are safe for use, that they are simple enough for everyone, and that they can last longer than any other products of the kind. The expiration date is something that people usually connect with the food, but the batteries also have their durability and it not recommended to buy one if it’s expiration date is close. Those can be reasons enough to buy more expensive ones. The higher  price usually can guarantee the durability and safety, and when it’s about rechargeable batteries icr18650, it is possible to find all the features needed in just one product.
   The three bestselling icr18650 products are actually batteries made by Tenergy, US company in the middle of the Silicon Valley. Buying not just one but 4 or 6 pieces can save the money and provide the quality at the same time. The Tenergy icr18650 batteries have those desirable features:
·         The nominal capacity is 2600 mAh, but the minimum needed 2450 mAh,
·         The nominal voltage is 3.7V but the cut-off voltage is 3.0V
·         Internal PCB protection with prevents the under- and over-voltage,
·         The energy density is much higher comparing to other batteries and they don’t weight too much,
·         Their dimensions are Diameter 18+/-0.2 mm, Height 66+/- 0.2mm,
·         The cycle life is 500 cycles,
·         The charge - Current = 0.5C mA Voltage = 4.2 V End Current = 0.01 mA, Discharge: Current = 0.5C mA End Voltage = 3.0V,
·         Must be taken care of very well since they can explode if mis-handled.
   When it comes to bestselling brands of the icr18650 batteries, the top three companies are Tenergy, LG and Samsung. The features of their batteries are pretty similar, as well as the prices. The only thing different is that the Tenergy batteries have the PCB protection unlike the others two, and the LG and Samsung emphasize the safety of the batteries since they are Free from Leakage of Liquid Electrolyte.
   The customers just love that batteries, and they usually use them for flashlights. They are highly recommended from most of the customers, especially because they have the PCB protection that seems to be needed all the time. The only disadvantage is that it takes about 12 hours to charge those batteries, but it’s not bad comparing to all the benefits.



Panasonic 18650 Battery Qualities

Originally developed from standard Li-Ion batteries, the 18650 Li-Ion batteries are based on higher-capacity cells. 18650 Li-Ion batteries were developed by Panasonic. While other manufacturers also produce these batteries, Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries still remain one of the favorite choices for consumers. It is easy to trust the original developers and patent holders, so Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries are the first brand of batteries people look for when they need them.
There are several types of Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries available on the market. Which one you choose will depend on what you need. You are most likely to be a person using a Panasonic product. In that case you can choose the battery type supported by your digital camera or laptop.
What Are the Advantages of Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion Batteries?
Naturally, when buying a product you could ask yourself, why buy 18650 Li-Ion batteries? Aren't regular Li-Ion batteries good enough? They are, but 18650 Li-Ion batteries have some better features which should definitely be considered.
-          18650 Li-Ion batteries were developed for the purpose of improving energy storage capacity
-          18650 Li-Ion batteries provide better output and use fewer resources
-          18650 Li-Ion batteries last-longer in general
-          18650 Li-Ion batteries are memory-free
What does this mean, 18650 Li-Ion batteries are memory-free? Older batteries were supposed to be discharged completely every time before being charge. If you put an older battery to charge with still half of their power remaining, you would lose that half of the battery forever. This was called memory loss. Li-Ion batteries were not subject to memory loss, but they could still be damaged by overcharging and lose their power over time. 18650 Li-Ion batteries are a further improvement. With Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries, you will not have that same problem.
How to Take Care of My Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion Batteries?
Since you invested in a long-lasting product it would be a shame to ruin it with improper care. 18650 Li-Ion batteries demand some guidelines all users should respect to save themselves from unnecessary cost.
-          18650 Li-Ion batteries are just like regular Li-Ion batteries, only with improved cells and power output. You should store them in cool places and never expose to extreme heat sources. They are more durable, but try to avoid any open flames or
-          You can keep them in the fridge if it makes you happy, in fact, some people do it. But you did not buy them to keep them in the fridge so put them there only when not in use for storage.
-          Never charge your batteries in the fridge. Charging them at low temperatures is a good way to waste a good product.
Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries are improved. This means that they will be more forgiving than regular Li-Ion batteries, but keep your respect to them anyway.
Are There Any Downsides to Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries?
Some people gave a few bad comments for Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries on Amazon. Unfortunately, most of them are furious people who got a defect product and wrote a nasty comment instead of asking for a replacement.
Besides them, other people have this to say about Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries:
-          “a must have”
-          “Worked as specified”
-          “Great price, great life!”
-          And many more good things
What Is the Final Decision?
It is all up to you. Do you need the Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries? What product you use that will need them? Are you a fan of digital photography? Do you plan on traveling in the summer? Remember, you might not want regular Li-Ion batteries in your camera if you plan on traveling in the summer. Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries are more durable to heat exposure than regular batteries. Many travelers share this experience. In fact, Panasonic 18650 Li-Ion batteries were originally developed to run electrically powered cars. Seriously, that is why their lifespan and quality is so high.

Why Are They Called 18650 Cells?

Because they are actually still Li-Ion batteries in a way. The newer Li-Polymer batteries are still not very popular because they are very expensive. However 18650 cells are a significant improvement in the type of cells Li-Ion batteries have. Some specifications include:
-          Better energy output
-          More capacity
-          Fewer resources used
-          Better protection circuits
-          Longer life
Are 18650 Cells Worth the Money?
18650 cells are the basics of electric car engines. Energy sources actually. This should tell you enough about their quality and power. They were originally developed by Panasonic in order to create a better and durable energy source. They found their use in electric cars and they are far from being weak. Consider some of these features they have in cars:
-          0-60 mph acceleration: 3.9s
-          Quarter mile acceleration: 12.7s
-          EPA driving range: 244 miles
So in other words, the 18650 cells are definitely one of the stronger battery cells out there. They also support over 500 charges and recharge in 2-4 hours.
What Are Some Other Specifications?
-          High capacity, usually around 2400 mAh
-          Reliable
-          Over-charge protection (optional but common)
-          Over-voltage and under-voltage protection
-          2-4 hour charge time
-          More than 500 recharge cycles
-          Better energy output
There are some things people should keep in mind when buying 18650 cells. Before wasting any money and batteries, you should know these things:
-          Rechargeable, but only with a specific 18650 charger
-          Different sizes than AAA, AA or other traditional batteries
-          Not all 18650 cells have in-built protection circuits
-          You still need to take care of them properly
People can be irresponsible. They are buying the newest product on the market and believe it is indestructible. You need to know how to properly take care of your batteries. Even if they have improved 18650 cells, you should still keep in mind that they could have the same downsides as Li-Ion batteries.
How to Take Proper Care of 18650 Cells?
Keep the same things in mind like regular Li-Ion batteries and everything will be fine. In other words, practice the following procedures:
-          If you are not using your 18650 cells, keep them in the refrigerator
-          You did not buy them to keep them in the refrigerator, so do not let them stay in there forever
-          Do not expose directly to heat
-          Expose them directly to sunlight if you have to, but never for too long. It will eventually kill them.
-          Do not charge them in the refrigerator. If you charge them on low temperatures, the 18650 cells will not be very grateful
-          Do not over-charge them or even under-charge them.
By over-charge, it means that once the LED light says they are done, you should remove them. Some batteries have protection circuits in-built to prevent damage to their 18650 cells from over-charge. However, do not play with them more than you should.
Under-charging is actually not charging itself; it is more like letting the battery die. If you allow that, you will not be able to recharge it again by a conventional charger. Maybe you can if you let them stay inside long enough, but it is not certain.
Should I Look at Other Customer Reviews When Buying 18650 Cells?
Yes and no. Yes, because people are going to tell you some more information on how they find the 18650 cells useful. No, because people are technically ignorant in most cases and will spread misinformation with bad comments that have no connection with reality. In fact, most people rate products badly because the size did not fit in their appliance. Strange, nobody ever said 18650 cells were compatible with AA or AAA batteries. Size is specified for every product. So keep your eye on the specifications of the product you need, not on half-literate comments.
There are many vendors available, but Amazon is well-known for good customer service and is recommended. If you get a defect product, you will be certain that you can get a replacement or your money back.

What to Look for When Buying 18650 Cell Batteries

Batteries today must be long-lasting and rechargeable. Times when we threw away batteries are long gone. But people should learn the difference between the many battery types on the market. This way, you will save more money buying batteries, because you will not make the wrong choices.
Some of the more popular batteries today are 18650 cell batteries. They are durable and reliable. You will hardly have any problems with them, but you still need to take care of them properly. You might get defective products when you place your orders, but that is not very common with 18650 cell batteries.
However, this is exactly why you should choose to go through a respected vendor like Amazon. Everybody knows their customer support service is excellent and if you get a defective product, you will get a new one.
How is 18650 Cell Technology Different than Li-Ion Batteries?
It is not really different; the 18650 cell batteries are still placed in the category of Li-Ion Batteries. However, they have some improvements.
-          More durability
-          Fewer resources are used to produce better performance
-          Secure cells which do not fall apart easily
-          More energy output
-          Better capacity
They are also safer and you are allowed to make more errors with them. Usually they come with over-charge protection circuits and they also have several protection circuits concerning voltage. However, never practice irresponsibility. Always make sure you do not over-charge your batteries. Even protection circuits have their limits.
Are the 18650 Cell Batteries Safe to Use?
The 18650 cell is basically very safe. However, do not consider it to be perfect. The cells can still get damaged if you do not take care of them properly. It is everybody's responsibility to take care of their own batteries so you should know some things about keeping them alive.
-          Do not expose to direct sunlight. Many laptops run on Li-Ion batteries and people place them too often near windows which heat them up constantly.
-          Keep in refrigerator for best storage
-          Do not keep in refrigerator forever
-          Do not charge in refrigerator. When charging these batteries on low temperatures, you are risking destruction of many cells. This is when you say good-bye to the longevity of the product.
-          Do not over-charge. When the LED lamp on the charger says they are finished, put them out.
The 18650 cell is more durable than other types of Li-Ion battery cells. Even tourists who carry them in their cameras around all day in all-weather conditions make this claim. But take care of them, especially when it comes to charging them. Do not blame the short lifespan on the manufacturer. If you do not know how to handle 18650 cell batteries, do not buy them. If you think you can take care of them properly with the knowledge you now have, they are strongly suggested.
What Are Some Good 18650 Cell Manufacturers?
Panasonic created the original 18650 cell technology. Although their batteries are not popular and available in cell battery form on the market, they have some specifically designed 18650 cell batteries for their products.
Other good manufacturers are:
-          UltraFire
-          TrustFire
-          Tenergy
What Customers Say About the 18650 Cell Technology?
Most people are very happy and say things like:
-          “amazing durability”
-          “good quality, good price”
-          “best battery purchase”
-          Many more
But some people are not happy. Why not? Mostly they got defective products and rather wrote down a bad comment than contacted customer support. People claim that their batteries can just stop recharging after a while, but this is not very credible. If you want to avoid being one of the people who are not happy with 18650 cell batteries, learn how to take care of them properly. That way, there will be no other option than being happy with the product.
Where to Buy 18650 Cell Batteries?
Amazon is one of the most popular markets today. Whenever buying technical stuff, you want good customer support. So go to Amazon to shop around and find the best product for you. You will be calm knowing that you can return it if necessary.