JayH503 Posted July 18, 2011 Posted July 18, 2011 I got a new Ultrafire BRC 18650 3000mAh battery (Red label) and Trustfire TR-001 charger. The first full charge took about 5 hours and 45 minutes. (I read that this is kinda standard for this charger) so I wasn't too worried. The battery lasted 5 full days, so I was happy. I put it on the charger for a second full charge and after 9 hours the red charge LED never changed to green to indicate a full charge. I ended up taking it off the charger and using it. I got about 3 days use out of it and it indicated needing a charge again. My NOEGO blinked to tell me the battery was low. Today I put the battery on the charger for its 3rd full charge and its been on there for almost 8 hours, and again, no indicator to tell me its fully charged. Does anyone know if I might have a wonky battery or charger? This is the first time I've owned 18650 batteries and charger before. I only bought the one battery so I can't pop another one on the charger to see what happens. I'll be buying another 18650 next month though. I'm glad the battery works at least.
Brian Posted July 18, 2011 Posted July 18, 2011 Do you have a multi-meter so you can check the voltage when it comes off of the charger? At least you'll know if the battery is over charging. I also read something somewhere that's it's good to let the set for a while 15-30 minutes minimum before charging. This was in reference to the high drain batteries - don't know if it applies to Lion.
JayH503 Posted July 19, 2011 Author Posted July 19, 2011 Do you have a multi-meter so you can check the voltage when it comes off of the charger? At least you'll know if the battery is over charging. I also read something somewhere that's it's good to let the set for a while 15-30 minutes minimum before charging. This was in reference to the high drain batteries - don't know if it applies to Lion. Ya, I have a Fluke VOM. I'll check the battery voltage next time it comes off the charger.
Emile Posted July 19, 2011 Posted July 19, 2011 (edited) An almost fully discharged 18650 will take a LONG time to recharge. Trustfire charger only puts out 250mah per channel, and then as the battery approaches 4.2V, the charger will slow down to a trickle-charge which takes even longer to become fully charged. Charge pattern slows down as the battery gets close to being full so as not to over-charge the battery. Do you have a second 18650 battery? Best to have a spare battery so you can charge one while you vape with the other. Also try charging in the left channel. For whatever reason, batteries seem to charge a bit faster using the left channel of the charger. Edited July 19, 2011 by Emile
nana Posted July 19, 2011 Posted July 19, 2011 My 18650 batteries take about 10 hours to fully charge. And one is never enough. Backups, backups, backups!
JayH503 Posted July 19, 2011 Author Posted July 19, 2011 I'll be ordering a 2nd 18650 next month. I wanted to get just what I needed to use the NOEGO this month. I'm using my eGo batteries while the 18650 is charging. Next time I charge it, I'll leave it on the charger for a longer time, to see if it does switch to a green LED indicator. Just seems weird that it takes longer to charge the 2nd and 3rd time. It must have been partially charged when I got it. The first charge only took 5-6 hours. Thanks for the info everyone!
Mark Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 I do believe they come with a partial charge. Normally 80 to 85% from what I have been told.
JayH503 Posted July 21, 2011 Author Posted July 21, 2011 Do you have a multi-meter so you can check the voltage when it comes off of the charger? At least you'll know if the battery is over charging. I also read something somewhere that's it's good to let the set for a while 15-30 minutes minimum before charging. This was in reference to the high drain batteries - don't know if it applies to Lion. Charged the battery again. I believe this will be charge number 4. I took it off the charger as soon as the indicator turned green. Within a few minutes or so. It read 4.19 VDC straight off the battery terminals and 4.19 VDC off of the NOEGO contacts also. (No load) This time it took 8 hours and 20 minutes to fully charge. . But it did change to a green LED indicator this time at least. The NOEGO works great, so I'm happy with everything. Lasts a lot longer on a charge then my eGo batteries. I guess the charging time varies from charge to charge. The battery and charger aren't getting hot, so it must be working correctly.
bobthesalesclerk Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 (edited) I am having a similar problem. I just got 2 18650s in and threw them on my charger but instead of getting a solid red light it blinks back and forth from red to green. I have no idea if the batteries are actually charging or not on there. :edit: I whacked the charger on the side with my fists and it's working fine now. I checked it with my volt meter as well and it is charging the batteries. Edited December 21, 2011 by bobthesalesclerk
FranzDages Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 I am having a similar problem. I just got 2 18650s in and threw them on my charger but instead of getting a solid red light it blinks back and forth from red to green. I have no idea if the batteries are actually charging or not on there. :edit: I whacked the charger on the side with my fists and it's working fine now. I checked it with my volt meter as well and it is charging the batteries. Ahhh, good old percussive maintenance... lol
bobthesalesclerk Posted December 21, 2011 Posted December 21, 2011 Ahhh, good old percussive maintenance... lol It's the American way. If it doesn't work...hit it with something.
JonHitThingWithRock Posted January 21, 2012 Posted January 21, 2012 i got 3 18650 trustfire "flames" batteries (2400mAh), and they took about 5 hours to charge brand new with a partial charge, i've yet to drain one, but i'd imagine your battery and charger are fine
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