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Buying batteries and charger, a small question

hanklowdown

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Feb 22, 2022
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I'm using the fogstar site as recommended from other users. I'm looking at the xtar charger. and it has the option of adding a "uk/usb plug" . I already have quite a collection of adaptors from various phones over the years and don't want anymore.
Could i just an old phone adopter or this required?
 
I use this one as I don’t like the USB port charge . Mine seem to always go faulty

this one comes with a mains lead but has the facility for micro usb charge

also worth noting that some usb plugs and leads might not give you the correct ampage

https://www.fogstar.co.uk/products/xtar-x4

image.jpg
 
It really depends on what charger you are using, how many batteries it can charge and at what rate,

For example if you are looking at buying a dual Battery charger that charges at a constant 500mah for each battery (half an Amp per hour) for each battery you need an adapter that can cope with a constant 1 Amp draw at the minimum, but that means the adapter will be running at its maximum capacity all the time and could get quite hot. A charger that can charge 2 cells at 1 Amp will need a 2 Amp adapter minimum.

If you use an adapter that can't provide the current that the charger needs your batteries will charge, but it will be very slow - and you will be absolutely pushing the adapter into the red zone.

Many phones don't have large capacity internal batteries and they don't charge at a fast rate - the adapter and lead may be designed to charge at something like 500mah max. If you look at the adapter it should say what current (Amps) it can cope with.

Personally if I bought a charger that needs 1 Amp I would like an adapter that can cope with 2 Amps, for a 2 Amp charger I would prefer an adapter that can cope with 3 Amps. The charger will only try to pull the current it needs to charge the batteries so it doesn't matter if you plug the USB lead into a plug adapter that can cope with a higher current, but if you plug it into a low Amp adapter designed for a phone it may overheat, and in the worst case go up in flames.

If in doubt - don't risk it, buy the adapter rated for the charger and use them together and throw away any adapters you may have for old electrical gear you don't use. You may be pissing away a few £, but at least you won't burn your house down.
 
It really depends on what charger you are using, how many batteries it can charge and at what rate,

For example if you are looking at buying a dual Battery charger that charges at a constant 500mah for each battery (half an Amp per hour) for each battery you need an adapter that can cope with a constant 1 Amp draw at the minimum, but that means the adapter will be running at its maximum capacity all the time and could get quite hot. A charger that can charge 2 cells at 1 Amp will need a 2 Amp adapter minimum.

If you use an adapter that can't provide the current that the charger needs your batteries will charge, but it will be very slow - and you will be absolutely pushing the adapter into the red zone.

Many phones don't have large capacity internal batteries and they don't charge at a fast rate - the adapter and lead may be designed to charge at something like 500mah max. If you look at the adapter it should say what current (Amps) it can cope with.

Personally if I bought a charger that needs 1 Amp I would like an adapter that can cope with 2 Amps, for a 2 Amp charger I would prefer an adapter that can cope with 3 Amps. The charger will only try to pull the current it needs to charge the batteries so it doesn't matter if you plug the USB lead into a plug adapter that can cope with a higher current, but if you plug it into a low Amp adapter designed for a phone it may overheat, and in the worst case go up in flames.

If in doubt - don't risk it, buy the adapter rated for the charger and use them together and throw away any adapters you may have for old electrical gear you don't use. You may be pissing away a few £, but at least you won't burn your house down.
Alright, thanks for that. Good detailed explanation. The one i was particularly looking was this: https://www.fogstar.co.uk/collections/xtar-chargers/products/xtar-vc2-charger-2-bay
It's not about the money, I'm environmentally conscious and don't want things i don't need. But I probably shouldn't risk it. as you said.
 
I bought 1 recently and I prefer a mains charger. Mine charges 2 batteries at 2amp so done much quicker. I was waiting about 5 hours for 2 18650s to charge and couldn't keep up lol
 
I bought 1 recently and I prefer a mains charger. Mine charges 2 batteries at 2amp so done much quicker. I was waiting about 5 hours for 2 18650s to charge and couldn't keep up lol
Good to know. But what type of mains? just a old phone one?
 
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