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55-Cent Li-Ion 14500 Cells: Too good to be true? — Parallax Forums

55-Cent Li-Ion 14500 Cells: Too good to be true?

ercoerco Posts: 20,256
edited 2015-04-27 12:26 in General Discussion
Maybe. Title says 2X for $1.09:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-3-7V-1200mAh-14500-AA-Akku-Wiederaufladbare-Batterie-Lonen-Li-ion-Battery-SU-/201210903495

I asked the seller to confirm. Half the price of others. I know they will be half the capacity claimed, but I'm building lots of projects these days (3 bots yesterday!) and these AA-sized batteries are perfect for demos. I'm using up my existing supply of 14500s. I build them inside projects (one cell) and add a USB charger board, and 5v booster board if needed, works great.
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Comments

  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-12-02 10:26
    Where did a Chinese company come up with a Geramisk name like Wiederaufladbare?
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-02 22:52
    NOT too good to be true. Seller confirmed, 2 cells for $1.09.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-12-03 09:01
    Here are the Seller listed 'Features'

    Power Input: DC 11 - 18Volt
    Circuit power : Max. 50W
    Charge current range : 0.1~5.0A
    Current drain for balancing Li-po : 1200mAh/cell
    NiCd/NiMh battery cell count : 1~15cell
    Li-ion/Polymer cell count : 1~6series
    Voltage: 3.7 V

    I can't imagine any Li-ion/Polymer cell that can hold up for long to 18 volts DC at 5 amps. And I don't see why the mention of NiCd/NiMh.

    My gut feeling is that the Seller is clueless about batteries and English.

    On the other hand, the so-called AA size Li-ion cells are a wee bit longer than the AA and don't really fit in a standard battery holder. It may just be that the manufacturers are so over-stocked with these odd sized cells that they need to offer them cheaply. (I have a few.)

    Unless you own a flashlight or other device made specifically for this cell, it can be a nuisance to work with.

    If you do buy, use a Lithium charger that is made for it and DO NOT try to DIY at 11 to 18 VDC.
  • Hal AlbachHal Albach Posts: 747
    edited 2014-12-03 10:29
    I'm curious about the weight of each cell, 9g. That's about a third of an ounce. Looked up a UltraFire 14500 1200mAh cell and it weighs 44g. Could this be another one of those AAA batteries inside a AA can scams?
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-03 13:09
    Hal Albach wrote: »
    Could this be another one of those AAA batteries inside a AA can scams?

    Will advise! :)

    Kind of like the Chinese cap inside a cap (see last photo)? http://www.discovercircuits.com/dc-mag/Issue_4/rants-raves.htm
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-12-03 13:23
    I scored an order. I mean I ordered a score (ten sets).

    The previous Li-Ion AA cells erco made me buy weigh 16.20g each. An Eneloop AA weighs 25.95g.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-03 15:17
    Hal Albach wrote: »
    I'm curious about the weight of each cell, 9g.

    That must be a(nother) gross error in the listing. Two years ago, a 14500 seller sent free AA-sized dummy cells afterward, just a short circuit, a tube with a conductor inside, to help prevent item damage by installing too many 4V cells. Even those hollow lightweight "nothing inside" cells weighed 5 grams.

    At 55 cents, I might have to open up one of these 14500s to see what's inside.

    @Duane: I knew I could count on you, Dawg. The first (OK, second after me) guy in the pool!
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-03 15:46
    Speaking of which, these dummy AA cells cost more than the real Li-Ion cells in post #1. :)

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-pcs-Pack-Dummy-Battery-AA-2A-Size-Conduct-Conductor-Electric-Current-US-Stock-/131317793051?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9326811b
  • Hal AlbachHal Albach Posts: 747
    edited 2014-12-03 16:02
    Just looked at the listing again and the specs section has been colorfully updated and the battery now weighs 19 grams. I get the feeling these might be 600mAh units if there is any relationship between capacity and weight.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-03 16:23
    If you zoom in on the negative end of the battery (leftmost photo), it looks as if the battery comes pre-corroded to save you valuable time. :)

    +1 for the Chinese "factory reject" sellers!

    attachment.php?attachmentid=112147&d=1417652750
    battery.jpg
    750 x 650 - 49K
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2014-12-03 17:02
    I was with you on this one from day one! I just didn't declare.

    I even found the guy selling cases at 10 for $4 so I won't have nekkid batteries sitting around waiting to catch fire...the plastic case should add a nice accelerant (and fumes)!!
  • CuriousOneCuriousOne Posts: 931
    edited 2014-12-04 09:43
    Here's another ULTRAFIRE 26650 battery :)

    3636071.jpg
    3636071.jpg
    640 x 729 - 88K
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-04 16:30
    And UltraFire is the "name" brand. It's the nameless, shameless UitraFlrc clones you have to worry about!

    http://budgetlightforum.com/node/27683
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-04 20:55
    mindrobots wrote: »
    I was with you on this one from day one! I just didn't declare.

    Neither a borrower nor lurker be!
  • CuriousOneCuriousOne Posts: 931
    edited 2014-12-05 06:29
    Genuine "ultrafire" is also big piece of junk, had personal experience.

    So far, the best offer is from BGmicro - genuine Sanyo 2000mah 18650 cells for $1.75 each.

    http://www.bgmicro.com/ur18650f-2000mah-rechargeable-lithium-ion-by-sanyo.aspx
  • Buck RogersBuck Rogers Posts: 2,185
    edited 2014-12-05 19:25
    Hello!
    **Throws a bolt with force enough to spall something.**
    And I mentioned that one earlier this year because the batteries in question are exactly like the ones we use on our Parallax stuff.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-05 20:18
    Buck Rogers wrote: »
    the batteries in question are exactly like the ones we use on our Parallax stuff.

    So is that good or bad?
  • Buck RogersBuck Rogers Posts: 2,185
    edited 2014-12-06 23:57
    erco wrote: »
    So is that good or bad?

    Hello!
    As with everything else in this mad business, it depends. The big problem is one of, these rechargeable batteries that BG Micro is selling are all of a certain well known number in the battery catalog.for them.

    It therefore follows that they should all have the same chemistry inside them.

    For example on the BOE board there are the 9V snaps. We can attach any variety of 9V battery there, and they will all work the same regardless of name brand. (Except probably the Costco specials.)

    However since I've not worked out a real need for the things, I've not had a reason to buy any, and of course you will note that he's no longer selling a cluster of them and the charger.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-12-09 08:11
    Okay, I came across my very own Chinese 14500 (purchased in Taiwan and actually has Chinese characters on the outside - haven't translated)

    It works okay, weight 22grams and is labeled at 1200 ma and 3.7 volts. Certainly wasn't 55 cents.

    My only problem with this is that any excessive discharge below 3.3 volts or so will cause sudden death.
    These need a low voltage cutoff circuit to avoid suffering from useless after one run.

    Erco's point about needing to have a real need for these is very valid. They are nice in an LED flashlight that already uses the same and shuts down before damage. But that is about it.

    I charged mine on a 18650 charger that has adapters for smaller cells
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-12-10 06:57
    Okay, I got it.
    If you use a 14500 without protection, you merely have to add a protection board to the cell.

    Of course, you take your 55 cent cell and add a 99 cent board to get the complete package. They you are in great shape.

    http://www.all-battery.com/protectioncircuitmodulepcbroundfor37vli-ionbattery2alimit-32133.aspx
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-16 09:33
    Seller sent one, not two cells per item. I emailed him and he says he will send more. A curious way to do business. Haven't checked capacity yet, cells weigh17 g each.

    Each cell was in a nice individual ziplock antistatic bag. This could mean either:

    1) Sellers are getting more responsible about battery shipping safety, or
    2) Cheap cells are known to leak electrolyte.

    No leakage yet!
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-12-16 10:10
    I am still waiting for half of my 4 item order from Extreme Deal. This kind of stalled building a balancing bot. The Wifi module is in limbo. So far two items came within a month. But I think it has beena couple of months now that I am waiting for the rest. This is the second transaction with Extreme Deal and the first took about six months to come through. That was some fancy NiZn batteries and charger.

    If the money wasn't so little, I'd have my credit card company revoke the transaction.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2014-12-16 12:40
    erco wrote: »
    Seller sent one, not two cells per item. I emailed him and he says he will send more. A curious way to do business. Haven't checked capacity yet, cells weigh17 g each.

    Each cell was in a nice individual ziplock antistatic bag. This could mean either:

    1) Sellers are getting more responsible about battery shipping safety, or
    2) Cheap cells are known to leak electrolyte.

    No leakage yet!

    I bet it was their special "Buy 2 - Get 1" sale!!

    I just got my package and opened it and found 1/2 the expected batteries. Time to contact the seller and review the meaning of "2x"
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-16 20:22
    Note that the seller has removed "2X" from his listing, but definitely contact the seller and demand twice the cells!
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-12-20 11:13
    Not only is the "2X" gone, the shipping is now $29.

    Yesterday I received half the batteries I ordered. I just sent the seller a message asking for the other half of the order. I had ordered 20 cells.

    I don't understand how so many sellers can offer free shipping but charging $29 to ship an AA cell is harder for me to understand.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-20 13:24
    Hopefully the seller ships the extra batteries.

    $29 shipping, hmmm. Did we ruin the deal for everyone else? :)
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2014-12-20 16:47
    I ordered a pair of 3.7V 6000mAh SJ 18650 rechargeable batteries for US$2.56
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251641461799?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
    I also ordered a single and a dual charger (used to then charge phones etc). Here is the single
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221566559992?var=520422893008&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

    So far the chargers work great (you require a 5V source - I have a 240V to USB power plug adapter that works fine for this).
    You also require a USB to microUSB cable.

    Not sure yet whether the cells really have 6000mAh, but at this price for what I want, they seem fine.
    I have bought them plus some motors for my grandkids to play with to get them interested in such things.

    BTW Shipping doesn't bear any relationship to cost. You should add the goods price plus shipping to work out if the price is good.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-20 21:15
    @Cluso: Your seller also charges $29 for US shipping. :) What we're saving on gasoline prices somehow translates to shipping gouging.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/251641461799
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-12-21 08:10
    And $29.00 shipping is economy shipping !?!?
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2014-12-21 12:34
    Publison wrote: »
    And $29.00 shipping is economy shipping !?!?

    Sure, economy shipping= a coach seat for each battery on a discount airline.
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