[Elecraft] OT sort of. Charging Lithium Ion batteries

[Don Wilhelm]

I have Lithium batteries in my laptop, my KX2, my electric razor, a 
tactical flashlight, and maybe some other things.  I use the dedicated 
chargers for each of them.
I think the dedicated, automatic chargers fill the batteries to 100%, so 
there must not be a lot of caution to only charge them to 80%.

I cannot speak to the battery life advantage of charging only to 80%, 
but if you are charging them for storage, that may be a different matter.

If you are simply charging them for use, wait until the dedicated 
charger displays a green light and be done with it.

If you are not using a dedicated charger, look up the battery 
manufacturer's information for charging levels - they know their 
batteries better than other sources.

Li-ion chemistry is different than LiFePO4, and the output voltage is 
different.  What works for one may not apply to the other.  A similar 
situation applies to Alkaline batteries vs. NiCad, and NiMH chemistries 
which we are more familiar with.

Look to the battery manufacturer's information for the best source about 
your particular battery.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/26/2019 5:33 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> My LiFePO4 charger has a charging program to stop at about 80% and I've 
> been told that they like that if you're going to store them for awhile. 
> Don't know if that applies to Li Ion, there are a lot of lithium 
> chemistries these days.
> 
> 73,
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
> On 10/26/2019 1:17 PM, David Christ wrote:
>> I recently read that Lithium Ion batteries should be charged only to 
>> 80% unless you are going to need full capacity.  Supposedly makes them 
>> last longer.
>>
>> Anyone ever heard of this?
>>
>> If true does this also apply to LiPO4 batteries?
>>
>> David K0LUM
>>
>>
> 
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