Here is the conclusion of the charger tests.
Review of common 4 cell chargers.
This is an independent review of 4 cell chargers / analyzers, referred to as C/A from now on, thatwe all use.
Alphabetically evaluated no previous preference was give to any charger.
All of these chargers where initially tested with 4brand new Samsung 25F cell for mAh readings Voltageconsistency and IR consistency.
All chargers use a spring type slider to insert the cells between the contacts.
Only 18650 Cells have been used in these tests as it is what we mostly use.
All cells are relatively easy to insert into the C/A but a pain to remove on all.
I will just give you the quick lowdown and not go into how to use the tester as the instruction manuals will tell you that.
The tested cells are brand new Samsung 25R.
The resultsare published below.
Foxnovo Digital Charger 4S
The Foxnovo ia a small compact C/A with limited features.
Slots are not independently controllable but if all you want to do is charge and check capacity
this is what it does and does it well. NoIR info but givesV and mAh.
Accuracy is close in mAh 1 to 4 percent lower.
LiitoKala Engineer Lii-500:
The LiitoKala is a small and compact C/Awith some nice features.
It has independent slot selection so you can set each slot to the parameters you want.
The IR readings are close and pretty consistent even with used cells
The mAh are slightly higher than the cell rating about 2 to 4.5 percent.
Opus BT-C3100
The Opusis a medium sizeded C/A.
It has independent slot selection so you can set each slot to the parameters you want.
The IR readings are all over the place and very inconsistent The manual says to deduct at least 30m? from you reading as contact resistance is included in the IR measurement.
The IRtest requires that you entera separate mode.
I do like that if you hit the slot button 5 times it selects all the slots for you to be able to change the mode and current globally.
Capacity measurements are close and are 1.5 to 4 percent high.
Zanflair
The Zanflair is a large sizedC/A
It has independent slot selection so you can set each slot to the parameters you want.
The IR readings are displayed without changing the present mode you are in all you need to do is push the slot button. It scrolls through all the parameters for that cell.
IR is high but close on a new cell but salvaged cells seem to read high. Maybe because of the artifacts left on the cell contacts.
It does not remember the last mode and defaults to charging when a cell is inserted. If you insert 4 cells very quickly and you push the mode button 3 times quickly it will put all slots into NOR mode.
Capacity measurements are 8 to 11 percenthigh.
XTAR Dragon VP4 Plus
The XTAR is a very large C/A
It has semiindependent slot selectionyou can set slot 1 &4 and2 &3 independently.
IR readings are achieved by plugging in the probes supplied with the unit and touching them together to enterinto IR mode. I wassurprisedat how close the IR readings where with just a 2 wire system. Pretty much on the money.
the mAh readings where-4 to +6 percent.
The unit has no voltage readings showing on the display but it shows the current going in while charging and displays the discharge current. A Little confusing at first as when done it flashes both readings back and forth. Leds on the slot show what stage it is in.
Nitecore SC4
The Nitecore SC4is a medium sized charger only.
It has kind of a good / bad IR indicator and does show a value although mostly higher than actual but not by much.
Does show how much mAhs you put into the battery.
So in conclusion:
I do like the Foxnovo and the LiitoKala and a close 3rd the Opusas they are close to accuracy on new cells withmAh readings.
If I didn't have a dedicated IRtester (YR1030)I would go with the LiitoKala or the XTAR.
Since I do have an IRtester my choice is the Foxnovo it is compact can charge and discharge at 1A or 500mA and is simple to use.The only qualm I have is the beeping. That can be solved with a little DIY magic. The Opus which is my 3rd choice is overall OK but has some flaws as we all know.
Does anyone want to buy my 3 Zanflairs? I'm willing to sell them cheep.
You can see my spread sheet athttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UOQUXa4Kwa99KoeuNDe7EV3iSECb8iIs
Wolf
