Recharge port installation

[ouch3994]

I am no pro with the electronic circuits, could someone help me to explain how a recharge port would be installed into a circuit for a single 3.6volt Li-ion battery powered laser?

 

[benmwv]

Try something like this:

LiPo Charger Basic - Mini-USB - SparkFun Electronics

 

[ouch3994]

That doesn't seem compadible with the 18650 Li-Ion...

 

[HaloBlu]

It is compatible with any li-ion / lipo that can safely take 500mA charge. You could go for the microUSB version to save a bit of room if needed. Plus microUSB should become dominant at some point since its meant to replace miniUSB.
You can also build a circuit based on a different chip if you want a higher charge current.
I'm surprised no one else has tossed a charger into their builds.

 

[Sigurthr]

I think that the lack of internal chargers in current builds is from reasons twofold:

1) Takes up space. People seem to like smaller and smaller hosts.
2) The popularity and prevalence of unprotected cells for DIY lasers. If you gotta take the cell out to see when to charge it, you might as well charge it outside of the host.

Personally, I prefer larger heatsinks (and hosts) and protected cells. I don't have the capability to modify a host to accept a charger though.

 

[ouch3994]

There have been a few builds that i have found that integrate a small voltmeter into the back of the host,

Mini DC 3.2-30V Digital Voltage Panel Red color | eBay

These seem small enough to fit in a decent sized host, and will tell you when to recharge the batteries.

My question would be how to wire in the plug, would it run parallel with the battery?

 

[foulmist]

Charging a battery in a sealed container is a BAAD idea.

 

[Sigurthr]

Aye, you could only do it to single cell hosts/builds, and you would need to seal off the battery section from the internals so in the case of a leak it doesn't scrap the entire device. You would need to place reverse protection to both the device's internals and to the charger, and a pressure release valve in the sealed off battery compartment. Again, you'd only want to use protected cells which can not explode.

As far as how you hook it up; just like normal, chargers go in parallel with the battery, with a forward biased diode to prevent discharge through the charger.

Though the internal voltmeters are pretty cool, you really don't want to be internally recharging any cell which you need to monitor the voltage of.

 

[HaloBlu]

I have seen pictures of a flashlight that blew its end off when its battery went south.
A 'pressure valve' conjures images of smallish device. Seems it would need more of a larger hole that can safely blow out. The videos of lithium batteries show they vent large volumes fast.

Leaking doesn't seem to be an issue. To me the concern is making it fail less violently not preventing damage to the laser/flashlight.

 

[YERMOM69]

Of course you don't even ask me about helping out. I see how it is! I join the community and you don't even think of asking me! UGH! Check your PMs!

 

[daguin]

Of course you don't even ask me about helping out. I see how it is! I join the community and you don't even think of asking me! UGH! Check your PMs!

Your first post comes complete with a big chip on your shoulder? :thinking:

Peace,
dave

 

[YERMOM69]

Your first post comes complete with a big chip on your shoulder? :thinking:

Peace,
dave

Haha, yes I actually know Ouch, we work together. We have been talking about the LPF and about the hobby, and it looks like something I would like to join into!

 

[daguin]

Haha, yes I actually know Ouch, we work together. We have been talking about the LPF and about the hobby, and it looks like something I would like to join into!

I thought so, based on your and his registrations.
This was just a check to make sure that y'all weren't bringing in "drama" from some outside place

I'll crawl back under my rock now

Have fun in the forum

Peace,
dave

 

[Cyparagon]

I think the easiest way to do this would be to use a typical power jack pair. Hook up the female to the battery, and the male to a charger. Install the female in the laser case. Something like this:

Charging a battery in a sealed container is a BAAD idea.

I doubt laptop batteries (for example) are the ticking time bombs you think they are.

 

[foulmist]

I doubt laptop batteries (for example) are the ticking time bombs you think they are.

yeah you might be right, but laptop charger circuits would be far more advanced and protected against failures than something you could implement in a small ^metal^ host.. and laptops are plastic (not as dangerous as flying metal shrapnel ) this is my opinion.

:beer: