I currently have more than enough batteries for my portable operating, both in LiPo packs (old ones, 18650/21700 cells from laptops, recovered vape cells) and LiFePO packs (RC Hobbyking packs, Eremit pack, 26650 cells). I really do not need more but I do keep my eyes open to see what is happening.
I was looking for something else on AliExpress and noticed all of a sudden that there are many, many vendors selling 4S1P 7000mAH (nominal 12.8V) and 4S2P 14000mAH packs using 32700 cells with integrated BMS. Last time I looked there were plenty of vendors of individual cells but either these packs are relatively new or I just never spotted them before.
Typical is a 4S1P 7000mAH pack with BMS that’s about 35x75x135mm and 580g. The BMS is good for up to 40A. Many vendors selling these for prices from £21-£26 for your first order. Subsequent price is double this. This is includes free shipping with a 7-10 delivery time. Some are offering deals of 4S1P+ 2A charger for approx.. £30. e.g. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009475349087.html
The above is just an example of what is available, I haven’t bought one or dealt with that vendor. I make no representation of quality or otherwise. I’m simple pointing out what is available that I had not seen before.
My KX2 with a 4200mAH pack is good for 4+ 1.5-2hr activations. So a 7000mAH pack will be getting on for 8 similar activations before charging. Whilst it’s not 13.8V, I’d expect it to power an add on PA at the 25-30W level for a considerable length of time.
It will be interesting to see if these are rubbish, poor, average or excellent.
I’m wondering what to do with all of these 18650’s recovered from power tool batteries. I did contemplate making a 12v car jump pack, if I could convince myself it wouldn’t kill me during construction or use.
I have bought small LiPo pouch cells (~900 mAh) and they arrived fine, but once in the UK were delivered by Evri (probably Hermes at the time) who allowed them.
Delivered by my local Evri delivery driver with no extra charges to pay.
Arrived wrapped in plenty of bubble wrap and packing tape, but no box.
Survived the 1.5m drop test, as I tried to carry to many things out to the workshop.
Not yet tried it out.
It will be mounted on the back of my 5Ghz panel antenna.
Not 18650’s but I have purchased lithium batteries from there. Specifically for my Kobo reader and for a Samsung tablet. Both arrived with no issues and are still working to this day (was about a year ago).
For 18650’s I got mine from that site Grandad or something like that it is called. @MM0EFI pointed me to it a while back. Took about 582 years for them to arrive, but they did and they work great.
