Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the 18650 Battery Capacity Tester Module. This device is designed for comprehensive testing of 18650 lithium batteries, offering features such as 4-channel capacity and internal resistance measurement, charging, discharging, and cyclic testing. Please read this manual thoroughly before operation to ensure proper use and to maximize the lifespan of your device and batteries.
Figure 1: Top-down view of the 18650 Battery Capacity Tester Module.
Features
- Four-Channel Testing: Supports independent capacity and internal resistance measurement for up to four batteries simultaneously.
- Charging and Discharging: Allows for separate charging and discharging cycles.
- Automatic Mode: Supports up to 9 charging and discharging cycles in automatic mode.
- Independent Channels: Each channel operates independently, allowing for separate settings and preventing interference.
- 18650 Battery Holder: Features compact battery holders suitable for flat-head 18650 battery measurement.
- Active Cooling: Equipped with a fan for active cooling and overheating protection.
- DC Two-Wire Internal Resistance Measurement: Utilizes a DC two-wire method for accurate internal resistance testing.
- System Language: Switchable between English and Chinese.
Figure 2: Angled view of the tester, emphasizing its 4-channel design and features.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Working Voltage | DC5V |
| Applicable Battery Types | Batteries with stop discharge voltage 2.5~3.5V and start voltage 2.8V~4.2V (e.g., 18650 lithium-ion) |
| Power Supply Interface | Dual Type-C (power supply and power cord not included) |
| System Language | English / Chinese (switchable) |
| Test Quantity | 4-way charging and discharging measurement |
| Internal Resistance Measurement | Supported, DC two-wire method |
| Charging Function | Supported, automatic cut-off when fully charged (max 1A, 4.2V full charge). Note: Lithium iron phosphate battery charging is NOT supported. |
| Discharge Function | Supported, automatic stop when conditions met. Discharge current is not adjustable (max approx. 1A). |
| Automatic Charging & Discharging | Supported, battery fully charged at the end of automatic mode. |
| Cyclic Charging & Discharging | Supported, 1-9 cycles adjustable (automatic mode only). |
| Cooling Mode | Fan active cooling |
| Overheat Protection | Supported |
| Stop Discharge Voltage | 2.5V, 2.6V, 2.7V, 2.8V, 2.9V, 3.0V, 3.1V, 3.2V, 3.3V, 3.4V, 3.5V (11 adjustable gears) |
| Product Size (L x W x H) | 150 × 103 × 36mm (approx. 5.9 x 4.05 x 1.42 inches) |
| Package Size (L x W x H) | 182 × 112 × 50mm (approx. 7.17 x 4.41 x 1.97 inches) |
Figure 3: Product dimensions.
Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the battery tester module and any included accessories (e.g., crowbar) from its packaging.
- Power Connection: Connect a DC5V power supply to one of the dual Type-C power supply interfaces on the module. Ensure the power supply is stable and provides sufficient current.
- Battery Insertion: Insert up to four 18650 batteries into the designated battery holders. Ensure correct polarity (+ and -) as indicated on the holders. The compact battery holders are designed for flat-head batteries.
- Initial Power On: Once power is connected, the LCD display will light up, showing a welcome message and version number.
- Language Selection (if needed):
- Disconnect the power supply.
- Press and hold the "Menu/M" button.
- While holding the "Menu/M" button, reconnect the power supply.
- Continue holding the button until the display shows the new language interface.
- Release the button. Wait for approximately 10 seconds for the system to save the setting.
- Disconnect and reconnect the power supply to confirm the language change.
Video 1: Demonstration of switching the system language between Chinese and English.
Figure 4: Key components of the 18650 Battery Capacity Tester Module.
- 1. Type-C 5V power supply port
- 2. Type-C 5V power supply port
- 3. Channel 1 18650 battery holder
- 4. Channel 2 18650 battery holder
- 5. Channel 3 18650 battery holder
- 6. Channel 4 18650 battery holder
- 7. Terminal of channel 1
- 8. Terminal of channel 2
- 9. Terminal of channel 3
- 10. Terminal of channel 4
- 11. Cooling fan
- 12. Display screen
Operating Instructions
Display Information
Figure 5: LCD display elements and their meanings.
- 1. Real-time voltage
- 2. Real-time current
- 3. Cumulative capacity (mAh)
- 4. Accumulated energy (mWh)
- 5. Battery internal resistance (mR)
- 6. Cumulative running time (HH:MM:SS)
- 7. Number of cycles (LOOP)
- 8. Stop discharging low voltage (STOP)
- 9. Working mode menu (MODE)
- 10. Status indication (STA)
- 11. Channel indication (CHN)
Button Functions
Figure 6: Control buttons and their functions.
- 13. Menu / M button: Enters menu, navigates options.
- 14. Adjust / S button: Adjusts values, selects options.
- 15. Start / R/S button: Starts/stops testing, confirms settings.
- 16. Channel / CHN button: Switches between channels.
- 17. Status indicator of CHN1 channel
- 18. Status indicator of CHN2 channel
- 19. Status indicator of CHN3 channel
- 20. Status indicator of CHN4 channel
Testing Modes
- Capacity Measurement:
- Insert the battery into the desired channel.
- Use the "Channel/CHN" button to select the channel.
- Press "Menu/M" to navigate to the mode selection.
- Use "Adjust/S" to select the desired test mode (e.g., discharge for capacity).
- Set the stop discharge voltage using "Adjust/S" and "Menu/M".
- Press "Start/R/S" to begin the test. The display will show real-time voltage, current, and accumulated capacity.
- Internal Resistance Measurement:
- Insert the battery.
- The device automatically measures internal resistance using the DC two-wire method and displays it.
- Automatic Mode (Charge-Discharge Cycles):
- Select the channel and enter the mode menu.
- Choose "MODE:AUTO".
- Adjust the number of cycles (LOOP: 1-9) using "Adjust/S".
- Set the stop discharge voltage.
- Press "Start/R/S" to initiate the automatic cycle. The battery will be charged, then discharged, and this process will repeat for the set number of cycles. The battery will be fully charged at the end of the process.
- Charging Only:
- Insert the battery.
- Select the channel and choose a charging-only mode if available, or simply insert a discharged battery and the device will begin charging. Charging automatically cuts off when the battery reaches 4.2V.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the device with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure no dust accumulates on the cooling fan or inside the battery holders.
- Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Handling: Handle the device with care to avoid physical damage. Do not drop or expose it to excessive vibration.
- Power Supply: Always use a stable DC5V power supply. Disconnect power when the device is not in use for extended periods.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Device does not power on. | No power, incorrect power supply, loose connection. | Ensure DC5V power supply is connected correctly to a Type-C port. Check power cable. |
| Battery not detected or test not starting. | Incorrect battery insertion, battery voltage outside supported range, faulty battery. | Check battery polarity. Ensure battery voltage is between 2.8V and 4.2V. Try a different battery. |
| Display shows "Overheat Protection". | Device is overheating. | Ensure the cooling fan is unobstructed and functioning. Operate in a well-ventilated area. Allow the device to cool down. |
| Cannot charge Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. | The device does not support LiFePO4 charging. | This is a known limitation. Use a dedicated charger for LiFePO4 batteries. |
| Language is incorrect. | Language setting needs adjustment. | Follow the language selection steps in the Setup section. |
User Tips
- For accurate capacity measurements, ensure batteries are fully charged before starting a discharge test.
- When performing cyclic tests, monitor the battery temperature, especially for older or heavily used batteries.
- Always double-check battery polarity before inserting to prevent damage to the battery or the tester.
- The provided crowbar can be useful for safely removing stubborn batteries from the holders.
Warranty and Support
For any issues, questions, or technical support regarding your 18650 Battery Capacity Tester Module, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
For additional information and resources, you may refer to the data link provided by the manufacturer: https://www.banber.com/gather/6374be9b2ee0e200077ec155
Figure 7: Important note from the manufacturer regarding cosmetic variations.