DKARDU 18650 Battery Capacity Tester with Type-C Interface

1. Introduction

The DKARDU 18650 Battery Capacity Tester is designed to measure the capacity, internal resistance, voltage, current, and power of 18650 lithium batteries. This device integrates both charging and discharging functions, simplifying the testing process by eliminating the need to frequently remove and reinsert batteries. It features a 1.77-inch TFT display for clear presentation of all measured data.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Components and Layout

Image: Overview of the tester's components, including battery compartments, Type-C ports, buttons, and LCD display.

• 10W 8Ω Cement Resistor x2: Used for discharge load.
• Charge and Discharge 18650 Battery Compartment: Slots for inserting 18650 batteries.
• Type-C Discharge Interface: An additional Type-C port for discharge.
• "Start/Stop" Button: Initiates or terminates the testing process.
• "Adjustment" Button: Used to navigate or modify settings.
• "Menu" Button: Accesses menu options, such as language switching.
• Type-C 5V Power Supply Interface: Main power input for the device.
• Working Battery Compartment: Holds the battery being tested.
• LCD: Liquid Crystal Display for showing test data and status.

2.2 LCD Display Information

Image: Detailed view of the LCD screen indicating real-time voltage, current, power, capacity, energy, internal resistance, and operational status.

• Real-time Voltage: Displays the current battery voltage.
• Real-time Current: Shows the current flowing during charge or discharge.
• Real-time Power: Indicates the instantaneous power.
• Cumulative Capacity (mAh): Total measured capacity in milliampere-hours.
• Accumulated Energy (mWh): Total measured energy in milliwatt-hours.
• Status Indication: Shows current operational status (e.g., STA:STOP).
• Working Mode: Displays the active mode (e.g., MODE:DSG).
• Stop Discharge Voltage: The voltage at which discharge will cease.
• Number of Cycles (LOOP): Tracks the number of charge/discharge cycles.
• Battery Internal Resistance (MR): Measured internal resistance of the battery.
• Cumulative Time: Total time elapsed during the test.

2.3 Product Dimensions

Image: Physical dimensions of the tester: 108mm (4.25in) length, 85mm (3.34in) width, and 24mm (0.94in) height.

The tester measures approximately 108mm (4.25 inches) in length, 85mm (3.34 inches) in width, and 24mm (0.94 inches) in height.

3. Setup

1. Insert Battery: Install the 18650 battery to be tested into the working battery compartment. Ensure correct polarity.
2. Connect Power: Use the provided Type-C to USB cable to connect the Type-C power supply port on the tester to a 5V power source (e.g., a USB wall adapter or computer USB port).
   

   Image: Diagram illustrating the connection of a 5V power adapter via the Type-C port to power the tester.

   Note: An external 5V/1A power supply is required for the Charging (CHG) and Automatic (AUTO-TEST) modes to function correctly. For Discharge (DSG) mode only, an external power supply is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended for stable operation and display.

4. General Operation

1. Power On: After connecting the power supply and inserting the battery, the device will power on and display information on the LCD.
2. Select Mode: Use the "Adjustment" button to cycle through the available operating modes: AUTO (Automatic), CHG (Charge), and DSG (Discharge). The default mode is AUTO.
3. Start Test: Once the desired mode is selected, press the "Start/Stop" button to begin the test program.
4. Monitor Progress: The LCD will display real-time data such as voltage, current, capacity, and elapsed time.
5. End Test: The program will automatically stop when the test is complete, or you can manually stop it by pressing the "Start/Stop" button again. The status indication on the display will show "STOP".

Image: Visual representation of mode transitions and state changes during operation, including AUTO, CHG, and DSG modes, and their progression to a STOP state.

4.1 Application Examples

Image: Examples of the DKARDU 18650 Battery Capacity Tester in use, demonstrating battery insertion, power connection, and display readings during testing.

5. Operating Modes

The tester features three primary operating modes:

• AUTO (Automatic Mode): This mode performs a full charge-discharge-charge cycle to determine the battery's capacity. The battery is first charged, then discharged to measure capacity, and finally charged again to a full state. This provides a comprehensive capacity measurement.
• DSG (Discharge Mode): In this mode, the tester discharges the battery to a preset stop voltage (typically 3V). It measures and displays the discharged capacity and energy. This mode is useful for determining the usable capacity of a battery from its current charge level.
• CHG (Charge Mode): This mode charges the battery to its full voltage (typically 4.2V). While charging, the device records the elapsed time but does not measure capacity or energy. This mode is primarily for charging the battery.

6. Language Switch (Chinese/English)

To switch the display language between Chinese and English, follow these steps:

1. Shut Down: Ensure the device is powered off.
2. Initiate Switch: Press and hold the "Menu" button, then power on the device. Release the "Menu" button once the screen illuminates.
3. Power Cycle: Wait approximately 10 seconds after the screen lights up, then power off the device.
4. Complete Switch: Power on the device again. The language should now be switched.

Image: Visual guide for switching the display language, showing examples of the interface in both Chinese and English.

7. Specifications

8. Troubleshooting

• Device Not Powering On:

  Ensure the Type-C power supply cable is securely connected to a functional 5V power source. Verify the power source is active.

• No Measurement Data Displayed:

  Confirm that the 18650 battery is correctly inserted into the working battery compartment with the correct polarity. Press the "Start/Stop" button to initiate a test cycle.

• Inaccurate Readings:

  Ensure the battery terminals are clean and making good contact with the tester's contacts. The measurement error for internal resistance is approximately 10%.
• Charging/Discharging Not Initiating:

  For CHG (Charge) and AUTO (Automatic) modes, an external 5V/1A power supply must be connected. Ensure the correct mode is selected using the "Adjustment" button before pressing "Start/Stop".

• Simultaneous Testing Limitation:

  Important Note: The 18650 battery compartment and the external Type-C discharge interface cannot be used for testing simultaneously. Attempting to do so may lead to incorrect results or device malfunction.

  

  Image: Diagram indicating that the internal battery compartment and the external Type-C discharge port should not be used concurrently for testing.