LongTerm Use of Magicshine Batteries - your views ?

[fossyant]

How are all your batteries fairing up then ?

My original two were used for a few weeks then I decided to run 2 x 6xAA packs that I made up to power my 818 rear lights. The batteries were popped into a tin and stood unused for a year.

Recently got the 808E light, so recharged the old batteries. One is absolutely fine, and one didn't get a full charge (according to the lights on the 808 - lit up blue (75%-50% charge).

I've added additional waterproofing, and the new battery has the rubber sealing. I'll give them a good test, but so far happy.

Anyone had any die yet ?

 

[BSRU]

The only problem I had was with a new battery that didn't last as long as it should. It was replaced and no problems since, been using them every commute day for almost 18 months now.

 

[DrSquirrel]

Both are mine are still doing well.

Since they "came with the lights" I wasn't doing anything different.


I have got myself some 2x18650 holders now, which I will mount back to back so I can charge/maintain cells properly. I might wire in wiring for balancing them in the pack - otherwise im just going to pop them out. Might even make a longer 8 cell version

Before the 18650 holders were hard to get, but now all over ebay.

Since my rear 818 lasts much longer than the 808 for obvious reasons - when the batteries get nearer the end of their life I will just use it on the rear since I don't need such a runtime.



There is a light on DX that doesn't include cells but has a battery case that take induvidual 18650.



BSRU - I think it was you recently that used a 12v 9800mah pack online - light/driver still coping with 12v okay?

 

[Broadside]

I've had my Magicshine for a year, used it lots over winter/spring and then probably an hour per week over summer. Still get over 3hrs on max setting, quite impressed I have to say as I was expecting some degradation by now as I would with any rechargeables but none evident so far.

 

[fossyant]

I'll go for the 2 cell holders back to back once these fail. Might be a long wait.

 

[fossyant]

Right, one of my old batteries is dead - went out last night on the MTB, light showed blue then went orange, red then off within 30 minutes. Recharged and the charger said full within 30 minutes. Knackerd cell.

Ah well two other batteries.

To top it off one of my 818 rear lights has died - somehow let water in, unscrewed the center lense, and there is corrosion on some of the outer edges of the circuit board.

Ordered just the light head from ebay for less than £22 delivered.

 

[DrSquirrel]

Did you open the pack up and check the cells induvidually? Might just be 1 dead one... usually this is what unbalanced charging causes (and would be an advantage to charge them induvidually every so often).


How on earth did you open the 818? I've been asking this for ages, DX, DX Support (useless of course) and MTBR.

 

[fossyant]

Not checked the pack yet. Does it come to bits easily.

The correct way (not my way) is to undo the central section - ie. get needle nose pliers on the chromed central section and undo. I tried the outer section, and I think buggered it, then got the central section off. I suspect this one had water in for a while as parts of the board were corroded. The other has been fine.

 

[cyberknight]

I have not used mine yet but i recharged it over the weekend and it held the same amount of charge , 8.1 volts .

That is after a good 5-6 months of not using it and checking it every so often to make sure it stayed around 75 % charge.

The "spare " i got of ebay second hand on the other hand does not seem to hold its charge , going from green to blue almost instantly.

How are the new batteries? do the fit the mj 808? it seems you can get a light and a battery for the same price and a new "sealed with LED type "battery.

 

[DrSquirrel]

Not checked the pack yet. Does it come to bits easily.

The correct way (not my way) is to undo the central section - ie. get needle nose pliers on the chromed central section and undo. I tried the outer section, and I think buggered it, then got the central section off. I suspect this one had water in for a while as parts of the board were corroded. The other has been fine.

No, its spot welded and shrink wrapped. But you can get in through the plastic at the ends to test them...