TangsFire 1000mAh 3.7V batteries

[jguerdat]

I recently received a different battery than the ones I was trying before. I previously had used gray UltraFire 2300 may with reasonable results (~350 minutes of recording or 2 months normal usage). I also have some purple GTLs that I haven't tried yet. However, I'm interrupting the test of the GTLs to try new ones - TangsFire 1000 mAh.

Right off the bat, I charged them up using the included charger as well as one of my (slightly) older ones. Interestingly, the included charger charged to 4.15v while the other charger went to 4.20v. I charged the GTLs again withe two older chargers and they all came out at 4.10v (all readings were after a few hours rest). Seemingly the higher voltage could last longer although actual discharge rates have to be determined.

So, I now have the TangsFire installed in my heavy-usage camera and will continue to report on them. They'll prolly only last for 3 to 4 weeks based on my usage. If anyone else has these batteries, please post your impressions and results here.

[RobertRosal]

Looking good, I guesstimate that these batteries will last 2x longer or better than your previous rechargeables.

[jguerdat]

21 days, 758 minute recording, 15% warning a few minutes ago.  13 days from 2 bar to warning. I'll run 'em out to get final numbers.

UFs took 12 days, 355 minutes to 15% warning, 9 days between 2 bars and warning. Changed batteries at that point so no comparison to exhaustion.

Just a little difference.

[TomMac]

Nothing really important, just interesting.... cells continue to run normal drain rate.

Day 12 in test run.. (was away at Baseball HF ( cooperstown ) so no usage on the test camera for 2 days).

Just wanted to post this as a side note with the rechargeables and recoup after non-use.

Data on day 9 and 10 is extrapolated where cam sat unused (turned on but in sleep mode),

day 11 is actual voltage readings after 1.25 mins of IR recording,

day 12 is after 4 mins of IR recordings

Recoup of cells is from the day 8 low to day 11....  Normal use drops the cells back down to just below day 8 levels.

It's interesting to note that the recoup is sort of a 'fake recoup' as the non loaded cells increase in voltage but return back to the lower levels after usage.

[jguerdat]

Just changed dead TangsFire batteries. The residual voltages were all over the place again:

3.45

3.15

2.95

3.42

I'm guessing that its the one cell that causes the camera to die but I don't need/want to get into that detail to get more sets and try to match them based on residual charge. Died on day 23 with 780 minutes of recording. Compare with UFs at 12 days and 355 minutes the last time I had them in the same camera.

Edit: updated Usage vs. Time thread.

[TomMac]

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3.45

3.15

2.95

3.42

I'm guessing that its the one cell that causes the camera to die.snipped

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You don't by any chance remember the cells placement do you? 

I numbered the cells for the main reason of cell placement and voltage track... there was a discussion back when that placement may have a factor in that on pair was draining lower than the other... just trying to check that out too.

I would guess the lowest cell prob under load was in the 2.8v+/-  volt range ( possible drop out voltage)  where I've seen some of mine at time of going dead... one problem is that under no load they do recoup a bit so they have to be tested asap.

I would even try to match them at the tail end, just get the closest set after they settle down a few hours after full charge.

[jguerdat]

Remember cell placement? Of course not! That would have been too simple. Actually, I thought about that just after I mixed them up. Oil well...

I have a set up GTLs coming up for replacement, prolly tomorrow. I'll be sure to check locations with those. FWIW, I not only tried to get the batteries out quickly upon dead but also reinserted them briefly to try to suck 'em back down. It may be that it really doesn't matter, that the voltages stay relatively the same with only minor recouping if not loaded. Hard to get them just as they die but I'll try some stuff with this next set.

I'll be inserting these batteries in my low usage camera so I can have some data more like what you and others have.

 There's something else I was going to add but I forgot. I'm 65 - give me a break! The mind is the second thing to go. I forget the first...

[jguerdat]

Remembered! I only have one set of TFs so can't mix and match.

[TomMac]

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jguerdat wrote:

 There's something else I was going to add but I forgot. I'm 65 - give me a break! The mind is the second thing to go. I forget the first...

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the eyes ( saved ya with that one )  ... at 45 I got reading glasses, not to many yrs behind you, btw.

[JamesC · Accepted solution]

I would like to thank you for your posts and contributions! I want to make sure you take a look at an article outlining best practices when it comes to batteries. For those involved in this discussion I encourage you to review Remember these golden rules for your Arlo camera batteries along with BATTERY WARNINGS AND SAFETY.
 
Thank you for sharing! 
 
JamesC