In pt. I we discussed some pros and cons of several different lithium chemistries. We had requests from several readers to provide test data supporting our contention that many or most imported battery packs had greatly inflated advertised amp-hour ratings. The packs tested initially were all purchased by PAE. For the purpose of this test series we will not purchase any more packs, we think the point has been made clearly. If a reader wants an additional specific pack tested, email us at: info@proaudioeng.com and we can discuss having your pack tested at no charge. We will continue to add to this blog as additional packs are submitted for testing.
Testing was performed using a Maynuo M9713 Electronic Load, and data was acquired on a PC using their battery testing software. Before recording the test results, all batteries had been twice discharged at 0.1 C and recharged. Charging of the 3-cell packs was done using a Tenergy 1340-01 charger. Charging of the 4-cell packs was done using the integrated charge systems. Testing was done at these rates: 320 mA, 1300 mA, 2100 mA, and for batteries which supported >10 A discharge ratings we performed a 10 A discharge test. In order to more accurately model actual battery use in an HF transceiver, we also performed a custom TR Test which consisted of four segments: receive for 60 seconds at 180 mA, transmit for 20 seconds at 1.8 A, receive for 20 seconds at 180 mA, and a final transmit for 20 seconds at 1.8 A. This test is similar to a 5 W class rig operating in a contest.
Battery Test results in table form
3-Cell Li-ion Pack Tests
Expocell #LIP-3S1Px18650S-26-PBm – 2600 mAh
4-Cell Li-ion Pack Tests
4-Cell LiFePO4 Pack Tests
QuickCable Rescue LiFePO4 PowerPack – 20,000 mAh