Discovering the Finest 18650 Li-Ion Battery for FPV Lengthy Vary Flying and Tools

18650 Li-ion cell is a well-liked battery alternative for each lengthy vary FPV drones and tools akin to FPV goggles and radios. Nonetheless, with so many choices in the marketplace, selecting the right 18650 cells might be overwhelming. I examined varied 18650 batteries, evaluating their efficiency and true capability to search out the best batteries that provide lengthy flight instances and dependable efficiency.

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Why 18650 Li-ion Batteries?

Selecting the best battery is essential for optimizing the efficiency of FPV tools. The 18650 Li-ion battery emerges as a best choice as a consequence of its stability of large availability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. It’s notably favored by long-range FPV pilots for its superior energy-to-weight ratio in comparison with conventional LiPo batteries. Though it could not ship the excessive present output of LiPo batteries, it’s ample for drones designed for effectivity and endurance.

For a deeper dive into the professionals and cons of Li-ion batteries over LiPo, take a look at this put up: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/

Left: 4S 1500mah LiPo; Proper: 4S 3500mAh Li-ion

To sum it up, right here’s why 18650 batteries are most popular for FPV drones and equipment:

• Capability and Effectivity: They provide substantial power storage in a compact type issue.
• Rechargeability: These batteries are able to lots of of cost cycles with out vital degradation.
• Availability: They’re extensively out there and used throughout varied digital gadgets and instruments.

Curious about long-range flying? Try the following tips: https://oscarliang.com/long-range-fpv-flying-mini-quad/

The Contenders

To search out one of the best, I examined a wide range of 18650 batteries from respected manufacturers, contemplating totally different specs for a well-rounded assessment.

* Value in keeping with my native reseller on the time of publishing.

** Weight is measured on my own

Testing Methodology

To find out one of the best batteries, I targeted on two key efficiency indicators:

• Capability: Measured by discharging batteries at a sluggish charge (2A) from 4.2V per cell all the way down to 2.9V to precisely gauge their power storage capabilities.
• Voltage Sag: Assessed by discharging at a sooner charge (12A) from 4.2V per cell to 2.9V to judge their efficiency underneath load all through the discharge cycle.

In case you might be curious what testing tools I used, it was the SkyRC BD350 discharger.

Outcomes and Suggestions

When evaluating the discharge charge, the Molicel P30B and P28A stood out for delivering constant energy, particularly underneath heavy load, making them ultimate for high-demand lengthy vary FPV flying. The Sony VTC5A and VTC6 had been shut contenders, performing admirably as effectively.

By way of true capability, the Molicel M35A and Sanyo NCR18650GA led the pack, providing the best mAh at roughly 3260mAh. Right here’s an in depth breakdown of marketed versus measured capacities:

Primarily based on our testing, listed here are our high suggestions for various FPV wants.

For lengthy vary FPV flights, the Molicel P30B emerges because the best choice for its distinctive capability and discharge efficiency, minimizing voltage sag. The VTC6 and P28A are glorious options, with the VTC6 barely edging out in flight time and the P28A offering a bit extra punch.

High decisions:

Second decisions:

For low present purposes like powering FPV goggles and radios, the Molicel M35A and Sanyo NCR18650GA are my go-to choices. The Radiomaster 3200mAh and VTC6 are additionally worthy concerns.

High decisions:

• Sanyo NCR18650GA:
• Molicel M35A:

Second decisions:

Constructing Your Personal Pack

You may construct your individual battery packs utilizing singular 18650 cells following this information: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/.

Whereas I’ve examined varied pre-made 6S Li-ion packs from respected distributors, none matched the efficiency of Molicel cells (I suppose they aren’t utilizing one of the best cells to maximise revenue). Subsequently assembling your individual Li-ion battery pack utilizing top-quality cells, ensures the very best efficiency, typically even cheaper.

Conclusion

Selecting the best 18650 Li-ion battery requires weighing a number of efficiency elements. I hope our comparability and testing helped you resolve which 18650 cells to get. Glad flying!

Charging 18650 Batteries

Trendy LiPo chargers sometimes help Li-Ion battery sort; merely join them as you’ll a LiPo battery. For charger suggestions, take a look at: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/

Edit Historical past

• Feb 2018: Article creation.
• Mar 2024: Replace with the newest take a look at outcomes on new market-available 18650 cells.