18650 Li-ion cell is a well-liked battery selection for each lengthy vary FPV drones and tools similar to FPV goggles and radios. Nonetheless, with so many choices in the marketplace, choosing the right 18650 cells will be overwhelming. I examined varied 18650 batteries, evaluating their efficiency and true capability to seek out the best batteries that supply lengthy flight occasions and dependable efficiency.

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Why 18650 Li-ion Batteries?

Choosing the proper battery is essential for optimizing the efficiency of FPV tools. The 18650 Li-ion battery emerges as a best choice resulting from its stability of broad availability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. It’s significantly 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 enough 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 publish: 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 vitality storage in a compact type issue.
• Rechargeability: These batteries are able to a whole bunch of cost cycles with out vital degradation.
• Availability: They’re broadly obtainable and used throughout varied digital units and instruments.

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

The Contenders

To search out the most effective, I examined quite a lot of 18650 batteries from respected manufacturers, contemplating completely different specs for a well-rounded overview.

* Worth in line with my native reseller on the time of publishing.

** Weight is measured on my own

Testing Methodology

To find out the most effective batteries, I centered on two key efficiency indicators:

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

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

Outcomes and Suggestions

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

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

Based mostly on our testing, listed below are our prime 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 wonderful 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 issues.

High decisions:

• Sanyo NCR18650GA:
• Molicel M35A:

Second decisions:

Constructing Your Personal Pack

You possibly can construct your personal 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 don’t seem to be utilizing the most effective cells to maximise revenue). Subsequently assembling your personal Li-ion battery pack utilizing top-quality cells, ensures the very best efficiency, typically even cheaper.

Conclusion

Choosing the proper 18650 Li-ion battery requires weighing a number of efficiency components. I hope our comparability and testing helped you determine which 18650 cells to get. Completely happy flying!

Charging 18650 Batteries

Fashionable 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 most recent take a look at outcomes on new market-available 18650 cells.