The LiitoKala Lii-500S is more than just a battery charger!

[@ThriftyAV]

CORRECTION: At 8:46​, I stated that the timer showed TOTAL TIME for the test. It was actually showing the DISCHARGE time. You can toggle between discharge and recharge time & capacity by hitting the numbered buttons for each bay.

[@exgenica]

To help cool this particular unit, since the vents are located on the bottom and lower sides of the unit, I would just make sure there was plenty of cool air available to the vents. The heat will force draw the cool air in from the lower vents of the unit and up and out through any openings in the battery compartment or side of the unit. As for using the steel plate: The steel plate could warm up from radiated heat (not convection heating) and actually put warmer air into the unit over time and might not cool it as well as one might think. I've seen that in WiFi routers which can run VERY hot and you can fell the heat radiating even from the bottom vents, which warms up whatever it happens to sit on. I routinely put larger stand-offs on any test equipment that relies on cool air inlet vents on the base. In extreme cases, assuming there isn't already a fan inside the case, I even add a small fan (similar implementation as for "laptop computer coolers").

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you for your advice.

[@Nicedesk]

...or only use it in the fridge.

[@exgenica]

CAUTION: I strongly advise NOT using the 12VDC car adapter from a car "cigarette lighter" as the risk of input voltages MUCH HIGHER than 12V is 100%. Use a *regulated* 12VDC adapter instead. The supplied 12VDC car adapter does NOT regulate the output in any way. It is just a direct wire (with a 3Amp fuse[1]) between the "cigarette lighter" socket and the Liito charger/analyzer. Whatever voltage is supplied at the cigarette lighter plug input, is seen at the adapter's coaxial output plug. If the cigarette lighter outlet is providing 14VDC (not uncommon), that is what will be provided to the Liito units when using this adapter. Also, car alternators routinely supply over 15VDC while charging the car battery while the car is running. Further, *starting a car can generate huge voltage spikes* over a hundred volts at the cigarette lighter socket[2]. Sensitive instrumentation circuitry can be damaged by the higher voltages. I am very concerned about using this adapter with any of the "12VDC" powered Liito units. There is even an Warning label on this car adapter that the *_INPUT_* to the adapter not exceed 12VDC. That explicitly confirms this advice. I hope the details provided here help explain the issue. -------------------------- [1] The fuse is NOT designed to protect the Liito charger/analyzer from damage. It is there ONLY to help prevent possible fire and/or damage to the car in the event of an overload. [2] A recent model car MAY have regulators on the cigarette lighter socket, however, it depends on the brand and the effectiveness can vary.

[@ThriftyAV]

I have only used this unit in the house, and have not attempted to use it with the car charger. Thank you for the heads up regarding this potential problem.

[@TonyMontana-xj3zv]

I am currently testing the newer device which is Lii-600 model ! The price is a bit higher than the "500s", but u get more features and the main advantage is the 250mA charging current for Ni-MH (AA, AAA) batteries so i can use the 0.1C current (250mA) for my 2500 mAh batteries for a 10h appropriate charge, in the 500S the current begins with 500 mA. Also the discharging current is more adjustable for more accurate measurement for the Ni-MH. If u need to charge 4 x Li-Ion (26650 cells @ 5500 mAh) with high ampere the Lii-600 can charge the 4 slots simultaneously for 3 ampere, however, I personally charge my Li-Ion cells with a current of 1 ampere, sometimes 2 in rush. The temperature measurement is very accurate, im testing it all the time for fun with my fingers on the cells to see if the sensor shows the truth, and YES the measurement is perfectly assigned to the channel. At first I thought about sticking small thermopads on metal sensors to increase the accuracy of the measurement but there is no need for that. Resistance measurement must be taken with a pinch of salt, but after a few tests on old cells, the test indicated 120-140 mOhm, and on new ones 38-45 mOhm, so as an indicator it shows very well. The TEST function can also be customized in advance to our current charge and discharge i guess it was : 250, 500, 750, can't reach for it now, device under test :) Also if 1 channel is finished with whatever mode was choosen, the slot can be replaced by a new cell for testing without crashing the other channel results, that was happening is some XTAR chargers for me... If u like more setting options get the Lii-600 ! You will not regret at all ! :)

[@jogesvar]

Batteries with 21700 type protection circuits cannot be inserted into the charger due to their length. Shit!

[@TonyMontana-xj3zv]

@@jogesvar most of the li-ion chargers having the problem with 21700 protected cell lenght

[@jogesvar]

@@TonyMontana-xj3zv XTAR is ready for it.

[@TonyMontana-xj3zv]

@@jogesvar the new cheap liitokala m4s has also space for 21700, i don't use xtar chargers, i had many of them

[@johnheaton6705]

After much deliberation and watching other YT video I've bought this, ebay was about 50p cheaper than Banggood when postage to the UK was added so I went with ebay so £38.12, Amazon was £36.83 but I've had a few issues with them. Thanks for your video it's much appreciated.

[@danwissler]

Thanks a lot from Germany! Your video convinced me to buy one of these devices. 👍

[@ThriftyAV]

Has this unit met your needs?

[@sudheerumbayi8997]

Thanks for your excellent review. Waiting for your future video...

[@Vysair]

Now we have the 600 model. It comes with a temperature sensor. I just ordered mine so I will see how it goes.

[@TonyMontana-xj3zv]

I am currently testing the newer device which is Lii-600 model ! The price is a bit higher than the "500s", but u get more features and the main advantage is the 250mA charging current for Ni-MH (AA, AAA) batteries so i can use the 0.1C current (250mA) for my 2500 mAh batteries for a 10h appropriate charge, in the 500S the current begins with 500 mA. Also the discharging current is more adjustable for more accurate measurement for the Ni-MH. If u need to charge 4 x Li-Ion (26650 cells @ 5500 mAh) with high ampere the Lii-600 can charge the 4 slots simultaneously for 3 ampere, however, I personally charge my Li-Ion cells with a current of 1 ampere, sometimes 2 in rush. The temperature measurement is very accurate, im testing it all the time for fun with my fingers on the cells to see if the sensor shows the truth, and YES the measurement is perfectly assigned to the channel. At first I thought about sticking small thermopads on metal sensors to increase the accuracy of the measurement but there is no need for that. Resistance measurement must be taken with a pinch of salt, but after a few tests on old cells, the test indicated 120-140 mOhm, and on new ones 38-45 mOhm, so as an indicator it shows very well. The TEST function can also be customized in advance to our current charge and discharge i guess it was : 250, 500, 750, can't reach for it now, device under test :) Also if 1 channel is finished with whatever mode was choosen, the slot can be replaced by a new cell for testing without crashing the other channel results, that was happening is some XTAR chargers for me... If u like more setting options get the Lii-600 ! You will not regret at all ! :)

[@TonyMontana-xj3zv]

9:16 it's not the total time for the test, "4:30h" is the time for only discharging channel 2 (there is an indicator under "current" says :"DISCH", (for recharging need - 2:43h), so the total TEST time for channel 2 was 7h:13min (not including the first step which was a full charge to 4.2 V to begin the test) It can be easilly calculated if u have a 2000 mAh cell and you discharging it with 500mA current (2000 / 500 = 4hours of discharge), simple as that.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

I see them $36 on Ebay coming from China with free shipping, I think I am gonna buy one

[@ThriftyAV]

My only issue was the soft touch buttons acting up during discharge while testing four cells at the same time. I did not have this same problem with a simple charge of cells.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

@@ThriftyAV it can never be 100% satisfying product 😅 😂 🤣, there is always something

[@metalsadman]

@@AudioElectronicsChicago the older lii500 seem to have more feature than this one and is cheaper, better buttons too.

[@punisher288]

@@metalsadman really?

[@mohdk2299]

@@metalsadman non S version only supports max 1A

[@JasonGladu]

I bought one as well, gonna move to rechargeable batteries. Looking forward to your next video on the best kind of rechargeable batteries.

[@ThriftyAV]

I will move the timetable up the battery test, but I still have obligations in the pipeline at this time.

[@FlyingElephant-j9f]

Can liitokala 500s be used as power bank if AC power is off.Please reply....

[@frederic6998]

i feel like this touch screen will cause reliabilities problems over time. They should have kept the regular buttons.

[@jorjlmoz5878]

If it's a photodiode sensor by reflection they are pretty reliable.

[@haraldpost]

I wish there was an option to stop charging at 90%. My Fluke 83 DMM measure up to 4.27V at the terminals when the Lii-500s is finishing up charging 18650 cells.

[@ge9199]

Is it true that Liitokala lii 500s is compatible with 21700 batteries? Meanwhile, on the official Liitokala website, the compatibility section for type 21700 batteries is not listed. Is it safe for the charger & battery if used for type 21700?

[@ishtiaqueahmed903]

Unprotected cells can be charged. Protected 21700 will not fit because of length.

[@craigs7181]

I fail to see how you came up with 4hrs and 30min for the total time of the test for channel 2 when it clearly was still discharging @7:44 and showing 4hrs and 14min and then it took an additional 2hrs and 43min to charge the cell. It had to be over 7 hours total time for the test. I'm pretty sure that the mAh shown at the end of the test and the 4hrs and 30min was the time and capacity just for the discharge portion of the test. Sorry, I just read your correction in the description.

[@ThriftyAV]

I just pinned a comment with the same correction so it will be easier to spot. Thank you for your input regardless.

[@wellingtoncardoso7936]

I have Liitokala 500s and I didn't find any video in Portuguese detailing how it works. I have the following doubt: I performed the 18650mah battery test and presented the results: - Charging 1881mha - Download 0886mha. Which value should you consider, loading or unloading?

[@exgenica]

There are several situations that can affect these values relationship with each other. With a new, stored, or "out of shape" lithium cell, it can require multiple charge/discharge cycles before the capacity performance values become consistent. Also, results are more consistent when the charging and discharging currents are about equal and LOW. For example, charge AND discharge at 500mA (the 500s default values). Do not set charging at 1000mA and discharging at 250mA. Remember that the maximum discharge current possible with 500s is 500mA. Avoid charging at high currents like >=750mA. Remember that this is testing for a baseline...not operational performance. Testing for operational performance requires different parametric controls and values this unit *generally* cannot provide. Also, generally speaking for Li-Ion cells, charging at low currents yields higher reported capacities than when charging at high currents. Test only 1 lithium cell at a time. Testing multiple cells at the same time changes the algorithms the 500s uses to perform the testing on all the cells. Similarly, don't test 1 cell while charging or discharging lithium cells in the other sockets (which is allowed by the 500s). Doing that can affect test results. When the 500s has multiple lithium cells installed, it uses different algorithms to assign current and time spent charging or discharging within short periods. For example, when charging just 1 cell, ALL the time is spent charging the cell during a charge cycle. When there is another cell, the 500s may charge cell#1 for a short time, then charge cell#2 for a short time, then go back to cell#1. The "not charging" gaps like these while applying charging current can affect the apparent capacity of a cell. Similarly for discharging cells. Temperatures can affect charging capacity differently from discharging capacity (but usually OK if lithium cell remains at about room temperature. But, watch for lithium cell heating.) Edit to add: Also, I don't know how the 500s handles li-ion cells with the different types of protection or built-in charging circuits available. I suspect the 500s is probably not designed to charge/test/discharge that kind of cell, and at best one would get inconsistent results.

[@drlimbo]

Is it compatible with NiMh 1.2v rechargable batteries AA and AAA ?

[@brezovprut4431]

Lii-500S or ISDT C4 Evo? for charging unprotected 18650 like VTC6

[@metalsadman]

Seem like they remove the internal resistance indicator on this one than the previous lii-500?

[@Cre8ionz.]

Yep, no internal resistance.. I'll guess I buy the Opus BT-C3100 V2.2

[@blueocean9574]

Can you i know what's the input current for the adapter that came with ? , i want to know if it will work with 220v

[@jaydelacruz1099]

Nice review! Just want to ask if you can charge a device while charging a battery as well? Thanks

[@exgenica]

Do you mean use the USB port to "charge a device" while 1 or more cells are being charged in the charger? If that is the question, I would not do it because the 500s power management doesn't appear to be designed to handle continuous high current operation up to the specified 1000mA 5VDC USB output AND simultaneously charging li-ion cells with the higher current settings. It MAY be "OK" at lower mA values but it is a risk. From the User Manual I interpret it as *not advised* From the (badly translated) english version of the Lii-500s manual: _and only within battery inserted, there will be no USB output will be invalid_ However, there is no safety interlock to prevent user doing it (see note1) ==================================== note1: I did try this. The 500s allowed me to simultaneously charge ONE li-ion cell at 1000mA, while also using the USB port to charge a 5V "powerbank" (at about 500mA). However, I ran this for less than 30 seconds. Due to possible user error, I personally do not advise simultaneous use of the USB port and charging li-ion cell(s).

[@ps7432]

Hi can I use it for the discharge without charging again?

[@ThriftyAV]

yes

[@Anton008]

Did you try older Lii-500? I don't know if I should pay 15$ or 26$ for Lii-500S (newer) model

[@ThriftyAV]

I have not tested the older unit, but many others have, so you should be able to find a review of it.

[@Boz1211111]

Older model performs better according to lygte-info.dk/review/Review%20Charger%20LiitoKala%20Lii-500%20UK.html

[@catalinlupasteanu9459]

I bought a similar device from liitokoala....for 6 accu....I have brand new 2600 Mah accu„s ....some work for charging but some not...and they are from the same package. The problem is that when I put the non chargable ones on liito koala on others chargers they work perfectly. Do you have any ideea about this behaviour?? thanks

[@sudheerumbayi8997]

Thanks for your review. Just 1 thing to know: can this charger (LiitoKala Lii-500S) test the internal resistance of a battery? Tia..

[@metalsadman]

Looks like it doesnt, quite dissapointed, since the older model has it and is cheaper now, better buttons too.

[@metalsadman]

More feature too, it has fast test and full cycle test.

[@sudheerumbayi8997]

@@metalsadman thank you very much for your valuable reply...

[@ThriftyAV]

I looked through the instructions, and I could not find this feature listed.

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

@@ThriftyAV _I either saw a vid or read an article at least a year ago from someone that builds Power Walls, where the resistance feature of the Lii-500 (and others) was not measuring accurately. That may have been why it's not offered on the 500S._

[@shotbyarian]

have you tried the new lii-600?

[@nekrosantenabu6577]

Hola, cuál es el mejor cargador Litokala? 500, s6 o d4? Gracias

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

_Do you know if there's anyway to keep the screen on? I need to give it just a glance and not have to get up from my workstation everytime to wake the screen._

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

_I figured out how to keep the display on with the Lii-500s. I had a cell in the #4 slot and was checking progress. I kept my finger on the #4 selector after the display was on and it blinked and now it stays on while I'm testing cells. It hasn't went off in 2 days._

[@exgenica]

Here are some details I learned from someone else. *Normal display function:* Display is "on" for ~15 seconds after inserting a battery or pressing any of the "buttons". *Modified display function:* Display can be set to remain "on" by pressing _and _*_holding_* any of the "1" to "4" buttons for ~2 seconds UNTIL you hear a tone. Then release the button.

[@reinaldorolimphoto9868]

ok, thanks for the video

[@sudheerumbayi8997]

Thanks for your excellent video.. can this device charge 21700 batteries?

[@sudheerumbayi8997]

@@ThriftyAV thank you habeebi

[@royeb63]

I don't think it will fit. When you have inserted an 18650 cell it seems you only have a couple of mm to spare, and the 21700 is 5 mm longer than the 18650. (It will not fit in the Liitokala Lii-500, but maybe they have made this newer model a little larger.)

[@sudheerumbayi8997]

@@royeb63 thank you so much habeebi... Last week I baught nitecore UM2. I am very satisfied with it. Now my daughter can play more with her toys.

[@ThriftyAV]

@@royeb63 Thank you. I stand corrected. The longest battery listed as compatible has a length of 670mm.

[@royeb63]

@@ThriftyAV You mean 67 mm, of course?

[@hs4u537]

Can you use test function with unprotected cells? Would it know when to stop charging/discharge

[@harisyoung4110]

I have the older liitokala 500, and yes it will stop discharge at 2.8amp.. and all my batteries that ive test using it is all unprotected cell because i not like to use any protected cell ever.

[@hs4u537]

@@harisyoung4110 Thanks man 👍👊

[@B4nan0n]

I am so sad this charger is not for lifepo4 cells :(. I haven’t found a similar charger and discharge device for 4 or more cells with 4,2v and 3.6 output

[@jingjinwu7406]

Hi, you might can check Gyrfalcon S8000 charger.

[@jon123423]

Can it charge a very flat battery?

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

_Yes, all of my flat top cells still make the top connection. I always keep a lot of those lil 8mmx3mm round magnets to stick on top of the cell, just in case. I haven't had to do that with this Lii-500S charger._

[@CureCreation]

Is there a way to check the maximum discharge rate of a battery in Amps with this charger?

[@exgenica]

If you mean the maximum current the battery can tolerate either continuously, instantaneously, or over a specified period of time, then no. The -500s isn't designed for that. That's more a specification issue because if you exceed the specified maximum discharge rate there is a risk of fire/explosion with Li-ion cells.

[@rgruenhaus]

Which is better Nitecor D4 or the Lii-500s?

[@memphisraine]

It doesn't have the ohm resistance reading right?

[@ThriftyAV]

You are correct. No ohm reading.

[@memphisraine]

@@ThriftyAV Thank you! Was supposed to buy this but I settled with the 500 as it has the ohm reading which is more important for me. Though I really like the interface on the 500s.

[@tim_rapous]

3 batteries aa NiMH, or 3 aaa NiMH, how many mA can it charge them?

[@ThriftyAV]

NiMH have a charge rate of 500mA each regardless of size. Li-ion supports the faster charge rates of 1A (2A if you just have just one cell inside the charger).

[@Boz1211111]

After it finishes it displays discharge time not total time

[@ThriftyAV]

Thank you for your correction. When test mode completes, you can display both the discharge time/capacity AND the recharge time/capacity by hitting the numbered button on the bay with the cell being tested. I have updated my description to include your correction.

[@paologonzalez8766]

At last! An English review about the 500s. Thank you! Now i can buy this charger because i now know the benefits i get.

[@ThriftyAV]

One of the reasons I order this one, and not the Opus with similar features, was the lack of KZbin reviews. It was a long wait for this to arrive from China, but no new reviews were posted between when I ordered this and when it arrived!

[@paologonzalez8766]

@@ThriftyAV Exactly the reason why I was holding off on buying it is because no one was reviewing it in English. Now that you did, I have one on its way. Thanks!

[@eagol]

For about USD16.50 it's a cool thing on my work desk..Bought it before watching this video.

[@ThriftyAV]

Awesome bargain! I forgot what I paid, but it was more than $16.50, and it was a long wait while it traveled from China.

[@eagol]

@@ThriftyAV I bought it online in China as I've been working in China on and off for the past 2 decades. Things here are UNBELIEVABLE cheap. I bought half a dozen summer blazers for USD7 each (inclusive of delivery) and more or less same price as a shirt which I bought a dozen. Size fit perfectly for me just like tailor made. China is a wonderful place to live in!

[@1UPWOMAN]

Wow and I thought my battery charger was cool! Lol

[@ThriftyAV]

What kind to you have?

[@geezee1579]

This charger will charge up 32650 and 32700 Lithium Batteries

[@danialtun5431]

This Lii 500s is can check mah i buy Liitokala PD4 is only Charger can't check mah

[@gimmieliberty6514]

will it take20700?

[@exgenica]

It should have no problem for a flat-top 20700 cell (~20mm diameter, ~70mm long. Button-top on some cells can add ~1mm to length). Later manufactured 500s versions have been confirmed by a few people to handle 21700 (in all channels) and even 32700 cells, so a flat-top 20700 that meets industry standards should fit fine in any channel position. Note: I've used flat-top 21700 cells in the 500s without problem (not button-tops). But I have not personally verified using any 32700 in the 500s. It seems to me that is probably just barely possible and because of its extremely large diameter (a fifty cent piece is about 31mm) 32700's would be limited to 1 or 2 at a time and only in channels 1 and/or 4.

[@ge9199]

​@@exgenica This means that Lii 500s can be used for type 21700, even though the specifications on the box & official website do not include compatibility for type 21700. Is it safe to do this in the long term? Actually, I'm confused about choosing between lii500s and liim4s because of this, I'm not sure whether lii500s can fill type 21700 or not?

[@exgenica]

@@ge9199 Below is an extract from a review I wrote in Feb2022. Nothing has changed and I have been using 21700's with the 500s in all modes without any problems for years. On the high-end of capacity, the 500s has been working fine with 2x 5000mAh 21700's that I use with Ham Radio equipment. =========================== From My Feb2022 Review... _The (Lii-500s) unit I received easily handles 21700 size cells._ _With some "flat-top" cells (no top button) I have to interpose a small connector piece between the cell and the unit's positive connector to ensure contact with the positive end of the cell. I use a very small neodymium magnet to make things easy. I also use the setting to keep the display on 100% of the time. I don't like the automatic time out setting._ End of review extract. =========================== Note: for these tests I charged the 21700 cells using the LIi-500s and performed the discharge capacity testing using a trusted separate test instrument. My bench tests showed that when new, the achieved mAh capacity was actually about 4700 mAh (Id~500mA, Vt~3.0 using a separate Constant Current discharge tester. It's normal for even quality brand new Li-ion cells to charge to a bit less than their maximum specified capacity. In fact, it's often written into the detailed Li-ion cell manufacturer's specifications. These well-used cells still charge to about 4500mAh capacity, so things are going well. Edit to explain my deviating from a usual test parameter: I didn't use industry standard Id=0.2C in the discharge tests as I usually do. In these tests I was evaluating for the usual ~500mA load these cells had to handle when in my amateur radio equipment. Otherwise, Id=0.2C would normally be 1.0Amp (0.2 x 5000mAh Capacity), not the Id=500mA I used.

[@jogesvar]

Batteries with 21700 type protection circuits cannot be inserted into the charger due to their length. Shit!

[@uawsux]

opus bt310 is better and aliexpress sucks