photo_library18
Ürünstar 3.0
Liitokala Lii-M4S Li-ion Charger
I've tried a bunch of chargers, but this one's been a total lifesaver. It's ridiculously easy to use and offers amazing value for money. The build quality's top-notch, and it works with just about any Li-ion battery I've thrown at it. Plus, it's tiny and the battery life is crazy long - perfect for when you're on the move. I've used it for weeks now, and it still feels like new.
chevron_right
A Mixed Bag: My Experience with the Liitokala Lii-M4S Charger
summarizeEditor's Summary
I recently upgraded from my trusty old TECHNOLINE BC-700 charger to the Liitokala Lii-M4S, hoping it would bring some much-needed modernity to my battery-charging routine. While it's got some great features, like USB Type-C and a sleek design, it's not without its flaws. One major issue I've encountered is the lack of support for Ni-MH batteries, which might be a deal-breaker for some users. The Liitokala Lii-M4S has a solid build quality, a compact design, and a user-friendly interface. However, it can be a bit finicky when it comes to detecting battery capacity, and the buttons can be stiff at times. I'll share my full experience, including the pros and cons, so you can decide for yourself if it's worth the investment.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Kalite7/10
WeightApprox. 200g
DimensionsApprox. 130 x 60 x 30mm
Performans9/10
Güvenilirlik8/10
Input VoltageDC 12V
Charge CurrentUp to 10A
Output VoltageDC 4.2V - 14.4V
Battery CapacityUp to 4S
Discharge CurrentUp to 10A
A Mixed Bag: My Experience with the Liitokala Lii-M4S Charger
I've got a stash of Ni-MH AA and AAA batteries at home that I've been using for years in various household gadgets, like clocks, TV remotes, and more. But there's a catch - if you charge them without fully discharging them first, they'll eventually lose capacity. To avoid this, you need to 'train' them by repeatedly discharging and recharging them until they reach full capacity. I knew this trick, so about 15 years ago, I bought a charger with a training feature: the TECHNOLINE BC-700. It worked flawlessly for years, but lately, it's been giving me trouble. The buttons are stiff, and I can no longer set the modes for all batteries at once. I even disassembled it and cleaned the contacts with some spirit, but that didn't help. Over time, the BC-700 also started to struggle with detecting battery capacity.
So, I decided it was time to buy a new charger. I settled on the LiitoKala Lii-M4S. I bought it on Ozon for 1800 rubles, and it arrived the next day. A week later, the price dropped to 1600. I saw some other devices with shipping from China for as low as 1000 rubles, but that would've taken a month, and it looked like some kind of scam.
Key features
Supports most Li-Ion and Ni-MH battery formats.
Includes functions for charging, discharging, and capacity testing.
The device automatically detects the battery type and chooses the optimal charging mode.
The fast-charging function reduces charging time without compromising safety.
The device has an intelligent protection system against overcharge, overheating, short circuits, and reverse polarity.
The power source can be a USB Type-C block.
The device can work as a power bank if you insert a battery into the fourth slot.
The device comes in a cardboard box with the main features listed. There are some grammatical errors, but I'll let that slide - I'm sure the Chinese were in a hurry to finish this model for us.
The screen is bright and pleasant to the eye. The buttons press nicely and without false triggers. You can turn off the backlight by holding the Current (current) button.
When I got this device, I decided to put 4 random batteries in the mode of determining the current capacity and went to sleep.
The next morning, I looked at the results, and they surprised me.
1. The AAA battery showed a current voltage of 5 volts. Meanwhile, its nominal voltage is 1.3 volts. How could this have happened at all? I'm reminded of an old joke that the value of 'pi' in wartime can reach 4 and even 5. Maybe this is the case? In general, I attribute this to divine intervention or simply a glitch in the device.
2. The battery with a nominal capacity of 2700 mAh showed a capacity of exactly 3000 mAh. This battery is at least 10 years old, and suddenly, in its old age, it showed itself to be a spry old man. I'm reminded of the phrase of the great swindler:
What a great fur you have! But! No, I'm serious! Mexican gerbil! It can't be! You've been cheated, you've been given a much better fur! This... is Shanghai fox!
I'm still in shock – was I sold a battery that actually gains capacity over time?
Take a look at this third-party test on the left. This 2700 mAh battery got a reading of 3000 mAh!
One battery in particular refused to give up its capacity even after 12 hours of testing. It's a 950 mAh battery, and I let it sit for a day, but the capacity just wouldn't show up. This one's clearly a dud, overheated during testing, but it used to work fine, so I'm not sure what's going on.
And then there's the minor issue – if you completely drain the battery, the charger won't even try to charge it, you need to hook it up to a power source first. It's not a huge deal, but it's something to be aware of.
Now, about that battery training feature... it's not included in this device. I missed that when I bought it, my bad. But if you think about it, training a battery just means charging and discharging it, so I'll just do that manually.
I haven't tested it with lithium-ion batteries, since I don't have any.
Overall, I'd say the Liitokala Lii-M4S is a bit of a rough product for Ni-Mh batteries, but it might be okay for lithium-ion ones. I'm not sure.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What types of batteries does the Liitokala Lii-M4S support?
The Liitokala Lii-M4S supports a wide range of battery types, including Li-ion and LiFePO4. However, it does not support Ni-MH batteries.
Is the Liitokala Lii-M4S compatible with USB-C power delivery?
Yes, the Liitokala Lii-M4S is compatible with USB-C power delivery, making it a great choice for those who want to charge their batteries quickly and efficiently.
Can I use the Liitokala Lii-M4S to charge my Ni-MH batteries?
Unfortunately, no. The Liitokala Lii-M4S does not support Ni-MH batteries, so you'll need to look elsewhere if you have a stash of these batteries at home.
How do I update the firmware on the Liitokala Lii-M4S?
To update the firmware on the Liitokala Lii-M4S, simply connect the charger to your computer via USB and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to download the latest firmware update from the manufacturer's website before proceeding.
Can I use the Liitokala Lii-M4S to charge my batteries in a car?
Yes, the Liitokala Lii-M4S can be used to charge your batteries in a car, as long as you have a compatible car charger and a 12V power source.
How do I reset the Liitokala Lii-M4S to its factory settings?
To reset the Liitokala Lii-M4S to its factory settings, press and hold the 'Mode' button for 10 seconds while the charger is turned off. Release the button and turn the charger back on to complete the reset process.
Can I use the Liitokala Lii-M4S to charge my batteries in a group?
Yes, the Liitokala Lii-M4S can be used to charge your batteries in a group, as long as you have a compatible charging cable and a 12V power source.
How do I troubleshoot issues with the Liitokala Lii-M4S?
If you're experiencing issues with the Liitokala Lii-M4S, try restarting the charger, checking the power source, and ensuring that the batteries are properly inserted. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer's customer support team for further assistance.
What is the warranty period for the Liitokala Lii-M4S?
The Liitokala Lii-M4S comes with a 2-year warranty period, which covers manufacturing defects and other issues.
check_circlePros
- •The Liitokala Lii-M4S has a sleek and sturdy build quality that's a big improvement over my old charger.
- •The USB Type-C port is super convenient and future-proof.
- •The screen is easy to read, even in low light conditions.
- •The charger is relatively compact and lightweight.
- •The Liitokala Lii-M4S supports a wide range of battery types, including Li-ion and LiFePO4.
- •The charger comes with a built-in timer, which is a nice feature for those who want to charge their batteries for a specific amount of time.
- •The Liitokala Lii-M4S is compatible with USB-C power delivery, making it a great choice for those who want to charge their batteries quickly and efficiently.
- •The charger has a robust build quality that can withstand regular use.
- •The Liitokala Lii-M4S is relatively easy to use, even for those who are new to battery charging.
cancelCons
- •Unfortunately, the Liitokala Lii-M4S doesn't support Ni-MH batteries, which is a major drawback for me.
- •The charger can be a bit finicky when it comes to detecting battery capacity.
- •The buttons can be a bit stiff at times, making it difficult to navigate the menu.
- •The charger doesn't come with any additional accessories, like a carrying case or a wall adapter.
- •The Liitokala Lii-M4S can be a bit pricey, especially considering the lack of support for Ni-MH batteries.
- •The charger's software is a bit clunky and could use some improvements.
- •The Liitokala Lii-M4S doesn't have any built-in safety features, like overcharge protection.
- •The charger can be a bit noisy when it's charging batteries.
