Having quite liked the previous version of this I did a video of, I got a couple more from different suppliers for comparison.
One of them (the black one) is similar, but has a different PCB and protection circuitry on its cell. The other, which is white and quite boxy has absolutely no charge protection of the cell at all, with the possibility that it can be charged up to well above 4.2V. (Theoretically all the way to 5V if the lithium cell can get that far.)
This is a link to the black version that seems to have two layers of charge protection:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111792279982
And here's a link to the very dubious white one that appears to have no lithium cell overcharge protection at all! Note that this light may pose a genuine hazard! In fact as an extra safeguard against anyone accidentally selecting this link thinking it's a good one, I've deliberately butchered it with an X in the middle of the item number that will need to be removed to make a valid link.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231732X413703

11 thoughts on “Dodgy led head torch with no lithium charge limiting.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars stephen wallin says:

    I have one of these head torches and it has the limiting lead as well as the circuit on the lithium cell, so theoretical full protection for the cell. I did not realise they had a sensor to switch it on and off, no mention in listing, and no instructions in the box, so at first glance I assumed it was faulty as it keep turning itself off and on as I examined it! Realised in a few moments it must be deliberate, and checked other listings where it was mentioned.
    Useful for model work on fine detail with strong reading glasses!, also clockmaking.
    Stephen

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheDisorderly1 says:

    I can't understand how these things happen so often in China. I mean how in the world do you have 2 very similar looking products being produced at the same time, with completely different innards?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Silly Sad says:

    Clive, if you are really interested in a reliable head-torch, mark the name "Petzl". i am a happy user for years.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Benjamin Esposti says:

    Also … it's got a cell which is covered in a metal shroud.
    Look up certain lithium battery explosions on YT and you can see that these seem to blow with more of a sharp bang XDD
    LOL, like the takata airbag inflators! XDDD

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peter WRight says:

    china is st this moment in time interesting! it produces very good quality and poor quality side by side, for some strange reason they learn rapidly from there mistakes with little to no feedback from the field, us! the realy amazing thing is the wholesale prices how the hell do thay do it ? with the new china to europe rail transport link the order time alibaba . com to your doorstep is just unbelievable, the major time delay is customs

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gordon Bremner says:

    Would you try home easy light switch converter

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny English, PhD says:

    Video idea: How to build a simple protection circuit.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars drEmulatorMadmax says:

    lol "This listing (231732X413703) has been removed, or this item isn't available." i wonder if someone saw this video and reported it

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Zachery Nuk says:

    Try it! try it! try it! Go on – pop us a lithium in your fire proof sink! (safely)

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars genius3258 says:

    i think that it needs to be charged by 5.5v 2A tablet charger for the best effect

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Attila Asztalos says:

    Murphy's rule of online ordering: Aliexpress, Dealextreme, Ebay, doesn't matter: you cannot order the exact same thing twice, unless you order multiple units in a single order (and possibly not even then…)

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