Batteries won't fit charger

[and7barton]

Here's a caution - Just bought a Syma triple Charger for charging the push-fit batteries on the Syma X5UW - I also bought three batteries from a different supplier. Alarmingly, they won't actually fit into the charger's recesses more than about 1/4 of an inch ! - They are so tight, you can hardly even get them started in the opening. The charger came in a Syma-printed carton and was advertised as genuine so we can be pretty certain it's pukka. However, the batteries, which normally sell for around £ 7.00 or more each, were cheap and advertised as "Compatible with Syma". Well, they aren't exactly compatible. Electrically, there's no issue but I'm amazed that the makers of this obviously counterfeit battery can't get right something so simple..... the SIZE of the battery. I sanded the two narrowest faces of the batteries a fraction, then smeared a bit of silicone lubricant on the surfaces. They now fit the charger perfectly.

 

[holtneil]

Hi this a a normal problem ,If the clone an item they can make it 100% the same as this is part of copy rite , so they have to change some thing , so thats what they changed glad you found a way to make them work

 

[and7barton]

Of course, they may not actually be any good as batteries ! - I've yet to find out.

 

[KentA]

I worry about the safety of counterfeit &/or bargain lipo batteries.
Cheap chargers that may not turn off when the battery is at maximum strength are also frightening.

 

[Brown]

So you'd better charge them outside of your house.

 

[and7barton]

Here's an update - Just flew the X5UW on one of those el cheapo batteries - from fully charged - I got 2:30 flying time out of it !

 

[Jackson]

from fully charged - I got 2:30 flying time out of it

Did you meter the batterries right off the charger to be sure they were fully charged?

 

[and7barton]

Yes, the cheap battery was reading 4.2 volts after charging....... strangely, after it lost power it still read 3.8 volts.
I then tried a genuine Syma battery and that also read 4.2 volts after charging....... but ran the 'copter for 11:56.
Just put that battery on my monitor and it won't show any reading now. I guess it's now below the minimum voltage that the monitor will show.

 

[Rick M]

Sounds like time for a salt water bath.

 

[Jackson]

4.2 volts after charging....... strangely, after it lost power it still read 3.8 volts.

That's actually pretty normal for toy quads.