Electronics: Testing Battery Capacity
DIY Battery Capacity Testing Find out the true mAh of your 18650 or LiPo batteries using a load resistor and a multimeter. 1. The Circuit Connect a fully charged battery (4.2V) in series with a known load resistor (e.g., 4 Ohm, 10W). 2. Measure Current Measure the current flow: I = V / R. For a 4.2V battery and 4 Ohm resistor, I = 1.05 Amps. 3. Monitor Voltage Note the time. Check the battery voltage every 15 minutes. Stop the test when the voltage reaches 3.0V. 4. Calculate mAh Capacity = Current (mA) x Time (hours). If it took 2 hours at 1050mA, the capacity is 2100mAh.
Related Guides
- How to Build a LiPo Battery Charger with the TP4056: Circuits, Safety, and BMS Integration
- LiPo Battery Storage Voltages
- How to Salvage Electronic Components from E-Waste: Desoldering, Testing, and Reuse
- I2C vs SPI vs UART: How to Choose and Use Serial Communication Protocols
- How to Do Reflow Soldering with a Hot Plate: SMD Assembly for Makers
- How to Use a Multimeter for Electronics: Every Function Explained
- How to Use an Oscilloscope for Electronics Projects: Complete Beginner Guide
- How to Order PCBs from JLCPCB: From KiCad Upload to Delivery
Loading_