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I have a wireless security camera that runs on two 3200 mah 1860 Li-Ion batteries. The two batteries are recharged by a solar panel on the camera. After three months the camera stopped working, thinking the batteries were not charging anymore with the solar panel. The batteries died and I learned if 18650 batteries are fully discharged they may not be rechargeable anymore. I bought a charger and the batteries recharged to 4.2 V, stuck them in the camera but the camera still will not power up. Bought two new 18650 batteries but they happened to be 1500 mah, not the original 3200 mah batteries, but the 1500 mah batteries did power up the camera, however, they did not last long, less than 5 minutes despite being charged to 4.2V as well. Why would the 1500 mah batteries power up the camera (even if for less than 5 minutes) and not the recharged 3200 mah batteries? Did the security camera just go bad? Should I buy/try new higher mah batteries?
The first problem sounds suspiciously like the "surface charge" problems that vex lead-acid batteries. Depending on price point and manufacturer reputation, I wouldn't rule out a mislabeled or defective battery.
Honestly? I'd ditch it all. Solar charging for security cams is much trickier than it seems at first glance. I've tried a few times and had to revert to wired. Manufacturers can't even build a simple solar path light that will last more than a couple of seasons, with most failing within a few months.
The first problem sounds suspiciously like the "surface charge" problems that vex lead-acid batteries. Depending on price point and manufacturer reputation, I wouldn't rule out a mislabeled or defective battery.
Honestly? I'd ditch it all. Solar charging for security cams is much trickier than it seems at first glance. I've tried a few times and had to revert to wired. Manufacturers can't even build a simple solar path light that will last more than a couple of seasons, with most failing within a few months.
Yeah thanks, I may be reverting to wiring the whole thing up to make it work. The solar recharge design was not reliable at all, particularly if an 18650 is discharged and cannot be charged immediately depending on where the camera was mounted, i.e., a convenient or inconvenient location to get to. Thanks.
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