Articles and Resources
Check out our guides and thoughts on DIY battery building. We will update this page as often as we can with new content, guides, and news.
FAQ: Lithium Battery Basics
While 'lithium' and 'lithium-ion' are often used interchangeably, using the wrong charger or assuming they are the same can be a costly mistake. This guide breaks down the technical differences between primary lithium cells and rechargeable Li-ion families like LiPo and LiFePO4. Whether you're looking for voltage patterns or trying to tell an AGM battery apart from lithium, our FAQ has the answers you need to stay powered safely.
So, What Exactly Is A Resistor?
Think of a resistor like a narrow section of pipe—it makes it harder for the 'water' (current) to flow. But there is much more to this humble component than just simple obstruction. From protecting sensitive LEDs to setting precise voltages and dissipating heat, resistors are the unsung heroes of electronic design. Dive into our comprehensive guide to understand the physics of resistance, the impact of temperature, and the vital formulas every maker needs to know.
How to Test Lithium Ion Battery Cells and Packs With a Constant Current Buck Converter
Tired of buying purpose-built battery testers? Discover a versatile "third way" to discharge and analyze your cells using a standard CC buck converter. This guide covers safe series-circuit setup, calculating 20mΩ-level internal resistance, and essential safety tips to prevent over-discharge.
Testing the "600 Watt" CC/CV Boost Converter: Voltage Drop, Thermals, and Limits
This compact 85x62mm boost converter claims 600 watts of power for under $20. Our bench tests reveal it is a great value for stepping up 12V or 24V, provided you add active cooling. However, users should be aware of its weak stock fuse and inability to regulate current down to zero amps.
Boost vs. Buck Converters: When You Actually Need a Boost-Buck Circuit
While boost and buck converters are essential tools for voltage regulation, they have limitations—specifically an internal voltage drop of around 1.5V. This article explores why a standard converter fails when charging a 3S Lithium-Ion battery from a 12V source and how a "Boost-Buck" circuit solves this by boosting for headroom before regulating down to zero volts for safe, efficient charging.
Pulse Arc vs. Resistive Spot Welding: Do You Actually Need the Upgrade?
Pulse arc welding is like firing a "tiny lightning bolt" at your battery cells. While it offers incredible efficiency and power for its size compared to traditional resistive welders, the learning curve is steep. In this article, we analyze if this new technology is actually necessary for DIY battery builders or if you are better off sticking to the basics.
Lithium-Ion Cell Balancing: How to Force a BMS to Balance
Struggling with an unbalanced battery? Discover how to manually force a cheap, non-configurable BMS to balance lithium-ion cells by creating the specific voltage conditions needed for activation.
Shunt Mods Explained: How to Trick Your Controller for More Power
A shunt mod is a popular "hack" that tricks your motor controller into delivering more amps than its factory limit.2 By lowering the resistance of the internal current shunt with a simple solder modification, you can gain significant torque and speed. However, this trick comes with physical costs: square-law heating ($I^2R$) and reduced safety margins. This guide explains exactly how the controller measures current and how to estimate your new limits without blowing up your MOSFETs.
Understanding Reverse Charging: How It Happens and Why It Destroys Batteries
Reverse charging occurs when a deep-discharged cell within a battery pack is driven into negative voltage by the surrounding healthy cells. This process causes irreversible chemical damage, including the dissolution of the anode’s copper current collector and the formation of dangerous dendrites. This article explores the mechanics of this failure, the heat generation that follows, and why a functioning Battery Management System (BMS) is your only line of defense.