Middlesex County, Ontario | 18650s are the common lithium cells that are used in many things these days; laptop batteries, power tool batteries, electric car batteries, etc. They come in many different configurations; button top, flat top, protected, unprotected.
From what I understand they are easier to source in the US than in Canada. The only place I would be able to buy them locally are at weed shops, they are used in e-cigarettes.
For my Arduino projects I use leftovers from my RC hobby days. I have a great little battery charger that will charge ni-cad, ni-mh, lithium polymer, and lead acid cells: http://www.greatplanes.com/discontinued/gpmm3152.php
And a ni-mh battery meant for 1/18th scale rc cars like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MX5MC8/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_1?pf_rd_p=0...
I trust the battery charger a heck of a lot more than the Chinese stuff out there, especially Chinese 18650 chargers. Ni-mh batteries don't explode when overcharged (although anything is possible) and are much tolerant to accidentally being shorted or over discharged. The power to weight ratio is less than lithium but I think it is worth it.
The charger has been used for a lot of different purposes. I've charged aa's from solar lights, 12v marine batteries, cordless drill batteries, etc.
I also have some higher power 11.v 2200 mah lipo batteries leftover from planes that get used in arduino projects sometimes. They are a little less safe and will put out 120 amps. Same charger. They get charged and stored in fireproof bags specifically made for that purpose.
Edited by WildBuckwheat 2/4/2019 21:02
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