Introduction: Mentos PowerBank
this is my first time doing an instructable so go easy on me
Step 1: Stuff You Need
18650 3.7v 2200mah (from old laptop battery)
1A lithium charging module ($1.39 dx.com)
0.9v - 5v step up boost module ($1.99 dx.com)
slide switch ( from a broken toy)
Mentos chewing gum container
Step 2: Wiring
solder wires into module and battery + to + and - to - dont put it on backwards unless you want your modules to get toasted
Step 3: Stuffing Everything Inside
this is the hardest part for me since the container is too small. but you can figure it out.
Step 4: Done!
dont expect this to full charge your phone. when charging the powerbank red led means charging and green for full
29 Comments
5 years ago
instead of a 2200mah battery can I use 9v battery
Reply 1 year ago
I guess, but you need to use a step down for the output
Question 3 years ago on Step 1
Can i use a car charger module
3 years ago on Step 4
Can I use 2 *3.7v to extend the mah
Reply 3 years ago
Yes, use as many as you like as long as its parallel, but the problem would be charging time unless you can charge each cell individually
5 years ago
is this mentos power bank rechargeable
6 years ago
Very nice and simple. I'm building one!
6 years ago on Step 4
Hey, what about battery discharge protection ????
Reply 6 years ago
www.dx.com/p/tp4056-4-2w-1-2a-5v-lithium-battery-charging-discharging-protection-module-w-micro-usb-blue-397213#.VgXcBTOwrqA
7 years ago
can I connect 4 18650s in parallel to extend the mAh of the bank? or if not 4 den at least 2?
Reply 7 years ago
yes in theory, but in practise you need to isolate the cells from each other
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Please explain what you mean by "isolate the cells from each other". I would like to use the same parallel design suggested above. Thx!
Reply 6 years ago
Basically, you would use a diode on each battery to prevent it from back-charging the other batteries.
Make sure you install them in the correct orientation because it only allows the charge to flow in 1 direction
6 years ago
thanks alot
6 years ago on Introduction
just in case: cheap ebay batteries are not protected
7 years ago on Introduction
Hey, do you know what gauge wire you used?
Reply 7 years ago
im not sure. i just scavenge those wires from a broken fan.
7 years ago
nice
7 years ago on Introduction
if you want longer batt life you can get wafer type RC 1 cell lithium's from hobby king for a very cheap price, great build by the way.... Lastly everything in life is dangerous however, this isn't going to be risky the current coming out of the battery is very low. If you were to allow the battery to get to low of a charge and it was an unprotected battery then you could have an issue. but that battery is protected so there isn't any worries there.
7 years ago on Introduction
How much time does is take to fully charge a cell phone from Dead.