Bad cell? What's your opinion?

[skineedog]

So I have a device that I don't use much and was planning on storing it so, I wanted to discharge the lipo a bit. I plugged it into the device monitor and was pulsing in 30 second, 30 watt bursts. I started to see an "imbalanced battery" message and noticed that one cell held less voltage then the other 2. I allowed the battery to balance and tried pulsing again. The same cell drops immediately much lower than the other two. When I stop pulsing, the cell in question comes back up significantly but still well below the other 2. If I allow it to continue charging, the battery will eventually balance. 


I have 2 other identical DNA 200 devices that do not do this which makes me think I may have a bad battery cell. These devices are my only experience with lipo batteries so excuse me if I am missing something obvious. 
Battery with issue is the first image. Battery without is the second.



 

[dwcraig1]

Are you seeing sag like that in normal use?

[skineedog]

I would say yes.

Even with low watts applied for 5 seconds, the cell in question drops immediately.

This is image is 40 watts for 5 seconds:
 

[dwcraig1]

Id say bad pack, I was thinking just not matched well perhaps but that's too much. 

[skineedog]

I thought so too. That sucks. I barley use this device. Evolv's already replaced the board. I just got it back a week or so ago. Now the pack is bad.... Gotta find that thread about Hcigar VT200 battery alternatives... I know it's here somewhere.

Thanks

[dwcraig1]

https://forum.evolvapor.com/topic/66482-topic/?do=findComment&comment=897797
The replacement is said to be better than the original.

[skineedog]

Just bought one from Sweetvapes... A 'true' 1300mah Zippy is being sold on eBay for about the same price but that requires Dremeling out part of the device. I don't have a Dremel and the stock battery lasts all day for me so... 

Thanks for your help!

[dwcraig1]

Healthy is more important than a little mah variance. Ease of installation is a plus.

[skineedog]

I agree. It's just a shame that the other 2 cells are fine. I wish there was a way to revive the pack or recycle/re-purpose it.

[dwcraig1]

Dna133?

[skineedog]

Meh... Maybe one day. I have 3 Hcigar VT200's & just bought an Hcigar VT75. I've been on a buying spree lately so, I shouldn't. I'll just recycle it. 

I love the 75 and the ability to change batteries of which I already have plenty, are cheap & are readily available locally.