This is what I was building earlier this week:
Salvaged cells from power tools...all very healthy. Well, one pack wasn't, but it's not part of this larger one. 7S6P.
Capacity test came out right where it should be:
I had ordered an active balancer, but they sent me a 4S one rather than the 8S one I specifically paid for:
But it appears I don't need it. All the cells are staying within 0.02V throughout charge and discharge. Yes, they're brand-name, quality cells from the same manufacturer, but I expected
some loss of capacity from some of them. Maybe it'll be more apparent under a heavier load. We'll find out...