Geez, I must have over 7 different battery chargers and now I've got the charger for the 3.2v RCR123 from e-lectronics.net (http://e-lectronics.net/catalog/volt-cr123a-batteries-charger-p-153.html). So I decided to do a little test to see if I could make do with just the Li Ion charger obtained from AW or the DSD (multi cell) charger.
The data (skimpy as it is) suggests that the normal Li Ion charger is not quite adequate. All the runtimes are less than that obtained from the 4.4v charger. On the other hand, the DSD charger did better than the recommended 4.4v charger. You should keep in mind that the manufacturer does not recommend this and in fact there may be somewhat more risk involved – the DSD charger has an open voltage of 5.5v and could possibly trip the overcharge circuit on the protected battery. Perhaps this is why it has better run times – the higher voltage pushes the maximum amount of juice into the battery.
50 min 46 min 54 min
56 min** 50 min** 55 min
DSD Universal charger
63 min 60 min 63 min
62 min 62 min 60 min
Li Ion protected cell Charger
37 min** 39 min* 25 min
42 min* 44 min*** 40 min*
*Left on charger for 2-3 hrs after green led lit.
**Left on charger for 1 hr after green led lit
***Left on charger 7 hr after green led lit
This was a pretty basic experiment. The batteries were not conditioned, but used as received.
Since the Dorcy Super 1 Watt draws about 610ma (see thread below), the batteries are somewhat over the rated 600mah capacity!
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/99485&page=3&pp=30&highlight=dorcy+super+watt
Please keep in mind that the 4.4v is probably the only recommended charger and the batteries are probably not warranted when recharged with the DSD. On the other hand, the DSD looks like it does a better job.
Sam
The data (skimpy as it is) suggests that the normal Li Ion charger is not quite adequate. All the runtimes are less than that obtained from the 4.4v charger. On the other hand, the DSD charger did better than the recommended 4.4v charger. You should keep in mind that the manufacturer does not recommend this and in fact there may be somewhat more risk involved – the DSD charger has an open voltage of 5.5v and could possibly trip the overcharge circuit on the protected battery. Perhaps this is why it has better run times – the higher voltage pushes the maximum amount of juice into the battery.
- All three batteries were numbered. One set of batteries charged in 4.4v charger until light went green. Then placed in a Dorcy Super 1 Watt flashlight and run until they died. These batteries are protected both for over charge and over-discharge.
- Times recorded and then batteries charged in regular Li Ion charger til light went green. Again, put into the Dorcy until they die.
- Reverse process and charge in 4.4v charger and collect run times.
- Reverse process and charge in Li Ion charger and collect run times.
- Repeat process using the DSD universal charger.
50 min 46 min 54 min
56 min** 50 min** 55 min
DSD Universal charger
63 min 60 min 63 min
62 min 62 min 60 min
Li Ion protected cell Charger
37 min** 39 min* 25 min
42 min* 44 min*** 40 min*
*Left on charger for 2-3 hrs after green led lit.
**Left on charger for 1 hr after green led lit
***Left on charger 7 hr after green led lit
This was a pretty basic experiment. The batteries were not conditioned, but used as received.
Since the Dorcy Super 1 Watt draws about 610ma (see thread below), the batteries are somewhat over the rated 600mah capacity!
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/99485&page=3&pp=30&highlight=dorcy+super+watt
Please keep in mind that the 4.4v is probably the only recommended charger and the batteries are probably not warranted when recharged with the DSD. On the other hand, the DSD looks like it does a better job.
Sam
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