Battery considerations - Zebralight SC600

[malocchio]

I have been looking for a LiFePO4 18650 cell for this torch,but all I find are cheap chinese brands,none of the most trusted names.Are any of the more trusted brands making a 18650 in this chemistry ?

[TyJo]

Has anybody done runtime measurements with true 3100+ mAh cells?

Funny that you ask, I have been thinking about doing this lately. I might pick up the new Zebralight Headlamp Eventually (H502w, when the "w" version is released). If I do get that headlamp I might run some tests with the SC600w on an AW 18650 3100mah. I won't do scientific tests but rather run the light for a week or more on the lowest setting and measure the battery voltage afterwards.... no promises though as it is the light I most often use around the house and I don't like running 18650s down very low.

[WmArnold1]

Fyi, I bought my SC600 about six weeks ago, with one *unprotected* Panasonic NCR-18650A; 3100 Amp-hours & 11.2 Watt-hours.

One of the first things I did, here, was to set the light on a plastic jar and clock the run-time: 5min on Turbo, 2hrs 9min on High, and stepping down, 14min on 65lu medium. I didn't use a fan or anything, and the head temperature gradually rose 61 degrees-F above ambient to 137.4 (infra-red) deg-F.

Since then; I haven't done any full-on tests from a full-charge, but, I have clocked the full-on time left before stepping-down several times; just before I recharge. Always with a desk fan, and, the head temperature doesn't rise more than 15 degrees. Anyway, the most important thing I want to post now is that I'm getting between 60 and 80 minutes of 65lu medium after stepping down from high, before stepping down again; into low. After doing this; my battery measures between 3.2 and 2.9 volts. I'm not doing this with every recharge cycle, but I'm keeping track and I will post my log after a year or so.

The bottom line is that I can always depend on having at least an hour of 65lu medium in reserve and that if I ever need more, God forbid, I probably have at least a day's worth of low modes too.

[Shadowww]

I have been looking for a LiFePO4 18650 cell for this torch,but all I find are cheap chinese brands,none of the most trusted names.Are any of the more trusted brands making a 18650 in this chemistry ?

A123Systems makes APR18650M1A cells [1100mAh; ultra-high power]
K2 Energy makes 18650E [1500mAh, low power] and 18650P [1200mAh, high power]
also Samsung makes 18650-sized 1100mAh cells, with ultra-high power capabilities.

[TEEJ]

Its a single cell light...just use a protected 18650, 3100 mAh cell, and be happy.

Remember that the protection also protects you during charging...not just in the light.

[TyJo]

Fyi, I bought my SC600 about six weeks ago, with one *unprotected* Panasonic NCR-18650A; 3100 Amp-hours & 11.2 Watt-hours.

One of the first things I did, here, was to set the light on a plastic jar and clock the run-time: 5min on Turbo, 2hrs 9min on High, and stepping down, 14min on 65lu medium. I didn't use a fan or anything, and the head temperature gradually rose 61 degrees-F above ambient to 137.4 (infra-red) deg-F.

Since then; I haven't done any full-on tests from a full-charge, but, I have clocked the full-on time left before stepping-down several times; just before I recharge. Always with a desk fan, and, the head temperature doesn't rise more than 15 degrees. Anyway, the most important thing I want to post now is that I'm getting between 60 and 80 minutes of 65lu medium after stepping down from high, before stepping down again; into low. After doing this; my battery measures between 3.2 and 2.9 volts. I'm not doing this with every recharge cycle, but I'm keeping track and I will post my log after a year or so.

The bottom line is that I can always depend on having at least an hour of 65lu medium in reserve and that if I ever need more, God forbid, I probably have at least a day's worth of low modes too.

Nice testing, thanks for the info.

[adhesivehandle]

Hi, I'm currently using XXXXFire's on my SC600 right now and I'm planning to upgrade to better quality 18650's. I was looking into picking up some better quality 18650's that are protected, but heard that some people had trouble with certain brands fitting into the light. Which batteries can you recommend that are protected that fit in SC600's?

[moozooh]

Orbtronic and AW definitely fit (I have the former, and AW's are among the shortest of all). I believe Redilast and Keeppower should fit with no problem either, otherwise we'd have heard from their owners already.

[CM2010]

I've got about 8 Keeppower 3100's and two won't go all the way into my SC600, the new Egletac 3400's fit fine tho as do the 3100's.

[justanotherguy]

I have 10 keeppowers... and I am pretty sure I havent a problem with them in the SC600's....Then again I now keep a few at work. Those go into the SC60w's I have and half of them are tight...I have to do a very firm 'palm pound' to get them out enough to grab....
Tony

[CM2010]

Just got 2 Keeppower 3400's and neither will fit into the SC600.

[flame2000]

Just got 2 Keeppower 3400's and neither will fit into the SC600.

My Keeppower 3400 arrived today. Both would not fit in my SC600 too.
My SC600 is the later version with lanyard hole. I think I gonna grab some Eagletac 3400.

[LEDburn]

That sucks about the batteries not fitting. I'm using AW 3100mah cells which all (I have 4) fit fine in my SC600w with lanyard attachment. Also fit fine in my H600Fw.

[Replay13]

Anyone with dial calipers want to measure the width of these batteries that you have. Also it would be nice to have some measurements on the ID (inter diameter) of different SC600 flashlights. If I understand right, it is the width (diameter) of some batteries that is the problem. That should help us all out in getting different battery choices that will fit. Most of the batteries that I see listed are re-wrapped Panasonic, some fit and some don't. So its either variation in the batteries or flashlights or both.

I have a SC600 on my wish list to santa, and I will be ordering batteries + charger soon too.

Thanks everyone for your time,
James

[moozooh]

If the width is the problem, firmly roll the battery against a hard surface for a few minutes. The wrapping might be overly loose or thick, so that might help flattening it; I read the method in another thread. I'm afraid it's the length that is the problem, though.

[Replay13]

I'm afraid it's the length that is the problem, though.

OK, that makes more sense if they are adding a circuit to the battery and re-wrapping it. I'm just the rookie here with no SC600 and no batteries (yet). I do have a Zebralight SC51 that I really like and I'm looking forward to its big brother! So that brings up another idea/question... if some of the batteries are a little bit too long, maybe a copper spacer washer in the end cap would make the tube that much longer and let the end cap make the contact and we could use any battery? Maybe even a steel washer, I'm not sure what the case is made of and its part of the circuit.

Wouldn't that be better then having two perfectly good expensive batteries go to waste, or am I way off again,
James

[flame2000]

If the width is the problem, firmly roll the battery against a hard surface for a few minutes. The wrapping might be overly loose or thick, so that might help flattening it; I read the method in another thread. I'm afraid it's the length that is the problem, though.

The length is not a problem. My Xtar 2600 is longer than my Keeppower 3400 visually when placed side by side and the Xtar 2600 can fit into my SC600. I have try the roll method you mentioned but the Keeppower 3400 is just a bit too fat.

For those who want to play safe, just get the Eagletac 3400 as some users had confirmed that it will fit. Or just wait for other users to update on the other 3400 batteries fit.

[cave dave]

I imagine the Zebralight brand 3100 would fit without any issues.

[Johan]

I imagine the Zebralight brand 3100 would fit without any issues.

I would imagine so. Would have purchased one in a heartbeat if they were 3400mah. Instead I purchased a Redilast 3400mah. Will test it out when it gets here.

[NCF8710]

Anyone with dial calipers want to measure the width of these batteries that you have. Also it would be nice to have some measurements on the ID (inter diameter) of different SC600 flashlights. If I understand right, it is the width (diameter) of some batteries that is the problem. That should help us all out in getting different battery choices that will fit. Most of the batteries that I see listed are re-wrapped Panasonic, some fit and some don't. So its either variation in the batteries or flashlights or both.

I have a SC600 on my wish list to santa, and I will be ordering batteries + charger soon too.

Thanks everyone for your time,
James

I'm using a Panasonic CGR 18650CH cell in my SC600 light. The OD of the two cells I have is 0.714" (18.14mm). The ID of my SC600 is 0.721" (18.31mm). The cells fit easily, but there isn't much space between the cell and the case.

[Fireclaw18]

I imagine the Zebralight brand 3100 would fit without any issues.

Yes, I received a couple 3100 mah Zebralight 18650s. They fit perfectly.

[how2]

Panasonic call them batteries

http://industrial.panasonic.com/www-...+NCR18650+7+WW

[Replay13]

Ok, my concern of battery fit is solved. Z/L had the batteries in stock so I ordered the 3100's from them when I ordered my SC600, that way I got free shipping on both. I also have the Xtar WP2 II charger on the way. Waiting for a flashlight is like waiting for night to use it!

[flame2000]

Any other 3400mAh battery that can fit into the SC600 beside the Eagletac 3400?
Keeppower 3400 is out cos they are a tiny bit too fat!

I'm waiting for feedback on other 3400 cell like the International outdoor, Xtar, Efest, Redilast.

[jerelect]

I can say I just recieved 2 3400mAh batteries made by Eagletac and both fit and work fine.

[Johan]

Any other 3400mAh battery that can fit into the SC600 beside the Eagletac 3400?
Keeppower 3400 is out cos they are a tiny bit too fat!

I'm waiting for feedback on other 3400 cell like the International outdoor, Xtar, Efest, Redilast.

My zebralight sc600 just arrived in the mail today. I had a Redilast 3400mah already charged up and waiting.

...

...

FITS GREAT!! Nice and bright!

[oeL]

To add some 18650 to the list...
Enerpower+ 3400: too thick even after removing the sticker, you risk of not getting it off any more
Enerpower+ 2900/3C: remove the sticker. Tight, but they fit and can be removed easily again.
LG ICR18650D1: fit perfectly. According to the German http://www.taschenlampen-forum.de/ze...t-sc600-2.html they provide excellent runtime. I'm just a bit scared about the cut-off voltage of 2,7 V. Might be perfect for Panasonics, but for the LGs I believe having heard of 3 V as lowest rated voltage.

Tested with the current SC600W, received yesterday directly from Zebralight :-) :-) :-)

[Mar]

3400 Dark Matter fit.

[oeL]

Could someone already verify if the AW 3400 fit?

[Badbeams3]

Eagletac 3100 and 3400 fit fine in mine as well...