Rechargeable battery help for a Sunwayman V11R

[Rolex John]

OK, I ordered a V11R and apparently you can get 500 lumens out of this little light with a 16340 batter? Assuming that is correct, a few questions (sorry...I know little about rechargeables).

Is a 16340 different than a rechargeable CR123? The default battery for the VR11 is a CR123 so I'd think from a size perspective, I'd want the rechargeable version. But I keep seeing references to the 16340 battery.

Can you recommend some "forum darlings" which most everyone seems to like in terms of the correct rechargeable (brand and model)? Based on Selfbuilt's excellent review of the Nitecore i4 charger, I think I'll pick up one of those too.

Sorry for the dumb questions!

[Shadowww]

16340 is CR123-sized rechargeable Li-Ion cell, you got that right.

You would want a 500mA or lower charger (e.g. Xtar WP2 II supports that current, so does Xtar SP2), i4 has too high current for RCR123A's / 16340's.
And for cells, I'd say AW-branded ones are the best for your usage. You might even want to consider a IMR 16340, as 500 lumens sounds like 1.8A or more, which is too much for non-IMR 16340.

[Rolex John]

16340 is CR123-sized rechargeable Li-Ion cell, you got that right.

You would want a 500mA or lower charger (e.g. Xtar WP2 II supports that current, so does Xtar SP2), i4 has too high current for RCR123A's / 16340's.
And for cells, I'd say AW-branded ones are the best for your usage. You might even want to consider a IMR 16340, as 500 lumens sounds like 1.8A or more, which is too much for non-IMR 16340.

Drat - that i4 sounded like a one size fits all solution. So you'd recommend the Xtar models above? What's the difference between them?

So AW is a battery brand I should search for?

[hawk45]

Here are the specs for the i4:

Specifications:
Input voltage: AC 100~240V 50/60HZ or DC 12V
Input power: 10W
Output voltage: 4.2V ±1% / 1.48V ±1%
Output current: 375mA × 4 / 750mA × 2
Dimensions: 139mm × 96mm × 36mm
Weight: 156g (without batteries and power cord)
Compatible with:Li-ion: 26650, 22650, 18650, 17670, 18490, 17500, 17335, 16340(RCR123), 14500, 10440 Ni-MH / Ni-Cd: AA, AAA, C

[Shadowww]

Here are the specs for the i4:

Specifications:
Input voltage: AC 100~240V 50/60HZ or DC 12V
Input power: 10W
Output voltage: 4.2V ±1% / 1.48V ±1%
Output current: 375mA × 4 / 750mA × 2
Dimensions: 139mm × 96mm × 36mm
Weight: 156g (without batteries and power cord)
Compatible with:Li-ion: 26650, 22650, 18650, 17670, 18490, 17500, 17335, 16340(RCR123), 14500, 10440 Ni-MH / Ni-Cd: AA, AAA, C

Physically it is compatible with 16340's, but it's charging current of 750mA is too high for them - your 16340 cells will wear out quickly if you'll use that charger with them.

[HKJ]

Physically it is compatible with 16340's, but it's charging current of 750mA is too high for them - your 16340 cells will wear out quickly if you'll use that charger with them.

750mA is just about 1C and this is an acceptable charge current for 16340 cells.

[hawk45]

You can also split them (like with AAA's) to get a lower charge rate by using bay 1&3 or 2&4 together.

[Shadowww]

750mA is just about 1C and this is an acceptable charge current for 16340 cells.

Most 16340's are in 600 to 700mAh range, so 750mA seems to be 1.25 to 1.07C. Considering that recommended charging rate is 0.7C and lower, I'd consider this too high.

[Up All Night]

Who makes 16340's with capacities in the 600-700mAh range and where can I buy them? I can't recall seeing anyone reporting they have 16340's at 600mAh. From what I've read you should be happy if your cells see 550!

[HKJ]

Who makes 16340's with capacities in the 600-700mAh range and where can I buy them? I can't recall seeing anyone reporting they have 16340's at 600mAh. From what I've read you should be happy if your cells see 550!

The two I have tested was 615mAh and 690mAh at 100mA load.

[Ualnosaj]

The two I have tested was 615mAh and 690mAh at 100mA load.

690! You should be so lucky. How far so you test them to? We run them after 1 hour of rest off an MP2 on a CBA III. Usually about 4.15 open voltage t that point. Doing 250mA to 2.75v has only netted ~620mAh max. We've run now over 200 AW 16340 through this and certainly not broken 650mAh. I'm going to run some of the higher tested ones through at 100mA to see if it'll make anywhere near there. 690mAh is an astonishing result



________________
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[Lou Minescence]

Add the AA extender to your light and bore the extender a little you will be able to fit a 17500 rechargeable. That will double your run time over the 16340.
The picture shows a 14500 and a 17500 in the light.

[HKJ]

690! You should be so lucky. How far so you test them to? We run them after 1 hour of rest off an MP2 on a CBA III. Usually about 4.15 open voltage t that point. Doing 250mA to 2.75v has only netted ~620mAh max. We've run now over 200 AW 16340 through this and certainly not broken 650mAh. I'm going to run some of the higher tested ones through at 100mA to see if it'll make anywhere near there. 690mAh is an astonishing result

My 16340 test (and other small batteries) is at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2A, you can find all the result here or on my website. For all batteries I test two pieces, the above mAh rating is the average of the two batteries.
My test is also done after 1 hour rest (within a second or two). The charging is a CC/CV charge with 50mA termination current, you can see more about the equipment here.

I am also going to test the AW 16340.

[Ualnosaj]

My 16340 test (and other small batteries) is at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2A, you can find all the result here or on my website. For all batteries I test two pieces, the above mAh rating is the average of the two batteries.
My test is also done after 1 hour rest (within a second or two). The charging is a CC/CV charge with 50mA termination current, you can see more about the equipment here.

I am also going to test the AW 16340.

Oh I know all about your battery testing that site has been a great read. I'm just so surprised you got some super AW 16340 there! They've always been top but I've never seen by that much (personally).



________________
Sent from my mobile device. Please excuse the brevity of this message.

[Rolex John]

Add the AA extender to your light and bore the extender a little you will be able to fit a 17500 rechargeable. That will double your run time over the 16340.
The picture shows a 14500 and a 17500 in the light.

Nice thought....but quite sounds like more than I'm wanting to do right now.

[Rolex John]

Still leaning toward the i4 here for a recharger.

So the AW 16340 would be the best to get? I did a brief search and it looked as though I was finding different versions of the AW 16340 - different mAh ratings.

Would there be a best choice here for use with the V11R?

[Shadowww]

Still leaning toward the i4 here for a recharger.

Why not the WP2 II?

[HKJ]

I did a brief search and it looked as though I was finding different versions of the AW 16340 - different mAh ratings.

There is only one black AW16340/R123A, it is rated 750mAh, but has around 550mAh.

[MattSPL]

I have a couple of Yezl 16340's.
They were tested as having 706mAh capacity at 1A discharge.
And are capable of 3.2A max discharge.

I use an xtar mp2 charger. It charges at 250mA.

[Joe Talmadge]

OK, I ordered a V11R and apparently you can get 500 lumens out of this little light with a 16340 batter? Assuming that is correct, a few questions (sorry...I know little about rechargeables).

Is a 16340 different than a rechargeable CR123? The default battery for the VR11 is a CR123 so I'd think from a size perspective, I'd want the rechargeable version. But I keep seeing references to the 16340 battery. I'd personally stay away from the i4, as pointed out, you'll wear your battery unnecessarily fast if you get a (say) 600-650 mAh battery, which you probably will. Cottonpickers is the best choice IMO, and others mentioned here like the Xtar are really solid

Can you recommend some "forum darlings" which most everyone seems to like in terms of the correct rechargeable (brand and model)? Based on Selfbuilt's excellent review of the Nitecore i4 charger, I think I'll pick up one of those too.

Sorry for the dumb questions!

I continue to think we do an enormous disservice to folks who are obviously new to the technology, if we tell them what to buy without discussing the not-insignificant dangers of the technology, or simple ways to avoid those dangers. Or maybe I missed that when I skimmed the thread, in which case my bad. Far from perfect, but: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...eginner+primer

[Rolex John]

Wow....what a pain this is. I feel like I need a degree in electrical engineering just to find a battery that won't blow up up and kill me for my V11R.

There seem to be two possible choices of batteries to order from this CPF vendor thread:

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?252650

IMR 16340 $6 or - AW Protected R123A ( 750 mAH ) ----- $ 6.00 eacch

I want the protected one right?

Also with regard to chargers I'm equally confused. I don't need the fastest charger out there. I don't mind buying an extra cell or two....but I can't figure out if these chargers will charge one cell at a time or if I should buy enough cells to always have two on the charger ( three total given one is in the light). What charger are most folks buying that safely works well with the correct AW cell I need?

[ouchyfoot]

Don't let too much thread chatter confuse you. AW 16340 protected are perfect for your V11R. I just picked up an Xtar MP2 charger and I love it for 16340. It is small, inexpensive, has two bays and charges at 250 mA. It can also be plugged into USB wich is really handy.

Enjoy your V11R...I love mine.

[F. Premens]

What about 16350?

[Joe Talmadge]

IMR 16340 $6 or - AW Protected R123A ( 750 mAH ) ----- $ 6.00 eacch

My advice would be to go with the AW protected. Get the xtar or two cottonpickers if you want to charge up to two batteries at a time. Always stay in the room while the batteries are charging, take them off the charger as soon as the cycle is finished, charge on a non-flammable surface.

[bc5000]

I've got a Sunwayman V11R that will be here tomorrow. I also ordered a couple AW Protected R123's from Wonderlite. It took a week to get them. Lighthound.com also sells them and you might get them quicker depending where your at.

[Rolex John]

I've got a Sunwayman V11R that will be here tomorrow. I also ordered a couple AW Protected R123's from Wonderlite. It took a week to get them. Lighthound.com also sells them and you might get them quicker depending where your at.

Thanks for the recommendation!

[sidecross]

I continue to think we do an enormous disservice to folks who are obviously new to the technology, if we tell them what to buy without discussing the not-insignificant dangers of the technology, or simple ways to avoid those dangers. Or maybe I missed that when I skimmed the thread, in which case my bad. Far from perfect, but: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...eginner+primer

Excellent point and I agree.