Tenergy Batteries Safe for my BC-10?

[Rishi]

Hi I just registered with CPF, but I've been lurking around for the past year. I just bought a BC-10 and I can't believe how much of an upgrade it is from the Chinese flashlights I've been using for the past year. It's quite a difference and I am really enjoying the flashlight.

I was hoping I could have some experts help me out and tell me whether or not these batteries are safe for my new flashlight. I've been using the Tenergy RCR123a 3v 900mAh protected batteries with the chinese flashlights and they've worked fine, but after reading a thread reviewing the flashlight by Selfbuilt and the comments I'm not sure if these batteries are okay or whether or not they'll do long term damage. A lot of reviews on amazon have said that the battery puts out 4.2v at full charge. I'm not really sure how this affects the performance of the flashlight. Some help will definitely be appreciated.
http://www.amazon.com/Card-Tenergy-Rechargeable-Protected Batteries/dp/B002UEE7SU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

[Jerrycobra]

as far as i know tenergy is a trustable brand, i haven't heard horror stories with them before, unlike the xxxxfires that tend to go poof sometimes. the batteries you posted should work fine

[45/70]

Hi Rishi, and welcome to CPF!

I don't own a BC-10, but do run "3 Volt" rechargeable cells, both LiCo/ICR with diodes incorporated to lower the voltage closer to 3 Volts (which is what the Tenergy 900mAh "3 Volt" cells are), as well as LiFe/IFR (LiFePO₄) "3 Volt" cells.

Neither of these type cells are actually 3 volts, but run in the 3.2-3.4 Volt range when under load. I only use these cells in single 123/16340 lights, and while they often run a bit brighter, as well as warmer than when using a CR123A primary cell, they seem to be OK.

No guarantee in your BC-10 though, as JetBeam specifies only CR123A cells for this light, unlike my RRT-0 XML which will run on CR123A, RCR123/16340, or AA/14500 cells. Oddly enough, it does not run well on either type of "3 Volt" cell. It flickers annoyingly with these type cells, I assume because the driver can't determine whether the cell is a 3 Volt CR123A primary, or a "normal" 4.2 Volt Li-Ion, and as a result, the drive voltage is unstable.

And just as info, JetBeams are "Chinese lights", as well as Nightcore (a sister company, under Sysmax in Guangdong, China), along with, Olight, Fenix, TrustFire, UltraFire, XTAR, 4Seven's (a U.S company, but lights are made in China), Thrunite, Sunwayman (who'd have ever guessed!), Lumapower, as well as just about every other light mentioned on the Forums. It wasn't always this way, as CPF was started by SureFire (a U.S. company) fans/collectors, custom light builders, and modders from around the world. But, anyway, things change.

Dave

[LightCrazy]

Not sure about the cells you mentioned, but I have used Tenergy "AA" NiMH batteries for years, good results. I know Fenix states their run times are based on the Tenergy 2000 or 2200 NiMH "AA" cells. Can't remember which.

[AnAppleSnail]

I've used the lower-voltage ones in my BC-10 just fine. I swear I saw a note on their site about "It will be fine if you use 'high' modes in limited ways" including 'don't leave it on high on a table.' But I can't find it right now. The usual warnings apply:

1. It'll work.
2. It'll roar.
3. Don't overdo it.

[HighlanderNorth]

Just for your info, the Jetbeam BC-10 is also a Chinese light.

The BC-10 was my 1st light, and even though I now own many lights, the BC-10 is my EDC light. Its always in my pocket. I ruined the original lanyard that came with it, so I went on yourtube and learned how to make these super-cool box style lanyards, then bought the paracord to make them with from lighthound and made my own one that is 1/2 glow in the dark, and 1/2 OD green., with a little 10 cent glow in the dark skull from lighthound as a bead.

But anyway, I only use the CR123 batteries, no rechargeables with that light. I use rechargeable batteries for most of my other lights, but with the lights that run on 1- CR123, I use disposable/primary batteries. If you want to save $$, then go to batteryjunction and buy the Titanium Innovations CR123 batteries for $1 apiece. Thats all I use in mine. I do have some Panasonic, Surefire, and Energizer CR123's in my Pelican case, but they are more for later usage/storage, as I know they will last a long time. But the Titanium Innovations CR123 batts are great for using now, and they will probably store well for 5 years or so. Maybe longer.

The last time I changed the battery in my BC-10 was about 3 months ago, so It cost me about 1 cent per day for the battery that's in it now.

[BLUE LED]

I use AW 16340 IMR cell in my BC10, due to the high current draw. It sends the light in a huge overdrive. I only use it in short bursts. I would recommend using IMR 16340 cell.

[Rishi]

Hi Rishi, and welcome to CPF!

I don't own a BC-10, but do run "3 Volt" rechargeable cells, both LiCo/ICR with diodes incorporated to lower the voltage closer to 3 Volts (which is what the Tenergy 900mAh "3 Volt" cells are), as well as LiFe/IFR (LiFePO₄) "3 Volt" cells.

Neither of these type cells are actually 3 volts, but run in the 3.2-3.4 Volt range when under load. I only use these cells in single 123/16340 lights, and while they often run a bit brighter, as well as warmer than when using a CR123A primary cell, they seem to be OK.

No guarantee in your BC-10 though, as JetBeam specifies only CR123A cells for this light, unlike my RRT-0 XML which will run on CR123A, RCR123/16340, or AA/14500 cells. Oddly enough, it does not run well on either type of "3 Volt" cell. It flickers annoyingly with these type cells, I assume because the driver can't determine whether the cell is a 3 Volt CR123A primary, or a "normal" 4.2 Volt Li-Ion, and as a result, the drive voltage is unstable.

And just as info, JetBeams are "Chinese lights", as well as Nightcore (a sister company, under Sysmax in Guangdong, China), along with, Olight, Fenix, TrustFire, UltraFire, XTAR, 4Seven's (a U.S company, but lights are made in China), Thrunite, Sunwayman (who'd have ever guessed!), Lumapower, as well as just about every other light mentioned on the Forums. It wasn't always this way, as CPF was started by SureFire (a U.S. company) fans/collectors, custom light builders, and modders from around the world. But, anyway, things change.

Dave

Hmm thanks for the advice, I think I might change over to CR's now. So far I've been using the RCR's for about a week and they've been working fine although the first RCR I used didn't work well for whatever reason. The light would suddenly shut off after about 3-4 minutes on high, but I think it may have been because the battery was low on charge? Is that possible?

Also, I have no doubt that many of the major brands are made in China. I love how solid they are! I should have been more clear when I was referring to the Chinese flashlights. The cheaper flashlights I've been purchasing from dealextreme are off brand direct from manufacture flashlights from China and they've been either a hit or miss. The branded Chinese flashlights don't compare to their off brand cousins.

I've used the lower-voltage ones in my BC-10 just fine. I swear I saw a note on their site about "It will be fine if you use 'high' modes in limited ways" including 'don't leave it on high on a table.' But I can't find it right now. The usual warnings apply:

1. It'll work.
2. It'll roar.
3. Don't overdo it.

I can swear that I read the same thing as well, but I have no idea where. So do you only use the high mode on occasion and keep it on low for the most part? or is that a recommendation for my specific batteries.

The last time I changed the battery in my BC-10 was about 3 months ago, so It cost me about 1 cent per day for the battery that's in it now.

That's awesome I would definitely use non-rechargable CR's if they last more than a couple of weeks. How often do you use your light and on what setting? Would you be able to tell me how many minutes a day? A rough estimate maybe?

I use AW 16340 IMR cell in my BC10, due to the high current draw. It sends the light in a huge overdrive. I only use it in short bursts. I would recommend using IMR 16340 cell.

It sounds attractive, what's the output with those cells? 470 lumen?

[BLUE LED]

I think of it as 400 lumens, as it drops off rapidly. You may get around 470 lumens for a second or two.

[willydigger]

I just bought the Green label Tenergy LiFePo4 batteries for my BC10. They fit fine and the low and high both work (unlike the 3.7v RCRs). The high and low seem a little brighter, but they both function. No issues so far. Out of the package the measured 3.3v.

Here are a couple pics from my EDCF post. http://edcforums.com/threads/life-po.../#post-1375145

I got my Tenergy batteries today. Got them from Amazon through Battery Depot or something. I got the 6 pack with charger.

Box:


Contents:


Measurement:


They function fine for my BC10. The low is brighter and the high is brighter, but I expect it to be short lived. 3.3v is fine for me. They fit well in the BC10 and I'm looking forward to using them. The next test will be battery life compared to a disposable. I expect a shorter life, but we'll see.