18650 v (2)CR123s v (2)RCR123s

[Frank A.]

Hi all.

I have a Tiablo A9 and a Fenix TK11. Both can run on (1)18650, (2)CR123 primary batts or (2)RCR123s. Other than cost, can someone explain to me the advantages and disadvantages of each battery configuration, especially as it relates to brightness, runtime and safety. Thanks in advance! :twothumbs

Regards,
Frank A.

 

[dradee1]

I would like to know aswell, anyone care to enlighten?

 

[etc]

The runtime should be best ---> worst ranging for the items you listed.

With 123s, you have to have a recharg. solution, otherwise will spend $1,000 per year in cells given extensive usage.

I go with Li-Ion, 18500 and 18650 not RCR123 which have really poor capacity.

 

[rantanplan]

18650 - lots of energy (3,7V x 2000mAh = 7,4Wh), but most lights (like the TK11) doesn´t regulate on them: you get a light that runs for a very long time (2+ hours), but the output is not constant, it´s diminishing slowly. Only lights that are specificly designed for "3,7V only" (Jetbeam III Pro, ST,...) provide max. power over the runtime.

RCR123 (LIR16430) - rechargeable batteries that provide full output over its runtime, but capacity is limited (2 x 3,7V x 500mAh = 3,7Wh), so a TK11 will run for about 40(?) minutes. With protected batteries, it will shut down without a warning then. Get at least two pairs and a set of CR123A primaries as backup and you should be fine in everyday use ...

CR123A - primary battery with good enery storage (2 x 3,0V x 1300mAh = 6,6Wh), IMHO a good backup when the rechargeables are empty or you don´t have the chance to reload rechargeables.

Safety should be different. Protected 18650 are safest because only one battery is used, but the 2-cell configurations shouldn´t be any more dangeroures. Using cheap CR123 that are uneven discharged is the biggest "risk" (imho).

 

[DHart]

Protected 18650 are safest...

Pardon my ignorance, but what does "protected" mean? Are some 18650 batteries "protected" and some not? Thank you for the info.

 

[dezertdog]

Pardon my ignorance, but what does "protected" mean? Are some 18650 batteries "protected" and some not? Thank you for the info.

Regarding protected cell vs non-protected, this page has lots of information:

http://www.lighthound.com/Rechargea...n-Batteries--Lithium-Ion-Battery_ep_36-1.html

 

[DHart]

dezert... wow, great stuff; thank you! I'm off to study.

 

[dezertdog]

dezert... wow, great stuff; thank you! I'm off to study.

There is a lot there, but this is the important part:

"The primary difference between the Protected and Unprotected batteries is that the protected batteries have a small circuit board, typically on the bottom of the battery, that stops the charging or discharge of the battery in certain circumstances. Some of the circumstances include: Over-Charge, Over-Discharge, Short-Circuit, and in some cases, overheating."

 

[mdocod]

rantanplan,

A+

 

[DHart]

mdocod... I'm also working on studying your links... so much incredible information here. This is fascinating and so rich! Thanks for all the effort and time you all have put into this sharing. We newbies are so fortunate to have these resources.