Arc AAA on Ultra's??

[Rooster]

Arc AAA on Ultra\'s??

This has probably been asked before, but my search efforts have failed to turn anything up. Are Duracell Ultra's safe to use in the Arc AAA (LE)? What about NiMh? If read a few threads discussing the dangers of using rechargables due to the lower internal resistance vs. alkaline. Also remember hearing Ultra's produce around 1.7v, and may over-volt some lights. Thanks!

 

[Rothrandir]

Re: Arc AAA on Ultra\'s??

you can use anything that will fit in the arc aaa! the regulation makes this possible. all alkalines are more than 1.5, energizer lithiums are around 1.8 but the major problem with these in some lights is again, the lower internal resistance.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Re: Arc AAA on Ultra\'s??

Energizer Lithiums are too big for Arc AAA.

 

[Saaby]

Re: Arc AAA on Ultra\'s??

Rooster,

I have not heard of Duracell Ultras measuring at 1.7V, if so they probably drop down to 1.5 pretty quickly. I think you may be confusing Duracell Ultras with Energizer 1.5V lithium batteries--which are closer to 1.7V fresh and, thus, are popular in direct drive lights that can take advantage of that extra voltage for a price...the price being overdriving the LED.

The Arc AAA, however, is regulated. For this reason it should be about to handle a little overvoltage. There was some talk of running the AAA with a 2 AA body. That is 3V. Peter did tests and said it was ok, so 1.7 should be fine.

NiMh cells start out at 1.2V and go down from there. Your Arc will not be as bright but it should not harm anything. There are several people that run their AAA with NiMh and have no problems doing so. The only issue is that the design of the AAA literally crushes the battery, so your NiMh battery may wear out.

 

[Rothrandir]

Re: Arc AAA on Ultra\'s??

charles, i said some lights. i was just pointing out that lithiums have a higher voltage than other "1.5v" batteries and the current was greater.

 

[Rooster]

Re: Arc AAA on Ultra\'s??

Thanks for the info folks! According to my multimeter (Fluke 87)the Ultra I just installed today started out at 1.65v. After using my new Arc AAA LE (thanks Sunspot!) for a familarization period this evening of about 45-60 minutes, the battery tests at 1.32v. Brightness has dropped off a tad, although still quite useable. I was expecting more out of the Ultra's. I don't see the advantage of the Ultra in this application. I think I remember reading that the Duracell Ultra's were designed for higher current drain, and my not function as well as a regular alkaline cell at these lower current requirements. I know they don't last worth a damn in my pager, and that could be considered a low drain device. Mabye this is a question for the Battery Forum...

Thanks Again