AW rcr123 vs AW IMR123 to power malkoff m60L

[exodus125]

which one would be better? getting ready to buy some batteries and there priced the same.

 

[mdocod]

I would never suggest a configuration that could over-discharge and damage cells before you are given any noticeable dimming. So I suggest sticking to protected RCR123 cells so you get the PCB to cutoff your discharge....

That said, I think I would personally run a M60L on a 17670 instead, since it's running at a lower current than the regular M60, the voltage requirement to be in regulation would be even lower anyways, so a decent chunk of the runtime would actually be in regulation on the M60L on a 17670... I have a similar setup in a headlamp that normally calls for 2xCR123s, I run it on a single 17670 with a low VF LED and get regulated output through most of the discharge.

A single 17670 also has more stored energy than a pair of RCR123s, so it's just all around better for this application IMO.

If you could spring for an 18650 body.... then... well, you know

 

[Kestrel]

A humble +1.

Good threads are currently discussing this exact topic:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2900378
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=226590
and IMO the best CPF thread ever (at least for my interests) covers this:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=194879
_Lots_ of good stuff there.

 

[exodus125]

thanks for the info

Here is my dilemma. Someone is trading me some aw cr123's and a charger for some eneloops I have. I don't really want to spend extra cash if I can just trade. that said, if the 17670 would be better, then in the end I would have to get ANOTHER charger and more batteries. I guess I could have both...

 

[Kestrel]

Someone is trading me some aw cr123's and a charger for some eneloops I have. I don't really want to spend extra cash if I can just trade. that said, if the 17670 would be better, then in the end I would have to get ANOTHER charger and more batteries. I guess I could have both...

I for one wouldn't be interested in any of the inexpensive chargers, the Pila IBC is apparently well worth the $50, from what I've read. As long as the AW 123's are protected, they should be ok.

Me, I'd just sell the eneloops and buy the Pila IBC and some nice AW protected 17670's. Get the optimum configuration the first time and you won't have to spend more $$ later to do it.

edit: Just gave a quick scan to CPF/Marketplace - Batteries / electronics. I saw NINE cheapo 3.7v chargers in various states of selling or being withdrawn on the first page alone. I don't even recall when I last saw a Pila IBC for sale, even though they are extremely popular on CPF. That should tell you something right there.

(FYI, I gather that there are better chargers than the Pila IBC, but the Pila is relatively inexpensive, a simple one to use, and shouldn't get you into trouble, from what I've read)

 

[Black Rose]

If you are in the US there are a couple of good options for getting a Pila IBC.

Us international folks have to pay out the wazoo for shipping, that is if the company will even ship them international.