Battery Options For AA Joby Gorilla Torch

[Trek_geek]

I was looking to add some light to my bicycle commute and remembered that I had a Joby Gorilla Torch. I wrapped it around my handle bars and it did a pretty good job this morning on my bike ride to work. Tonight will be the real test when it is fully dark. The Torch uses 3 AAA.
Do I have any options for rechargable batteries? Will the lower 1.2v terminal voltage of rechargable AAAs effect the light?

I was wrong. It is a 3 AA light. Will that change the equation?

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Re: Battery Options For AAA Joby Gorilla Torch

Check your wal-mart 'Solar light' clearance for 18500-size li-ions. These are LiFePO4 cells, with a lower nominal voltage (Roughly 3.2v nominal, 3.6v peak). I have had great luck with them in 3xAAA-carrier lights. You'll need a LiFePO4-compatible charger if they work in the light.

Usually NiMHs hold voltage under load much better than alkaleaks, so you won't see much dimming.

 

[Trek_geek]

Re: Battery Options For AAA Joby Gorilla Torch

You'll need a LiFePO4-compatible charger if they work in the light.

Can I assume you are talking about a single 3.2-3.6v cell? Which would mean moding the light correct? Will it matter that the light is 3 AA not 3AAA?

 

[Trek_geek]

Re: Battery Options For AAA Joby Gorilla Torch

Any idea if I could charge those 18500 Lithium Phosphate cells with my older Maha MH-C777 Plus II Intelligent Charger & Analyzer?? It has a Lithium setting.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

Re: Battery Options For AAA Joby Gorilla Torch

There are a few chemistires. I find LiFePO4's lower voltage to be helpful in alkaline-to-lithium-ion conversions. Charging:
Unless there are two Li-Ion settings: One with higher voltage than the other... No. I'm buying another Ultrafire WF-188 because it charges both. It won't arrive for a month though :(