Right now I am using orange and white batteries which say:
Powerizer professional for digital camera
3.0V-RCR123A
Rechargable Li-Ion battery
RCR123A 3.0V 680mAh
These seem to recharge fine in the charger I have, and the runtime seems fine (though I have not timed it). I usually change out the battery about once a month or so.
Just want to get more that work the same, or more that will work even better yet still work with my existing charger (I don't remember the make of my charger at the moment, but I'll check when I get home).
Also still planning to get an Eagle-Tac P10C2. Hoping the batteries I use in the P1D will work well in the P10C2.
The industry does a lousy job of keeping consumer informed about what they own and what it does and how it works. Unfortunately, all of this is very relevant for ANYone who has dipped their toes into the realm of loose cell li-ion rechargeable options.
The thread was opened asking about where to buy RCR123s.
The problem is, as it stands right now, there are no less than 4 cell types available in this size that are rechargeable, and there are 3 different charging requirements within those 4 types of cells.
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The powerizers you have, are 3.7V (LiCo) cells that contain a diode at the top of the cell to buck down the output voltage to about 3.2V working. (roughly). They are not protected cells, and can be over-discharged and damaged severely by a light like P1D that can stay running bright all the way down to about 1V input. Recharging a cell that has been repeatedly discharged below ~3V loaded, is a recipe for disaster. So first I must ask: Have you ever run these cells down to the point that you could see dimming? If so: How many times? Do you own a multi-meter that you can check the voltage of the cells with?
The charger included with these types of cells will have a charge termination around 4.4V. Using the charger included with these cells on any other type of li-ion cell, is a good way to either totally ruin a cell, or cause an explosion. If you are intended on getting 3.7V cells for a different flashlight in the future. You MUST buy an appropriate charger for those cells.
You can get more of those same cells from batteryspace (dot com). And you can use them on the charger you already own.
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LiFePO4 cells are not really 3.0V cells, they are technically 3.2V cells, like the powerizer cells above, they contain no internal protection against over-discharge, however, this chemistry is safe (does not generate it's own oxygen during thermal runaway), and is just more abuse tolerant all around. These are what I recommend for use in P1D and P2D flashlights, even though runtime totally blows chunks. These are safer and more reliable IMO than the voltage regulated style of 3.0V RCR123. They require a charger with a charge termination around 3.6-3.8V, so again, a special charger.
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regular 3.7V (LiCo) RCR123s are available in both protected and unprotected, you will want protected cells, and I recommend AW brand for best fit and quality for use in lights that run at lower drain rates (most LED lights). These cells have been used by many CPFers with good results. Requires a charger with charge termination at 4.20V.
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IMR16340 is also a 3.7V cell, with a charge termination of 4.20V like the regular 3.7V cell. They are based on a LiMn chemistry and are safer than LiCo and can handle more demanding drain rates (good for higher power incan setups). These cells are not protected, so it is up to the user to terminate the discharge before over-discharge occurs, these cells will suffer from reduced cycle life and performance if repeatedly over-discharged or abused, but are not likely to become dangerous.
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Eric
