Best rechargeable 123s?

[npkeith]

I tried searching the forum, but I got way to many hits to figure this out.

I'm planning on getting a P3D Q5, and I'd like to use rechargeable 123s in it. Fenix tactical is selling a Tenergy charger and 4 batteries, which would work well (2 in play, 2 charging etc.) I've never heard of Tenergy. Are they any good? They claim 900 mAh. What would you recommend? I know I can use primaries, and will get better run times, but I can't in good conscience throw that many lithiums away, plus they are expensive as heck (I know I can get them for a buck per in bulk, but still....)
*edit*
poking around on the Tenergy battery website, they make a LiMnO2 (Lithium-Manganese oxide?) battery in a cr123 that claims 1800mAh! Cut and paste (with edit)
What about these?
http://www.tenergybattery.com/index...ategory_id=13&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27 (near the bottom of the first table)
I'd like to use a single cell Li-Ion, but I understand the P3D won't take an 18650, and I don't know what else will substitute.

Recommendations please.

-Keith

 

[mdocod]

that LiMn02 cell is not the type of cell you are thinking. For one thing, they are not rechargeable, and for another, it is not designed for high current applications, those would be the type of battery you put in computer or something for it to remember the date when the power goes out. Or some other application needing a long standby life and low current when needed.

edit in: If you plan on using li-ion rechargables in a flashlight, I would suggest finding an alternative to the fenix, as they are really geared for use with primaries. You'd be better served picking up a light that supports a single 18650 sized li-ion cell, that has a buck/boost circuit for flat output. Something like a Tiablo A8.

 

[npkeith]

that LiMn02 cell is not the type of cell you are thinking. For one thing, they are not rechargeable, and for another, it is not designed for high current applications, those would be the type of battery you put in computer or something for it to remember the date when the power goes out. Or some other application needing a long standby life and low current when needed.

Drat.

edit in: If you plan on using li-ion rechargables in a flashlight, I would suggest finding an alternative to the fenix, as they are really geared for use with primaries. You'd be better served picking up a light that supports a single 18650 sized li-ion cell, that has a buck/boost circuit for flat output. Something like a Tiablo A8.

I know the P2D doesn't play well with rechargeables, but I thought the P3D was acceptable. I would love a Tiabolo A8 (or A9), or a Wolf-Eyes defender, or a Novatac 120p. can't afford them. Also, looking for an EDC, that kinda rules out the first two. Probably can't afford the P3D, but at least its a little closer to do-able....
-Keith

 

[mdocod]

As I understand, most people who want rechargability in their P3D are using the 3.0V (voltage regulated) variety of RCR123s (edit in: but please double check on this, if the P3D is compatible with standard 3.7V that would be ideal, but I don't believe that it is)... if you absolutely had to go that route, I guess I would suggest a LiFeP04 3.0V li-ion cell, mainly because they are a safe chemistry that will not vent violently if something goes wrong. Just make absolute sure to get the correct charger for this type of cell. Being both voltage regulated and a off-the-beaten path chemistry means it requires a very specific charger type, Might contact BatteryJunction, they can get you a "kit" put together with cells and charger.

 

[john2551]

Keith,

I've have those Tenergy cells that you mentioned: http://batteryjunction.com/rc390reliba.html They work fine in all my cr123a lights. The runtime for me is sufficient. But when the battery goes low the light shuts off abruptly without warning, when the primary cr123a cells go low & the lights get dim, then goes out.

 

[NoFair]

The P3D is safe with 2 normal Li-ion R123s. I think David said the curcuit would accept at least 12V...
The P3D is the only one that works well with Li-ions.

I think they sell AW's cells in the Fenix-store. They are good cells. He also sells different chargers. I would send of a question about this to the store and see what they say. They have great customer service:thumbsup:

Sverre

 

[kurni]

+1 AW cells; I'm a happy customer.

 

[mdocod]

I wasn't sure if the P3D could accept the higher voltage, considering that it can, I would highly recommend the standard 3.7V li-ion cells with protection, AWs are probably the best route to go.

 

[Bushman5]

As I understand, most people who want rechargability in their P3D are using the 3.0V (voltage regulated) variety of RCR123s (edit in: but please double check on this, if the P3D is compatible with standard 3.7V that would be ideal, but I don't believe that it is)..

what about the P1D? i'm using 3.6 v RCR123's in it, the seller said rechargables were fine to use int he P1D... are nthey not?

 

[ltiu]

I have a Fenix P3D Q5. I use AW RCR123 with no issues so far, after 2 weeks of continues camping/night use of about 1 to 3 hours a night.

Fenix Store sells AW RCR123's. They also sell the charger that goes with it.

 

[RGB_LED]

I also use use AW's 2xCR123 Li-Ion 750mAh rechargeables in my P3D-CE without any issues.

Fyi, all modes work and I also did an informal runtime test with the batteries and managed 1 hr, 31 minutes in Turbo mode on freshly charged (and rested) batteries. Upon reaching 1 hr, 31 min, the light switched to PWM and abruptly shut off. Turning the light back on and switching to the Low, Medium or High mode seems to yield some additional runtime but I didn't go that far with my test.

Btw, I also tried running a 17670 in the Fenix P3D-CE and only managed about 19 minutes in Turbo mode before the PWM kicked in. Looks like they weren't kidding when they said 17670's weren't meant to be used with the light.

 

[RGB_LED]

what about the P1D? i'm using 3.6 v RCR123's in it, the seller said rechargables were fine to use int he P1D... are nthey not?

I use AW LiFePO4 3.0v 500mAh RCR123's and all modes work fine. :twothumbs

I also tried using 3.7v 750mAh RCR123's but the light only works in Turbo mode.

 

[moldyoldy]

I have used the 3.0v RCR123 cells from AW, Lighthound, and BatterySpace w/o problem in the P1D-xx thru the P3D lights. Actually the 3.7v RCR123 cells in the P3D run the longest and all light output modes are still present. The Batteryspace RCR123 cells have nicely fit every light I have whereas some of the RCR123 cells are really tight due to the strap from one terminal going along the body to provid a low voltage cutoff feature.

 

[flashmenow]

Hi all. Has anyone done a discharge study on the Solarforce RCR123's ? I happened to be placing a order and included a few of them. Rated at 880mAh. They are noticeably longer and thicker then the AW rated at 750mAh. I have no way other then run times to tell the true capacity. And indeed they out run the AW's . So wondering if another with the equipment has done a capacity test ?


As for fitting in all my lights , so far so good.