Can There Be a Simpler 123 Shootout Thread?

[Liquidspaceman]

I read through the battery 123 shootout thread and I have to admit that it doesn't make much sense to me. The problem is that most of you are already very knowledgeable in amps, draw, etc. The thread makes certain assumptions that you already know about electronics and batteries and is not very newbie friendly.

I'm sure the information from the original poster is great for people "in the know" but for people like me, it makes no sense at all. To make matters worse, I noticed in threads where people asked about the "best batteries" they are always referred to that thread.

I've been to the thread and after reading through the 20 or so pages, it's not easy figuring things out. Most of what I did was "skim" through peoples reactions like, "wow, gotta get some battery station batteries" or "those duracell ultras sure are reliable." But that's not a really good way to present information.

Would be nice to see a nice graph or excel spreadsheet with a simple star rating, similar to the "Budget Flashlight" thread. That would help out newbies tremendously in trying to figure out which 123 batteries are the most reliable and have the best runtime. Something simple like:

1. Duracell Ultra - 5 stars - Reliable battery though pricey
2. Battery Station - 5 stars - Reliable and inexpensive
3. Sanyo - 5 stars - best of the bunch

I'm not demanding this of course. I am asking nicely. I would do it myself if I could decipher the readings but I am no electronics expert and really don't know much about current draws, amps, etc. I see a graph and it's like looking at a picasso painting - I just don't get it.

So if the original thread creator or a moderator or anybody who likes making spreadsheets and would mind making something like that, it would help newbies out so much. Again, I know it's work. That's why I'm asking nicely.

Thanks in advance.

 

[VidPro]

it already is, the top charts are sorted by watts.
if you think you can pick the "best" battery, pick the rate that you intend to use it at, and then pick the top one in the list , if you dont know anything about rates, then what the heck just pick anything close to the top of the lists cause its relative anyway.

if your item sucks up batteries really fast, like in 20-30min, then look at the actual graphs for the batts that tank in voltage (up and down) really fast when using high rates, if your more reasonable on the batteries then use the .5a or 1a tests instead.
Always think in same rates, if you see something having a hard time in 10A (things) then compare to others using the same 10A things , because some were tested very hard, because they/he can.

i wont speak for silverfox, the god of the tests, but i can tell you stuff changes a lot, over TIME, so you really only have to get close to something suitable and roll with it. you could even get a "fresher" cell or a different batch, or about anything and have varied results. the key is that some fall at the bottom of the pile almost everytime you test them, and some fall at the top of the pile almost everytime you test them, , , but not Always

i would be happy with anything that was on the first half of the lists, anything else is beyond the testing quantity, and is getting really pickey. look at just the variations between Same cells.
to put stars on it would be to limit the data to a movie rating, and we know how well those work

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Liquidspaceman,

One way to look at the data is to compare it to what the battery manufacturers publish.

For example, Energizer claims that their brand should give you 1500 mAh of capacity. If we generalize that accross the board, you can look at the tables and pick brands that meet, or exceed, this capacity.

Unfortunately, it is not just about capacity...

You will notice that at a 2 amp draw, none of the brands meet or exceed 1500 mAh. In this case you want to look at the voltage under load from the graph, or look at the watt hours figure.

I have actually given you a rating system. It is based on mAh, Wh, and minutes of run time. You have to decide price on your own. If that seems too complicated, pick one of the three and go with that. Bigger numbers are better.

Tom

 

[mdocod]

 

[StarHalo]

Crap, I've been using Duracells all this time, now I'm not nearly as cool as the Sanyo people..

 

[VidPro]

:thumbsup: @ Mdocod now thats a real system

 

[Marduke]

If you REALLY need a decoder ring for that thread (which is already boiled down and summarized), then lithium batteries may not be right for you....

Just a thought.

 

[Turbo Guy]

Coolness Stars Points

The best battery is the one which is fully charged,close at hand and fits , as in physical size and voltage range.


Don't feel bad about not understanding graphs. I have been trying to explain graphs for four years over on another forum and at times it seems only perhaps 2% have any idea how to read them. Miost want a simple answer which is best. As posted above best depends on the application. Some can deliver a lot of capacity (mAh) at low discharge rates but not at high rates. Some do great at high rates but deliver less capacity or do not hold a charge as well for a week or longer. Anybody play golf , I don't but I have noticed they carry a bag full of clubs. each one for a different task. Well they all move the ball but all move it differently..

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Eric,

That's great...

Tom

 

[Howecollc]

If you REALLY need a decoder ring for that thread (which is already boiled down and summarized), then lithium batteries may not be right for you....

Just a thought.

I think Marduke just resents Liquidspaceman's username.