CR123 Holder / Case for dead batteries with LED

[reviewum]

My brother said he saw a box that holds up to 12 CR123 batteries and draws the rest of the juice into an LED. I remember seeing something like this in a link from CPF, but can't find it after hours of searching... any ideas?

If I can't find it I'll just have to make something out of Doug Owen's WorldTorch circuit ( www.WorldTorch.com)... in fact, maybe this is the best way to go... does anybody know where to buy battery clips / holders for CR123 batteries?

Thanks!

 

[xochi]

I think you are referring to the surefire hurricane lamp. Check surefire.com. They had a deal going on where it came full of 123's and was like 20.00 if I remember correctly.

 

[xochi]

Hey, that worldtorch thing sounds like a real good cause. Thanks for the link.

 

[reviewum]

Thanks xochi. I went to their site, but can't find it. I looked at the accessories page and see a picture, but only links to the bulb:

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/pgrfnbr/272/sesent/00

RE: worldtorch. Yeah, it is a great project and a super good cause! The circuit is pretty cool too. Super efficient! This is the same circuit Doug Owen used in the first version of the milky candle, and works great for all kinds of applications.

I think I'll probably just stick with the worldtorch circuit and make my own light. My only problem now is to find a battery holder / clip for CR123 batteries. Any suggestions? I guess I could use PVC if all else fails!

 

[daloosh]

I recall that SF ran out of those hurricane lamps about two months ago. They were clearing them out, I suppose because they no longer needed an excuse to sell batteries, and do so openly now.

I also recall John selling them on ebay, for under ten bucks. The light draws on two batts at a time, and is pretty weak. It makes a good compact holder for a dozen batteries, but isn't waterproof like the Spares Carriers are.

As for me, I'm waiting on a Milky Candle.

daloosh

 

[RussH]

The CR123As are A size (diameter) except shorter. This is close enough that you could adapt a AA holder (AA=14.5mm, A=17mm?). I have a metal 4xAA holder that I believe I bought surplus from Goldmine, however it is a common accessory. Look at Mouser, Digikey or Newark & see what you can find. I'm using mine to hold one A size 4.5v for testing LEDs. I had to spread it for both diameter & length, but the actual 'holder' grips the sides of the battery. There are also one battery holders for computer backup that used to be avaliable for 123s or similar batteries.

 

[reviewum]

Hmmm... interesting, maybe I'll give that a try!

 

[Doug Owen]

Rob,

What you're looking for is a '2/3 A holder', Digikey sells 3. Start with "BH2/3A".

Doug Owen

 

[reviewum]

Great! Thanks Doug.