"Energizer Lithium" batteries in the new 2017 Petzl Tikka Classic?

[OldmanRon]

Hi Guys,


I think that I am the only person in Canada with a new Petzl Tikka Classic (unregulated), which arrived from Calgary on Jan 2nd after I ordered it online from Mountain Equipment Co-op around Dec 28th. I immediately tried to order another one but MEC said to me (in a personal email from a human) and posted online that there were NONE in Canada yet. Go figure.


Anyway, it was -37 yesterday here alongside the Continental Divide. I bought this headlamp to keep in my car's emergency kit, and would like to use basic AAA Energizer Lithium (non-rechargeable, available at huge cost at the local Home Hardware) batteries because of their cold-weather ability.


Hours and hours on the Internet, and I still have been unable to find an answer. Can some electrical whiz please tell me if it is acceptable to use those batteries in my spiffy new headlamp? The available info only mentions NiMH (as in AAA Eneloops) as an alternative to the enclosed summer-spec great Duracell AAA alkalines.

Many thanks!

Ron

 

[nbp]

What's the acceptable voltage range for the headlamp? Lithiums are 1.5v and NiMHs and Alkies are 1.2v.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Without circuit info or having the headlamp to test using a power supply and meter there is no way of knowing but if it takes 3AAA there is a good chance it has circuitry that can handle the extra voltage. I would email Petzl themselves if you can and ask them.

 

[OldmanRon]

What's the acceptable voltage range for the headlamp? Lithiums are 1.5v and NiMHs and Alkies are 1.2v.

Thanks for asking. I have no idea ... it's such a new model that there is very little info. I'll go look again. Here's the start of the trail ...

h??ps://www.petzl.com/CA/en/Sport/New/TIKKA#.WHV4FrEZOis

 

[OldmanRon]

Without circuit info or having the headlamp to test using a power supply and meter there is no way of knowing but if it takes 3AAA there is a good chance it has circuitry that can handle the extra voltage. I would email Petzl themselves if you can and ask them.

Actually, I just did. The text (to a contact box on one of their websites) was very similar to this post. And yes, it does take 3AAA. Thanks.

Here's a link ... h??ps://www.petzl.com/CA/en/Sport/New/TIKKA#.WHV4FrEZOis

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Actually, I just did. The text (to a contact box on one of their websites) was very similar to this post. And yes, it does take 3AAA. Thanks.

Here's a link ... h??ps://www.petzl.com/CA/en/Sport/New/TIKKA#.WHV4FrEZOis

Unless it is direct drive or resistored (no linear regulator or buck circuit) I'm guessing it should work ok. One thing you could do as a "test" if you have an ammeter measure the current on high from the batteries (alkaline, nimh) and then take 2 alkalines and one energizer lithium and compare the numbers. If it has a buck circuit it may be lower current on the alkalines and even lower on the combination alkaline/lithium but if it is higher current on the higher voltages it may be a problem as you could overdrive the LED and circuitry excessively heating them up or worse. If it looks ok with 1 lithium + 2 alkalines try 2 lithium + 1 alkaline battery this should be slightly more voltage (about 0.3v nominal) if this looks ok then most likely 3 lithiums is ok.

 

[OldmanRon]

Lynx Arc,

Thanks. I would give that a try, but I don't have an ammeter. 🙂

Ron in Alberta

 

[OldmanRon]

Well, I'll be damned! In less than a day I just now (10:56 am) have an email response from Kyle at Petzl USA in Salt Lake City. My email to him yesterday was basically identical to the #1 Post (above) that started this thread. I am impressed. 🙂

Hi Ron,

Thanks for reaching out. Glad to hear you got your hands on one of the new Tikkas. They are officially launching next week so you should see them becoming more available soon.


You will be able to use those batteries that you mentioned above. It is compatible with any AAA batteries.


Let us know if you have any more questions.


Thanks!


Cheers,

Petzl - Customer Sales & Support - Sport Specialist

​

 

[Lynx_Arc]

One thing I've noticed about lithium AAs is that unlike alkalines when they reach the end of their use the voltage drops rather quickly compared to alkalines which will on non regulated lights (typically 3AAAs) instead of slowly dimming to nothing they dim quickly and then start blinking or go dead on you on some lights (not all). Nimh does similarly on the same devices. It is the fact that these battery chemistries have lower cell resistance and don't sag anywhere near as much even when nearly depleted they can put out more current than alkalines. I don't know how your headlamp will operate using them YMMV but thought I would warn you so if it starts to act weird unexpectedly it could be the batteries are about dead.

 

[OldmanRon]

One thing I've noticed about lithium AAs is that unlike alkalines when they reach the end of their use the voltage drops rather quickly compared to alkalines which will on non regulated lights (typically 3AAAs) instead of slowly dimming to nothing they dim quickly and then start blinking or go dead on you on some lights (not all). Nimh does similarly on the same devices. It is the fact that these battery chemistries have lower cell resistance and don't sag anywhere near as much even when nearly depleted they can put out more current than alkalines. I don't know how your headlamp will operate using them YMMV but thought I would warn you so if it starts to act weird unexpectedly it could be the batteries are about dead.

Hey Lynx,

Yes, I think remember reading that (or seeing it on a comparative line graph) somewhere in the last few days. I'm not concerned about a sudden drop-off at the end ... I just want to be able to change a tire at night when it's -30 and blowing hard. I'll just keep three spares (which I just added to today's shopping list 20 minutes ago) plus a back-up Fenix E12 in my warm pocket.

That was some impressive service from Petzl, eh? I phoned Buddy this morning (his phone number was in his sig line) and thanked him personally.

I'll return here to post any interesting "developments" after I start using the lithiums in the new Tikka.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Good planning.... Even with headlamps it is always wise to have a backup light on hand especially with lights that can leave you suddenly in the dark. I've emailed several light manufacturers over the last 20+ years and most of the non battery maker ones are fairly helpful, some even give you free parts and even free lights. I'm not personally familiar with Petzl though all I can say about them is I haven't heard any bad reports of them and their products overall which these days is a good thing.