FENIX P3D Q5 Batteries

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crofty

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Aug 12, 2008
Messages
151
Location
West Midlands, England
Hi all,

Got a FENIX P3D Q5 from The Photon Shop and now need batteries. It`s used at 120 lumens for 10-15 mins a day plus whenever else it`s needed.

I`d prefer rechargeables so need a charger aswell but don`t want to be swaping out dead batteries all the time so if primarys will last longer that would be a better route.

Recomendations please :)

Thanks
crofty
 
Hi Crofty, :welcome:. That RCR123 / charger package should be fine for the P3D-Q5 - I have the exact same charger (known also as the WF-138) and it's sold under different names by other retailers.

You can also try AW's 3.7v RCR123 750mAh batteries as they are well-respected here (I also use various AW cells including RCR123, 14500, 17670, 18650, etc.)... you can purchase them from lighthound.com, 4sevens.com or from AW directly in his CPF MarketPlace thread here: http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=180449... the thread is his battery thread and he doesn't have the WF-138 listed but you can pm him and I'm sure he will let you know the cost.

AW's cells seem to be the most highly-regarded but there are also many Users who also support Tenergy cells so you should be fine with those as well.

I notice that Photon is in the UK so I'm assuming that's where you live - if so, then the determing factor may be the shipping costs as I understand that shipping from the US / Far East to UK may be costly. You can check the costs on the various sites I listed above and see what the best deal is for you.

Good luck!
 
The P3D electronics can handle the higher input voltage of 2x3.7V cells just fine, so that's your best bet as 3.7V cells will have the best available watt-hour capacity compared with "3.0V" li-ion RCR123s.

Go with AW or BatteryStation brand 3.7V protected RCR123s. As for your charger, if you think you might be expanding into more li-ion powered flashlights in the future go ahead and get it out of the way now and just spring for a Pila IBC.

Eric
 
Thanks guys, think I`ll go with the 3.7v AW's and the Pila is tempting because apparently it cuts of charge completely instead of just switching to trickle.

Is the Pila OK for 123`s though, I read here that Pila recomend against charging them with it, or is that just with low quality batts?

EDIT:
Looks like it`ll be ok.
 
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Yea it'll be OK, it's pushing around a 1C charge rate on RCR123s, it's a little high, but not dangerously so. The IBC has good termination and proper CC/CV charge methods and will be healthier for the cell than even the slower rates of a cheaper charger that doesn't charge with the proper charging algorithms.

Eric
 
Flashlightz.com sells it for $36.65, you can ask if they do international shipping.

Pilatorch.com or Pila-usa.com is another place you can ask as well. I believe there was a French (or Belgian?) site that sells Pilas, I forgot the address though. I'll post it if I find it.

Found it! It's in France:

http://www.neolumen.eu/products/products.htm
I couldn't find the price for the IBC Charger, you can try contacting them. Hopefully they carry it. I figure it would be cheaper for you anyways because it's right across the channel...
 
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Flashlightz replyed quick but they only deliver to the lower 48 states in the U.S :/

Tried the rest plus a few other places all a no go, Arg.

secure4me.net is the only option.. fingers crossed they don`t make it a non option by wanting silly amounts for shipping.
 
You might just settle for a WF-139...

Over in this thread, I think we are developing some sort of conclusive ideas about the WF-139,

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=205036

I would appear that there was a design change at some point along the way, and the newer ones may not have the trickle-charge problem that the older ones did. If this turns out to be true, then I could more comfortably recommend the newer WF-139 charger. It's still not a perfect charger and lacks a proper constant-voltage stage for charging, but at the same time, it would possibly be better than no charger and no opportunity to use li-ion cells.

The problem with primaries IMO, is that you always have the problem of feeling guilty about using up the last of the cells available juice, and when you suspect that they are running low, you are forced to bring along replacements. With li-ion, you can always know you are starting the day with a full charge, no guilt.

Eric
 
mdocod, interesting about the WF-139 developments. I could probably settle for one now, will keep an eye on that thread for a bit.
True about the primairies, for me there`s extra guilty with sending them to landfill too.

Marduke, It`s the pila I`m trying to get my hands on. The AW`s I can get localy, thanks though.
 
Did you try Pilatorch.com?

I have a great idea, try the CPF Marketplace. There are folks there who are willing to ship internationally.:twothumbs
 
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Yeah I did and they replied early this morning, at first they would only sell me a charger with some Pila batteries. So I lied and said I already have some and they cautiously agreed to sell me a charger without batteries. Wohoo :)

I`m trying to negotiate on price and waiting for a reply atm.
 
Just be careful about what you post, Pila could be watching CPF...:whistle:

I'm glad it all worked out. Hopefully you'll get it soon!:popcorn:
 
Well still no reply from Pila, maybe I should of agreed to pay the $50 + shipping from Hong Kong they were asking, instead of try to haggle :/

Can`t be bothered anymore, going to get the WF-139 for now and keep my eyes open for a Pila.

Ha first time I`ve tried to buy something and failed.

One day Pila IBC, you will be mine muwwahahahaaaa :)


Learning more and more from here by the day. Big thanks to all of you for your coments and help.
 
$50 + shipping sounds about right, FWIW it's not a bad deal. Just to let you know flashlight companies don't negotiate on prices...:crazy::thinking:

You should take it!:)
 
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