Going Rechargeable with my CR123 lights

[nksmfamjp]

I have 3 CR123 lights:
Nightcore EX10
Surefire G2
Streamlight M3 weapon light

I would like to find RCR123 batteries I ccan use with all three. Right now, I am thinking the AW RCR123's and the Ultra charger. or, would it be better to use the safer chemistry LiFePO4 cells and their charger. Does that sound like they will fit, function, perform, etc? Which is the better choice and why? Can one of the 2 chargers charge both types if it is better to use one type for incan and the other for LED?

 

[StarHalo]

The Nitecore can use AW's 3.7 volt RCRs, the most popular/safest charger for these cells is the Pila IBC: http://store.bugoutgearusa.com/bach.html

The other two aren't designed to accept 3.7 volt cells, so you could only use LiFePOs in those.

 

[nksmfamjp]

In this thread AW is reccomending the above charger for the R123A cells. Do I have that right?

 

[StarHalo]

He's recommending the chargers he is selling - cheaper chargers will continue to trickle charge after the battery has reached it's nominal/"full" voltage, so if you're not there right away to remove the cell from the charger, it will slowly become damaged over time, and given long enough will simply explode; a very easy way to initiate a chemical/house fire.

The Pila IBC charger is a "smart" charger, that knows to stop charging at the nominal voltage and do nothing thereafter; you can leave your cells on this charger when you're busy/away and remove them at your convenience.

Regardless of which you buy, be sure that you are sufficiently versed on the dangers regarding Li-Ion cells and the procedures needed for their safe handling.

 

[Black Rose]

The Pila IBC charger is a "smart" charger, that knows to stop charging at the nominal voltage and do nothing thereafter; you can leave your cells on this charger when you're busy/away and remove them at your convenience.

Does the Pila IBC handle LiFePO4 cells properly?

 

[mdocod]

don't bother with the LiFePO4 cells in the other lights.

The G2 is pretty simple. Use a pair of either protected 3.7V AW RCR123s, or a pair of IMR16340s, or a single 3.7V protected 17670. You'll use a "9V"[~7.4V] lamp assembly instead of the stock P60 for 2xRCR123s, or a 3.7V lamp assembly if you want to go with the single 17670 cell. You have many options out there, some really bright, some in the middle, some a little more conservative. I would suggest the IMR16340 cells in that application for best incandescent performance, (they have flatter discharge characteristics than regular RCR123s at these drain rates and will last many more cycles if treated correctly).

The Streamlight M3 appears to be a gun-mount version of the scorpion, but I'm not sure if the bulb assembly is the same. The scorpion, along with many other handheld streamlights use T1.5 size bi-pin lamps, if the M3 follows suit here, then you could easily swap to either a 3.7V bulb from a strion for use with a 17670, or a "9V" lamp bulb from a TL-3, or a Carley1499, or possibly even an FM1794 if you could get your hands on one (the 1499 and 1794 should only be used with IMR16340 cells for safety reasons).

To get "up to speed" on the ins-and-outs of these types of popular conversions for CR123 powered tactical flashlights, I ask that you read the guide linked in my signature below. (li-ion/incan guide compatibility chart) You will find plenty of options for your G2 there.

Also keep in mind that the G2 could be converted to an LED module, many are compatible with wider input voltage ranges. An aluminum bezel would be required if you wanted to go with one of the hotter configurations there.

-Eric

 

[StarHalo]

Does the Pila IBC handle LiFePO4 cells properly?

Not that I'm aware of, you'd need a charger for each type of battery. I like Mdocod's suggestions better though :thumbsup: