Got a Malkoff P60 drop in coming, what is the best battery to use?

[whippoorwill]

This may have been answered elsewhere, but I couldn't find anything. 18650, RCR 123 3.7 volts. what?

I would appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

[LEDAdd1ct]

This may have been answered elsewhere, but I couldn't find anything. 18650, RCR 123 3.7 volts. what?

I would appreciate any input. Thanks!

Hi, whippoorwill. Hope I can be of some help to ya!


Malkoff's drop-ins, as quoted from his site, run from 3.8 to 9 volts DC. Okay, so, what's that mean? What this means is that the drop-in will run at maximal brightness when it sees between 3.8 and 9 volts DC. This is called running regulated, and means that brightness will not diminish when above 3.8 volts. Anything above 9 volts will fry it, and I plead with you on Gene's behalf not to let let happen.

A 18650 cell is a lithium-ion cell which is approximately 18mm wide and 65mm long. Its nominal voltage is 3.6volts. This means that if you used this drop-in in a light with only one 18650 cell, the drop-in will function, but not at optimal brightness. If you had a light with two 18650 cells, one on top of the other, you would have 3.6*2, or, 7.2 volts. This would fit between 3.8 and 9 volts, and the light would run at optimal brightness until it reached 3.8 volts.

Now, your main "other" choices are in the 123A size, and that leaves both CR123A primaries and RCR123A cells. CR123A primaries are disposable, and have a nominal voltage of 3 volts per cell. Stack two of these guys one on top the other in, say, a Surefire C2, and you have 6 volts, enough to run the light in regulation. Heck, you could put the little thing in a Surefire C3 with three CR123A cells, and get nine volts. This would be the brightest and longest running option. However, as others may tell you, primaries are expensive.

The other choice is to use RCR123A cells, which, like 18650 cells, are around 3.6volts. These are lith-ion rechargeables. Stack two of these together, and you get 7.2volts, which will make Gene's drop-in happy.

I am sure others will chime in here, and add to and/or fix any mistakes I have made.

I hope that helps!

LEDAdd1ct

 

[jbviau]

Nice summary. One thing though: lithium-ion cells like the 18650 or 17670 come off the charger at around 4.2v, no? Given that, I think you should expect some period, however brief, of regulated full brightness using one of these cells before the voltage drops below the 3.8v cut-off and the light starts to run "direct drive."

No one really knows for sure, not even Gene (I've asked him). I've been tempted to send my Malkoff to Chevrofreak or Quickbeam so that they can do a runtime plot with different battery configurations. A lot of people want to know how the Malkoff performs!

Anecdotally, with a fresh 17670 in my G2, I can't see any difference in the Malkoff's brightness as compared to 2xCR123As.

 

[whippoorwill]

I think that I will probably use 3.0v RCR 123's to begin with. See how that works. They should do fine. Can't wait to get that puppy fired up. The Malkoff drop in has really been built up on this forum so my expectations are pretty high.

 

[LEDAdd1ct]

Sounds like a good, frugal choice! Let us know how it works for ya!

LEDAdd1ct

 

[NotRegulated]

One of the nice things about these modules is that you can choose to power it one of several different ways. 2xR123's, 17670, 18650, 2x18500, 2 or 3 primary 123's, etc.

 

[Sgt. LED]

Lucky *******! One day I'll get one, maybe one of his new "utility" model drop-in's when he gets them going?

 

[whippoorwill]

Lucky *******! One day I'll get one, maybe one of his new "utility" model drop-in's when he gets them going?

I guess I must be lucky! It came in today and holy s*** is it bright! I held out a long time and I am here to tell you it is worth it!

Hold out. It is worth it. I don't know about some of the other drop ins out there, but if they are better than this ..........WOW!

 

[ElectronGuru]

Extra notes

1) There are two kinds of rechargeable 123, the normal 3.7 volt kind and the 3.0 volt kind. Elsewhere on CPF is a description on how the 3.0's use a voltage restrictor that is not well suited for flashlight use. Get a 3.7 volt AW RCR123a (750 mAh) for 2 cell equivalent lights.

2) Also consider 3 cell equivalent lights. I love my 9P with a full strength Malkoff and a pair of 3.7 volt AW 17500's. They're light weight, fit with even less movement than the 123's, and with (1100 mAh), [theoretically] offers 46% more life per charge.

 

[roymail]

SGT. LED
One day I'll get one, maybe one of his new "utility" model drop-in's when he gets them going?

Hey Sgt. if you don't mind my asking, could you tell us a little more about this "new utility model drop-in" you mentioned? Guess I miss that somehow... :huh:

whippoorwill, my apology for jumping in on your thread with this question. Regarding the M60, I'd recommend using either AW RCR123's or primaries unless you have a host that will accomodate 2 x 17500's or 9v primaries.

 

[Chrontius]

I'm running mine on Duracell clearance cells, and don't have any firsthand experience with them but I should point out the new 3.2 volt RCR123a cells using lithium iron phosphate chemistry. They have the advantage of not being nearly so explosive as 3.7 volt cells, and don't use a voltage step-down circuit like most 3.0 volt R123s. The only real downside is they need a new charger, but if they're your first pair, that's not so much of an issue.

Lucky *******! One day I'll get one, maybe one of his new "utility" model drop-in's when he gets them going?

Utility what now?

 

[Rinspeed]

The Malkoff drop in has really been built up on this forum so my expectations are pretty high.

I'm quite certain you will not be disappointed. I like the P60 I bought for my 6Z so much I'm going to get one of the P60Ls for my Surefire 6P very soon. Very helpful post LEDAdd1ct, I'm still learning about the rechargeables and will most likely switch to those when my supply of CR123As are gone.

 

[270winchester]

the 3.7 R123s work fine in it, I use two of them in a 6p, works like a charm.

 

[Ninjaz7]

I need a good rechargeable setup for my m60,someone recommend a 4 batt setup with charger please(link to it if you can).Many thanks:twothumbs.

 

[roymail]

We need to know what host you're using?

 

[Ninjaz7]

That would be a c2 surefire(using primary cr123 right now)...looking for highest output as well as longevity....thanks:thumbsup:.

 

[roymail]

An SF A19 cell extender or one of these (black or natural) with your C2 will allow you to use 2 x 17500's. Recommend that you use protected AW's 17500's. An UltraFire charger can also be purchased from AW.

Additionally, I'd recommend getting an Malkoff M60 drop-in although BOG, WE, Dereelight are good options. That should just about do it.

 

[Ninjaz7]

Very nice:thumbsup:...thanks for taking the time Roymail.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I like the P60 I bought for my 6Z so much I'm going to get one of the P60Ls for my Surefire 6P very soon.

Why not hold out for the P61L? Sure as heck, I am! :thumbsup:

 

[Force Attuned]

Why not hold out for the P61L? Sure as heck, I am! :thumbsup:

Don't mean to run off topic, however...
Is there an official release date on the P61L's??
How about runtimes??
Links??