Help me buy Batteries for my new M1

[heliyardsale]

I just ordered an M1 from Lumapower, can you M1 owners recommend a good source and model of rechargeable batteries for this new light?? I was thinking rcr 123A's hopefully I can use them in my other 123a lights too....

Thanks,
Heli

 

[MattK]

I've been playing with them with protected 18650's for the last day and it seem to be a fantastic match. 3.0V protected RCR123A's work just as well as the battery tube is generously sized. For the 18650 I did need the add one of those screws that cones in the accessory bag.

 

[T4R06]

im using LG 18650 2600maH, my runtime.. well, 5hrs and 35mins on high mode

 

[aurich_]

i tried using AWs new rcr123 3.6V batteries. M1 runs fine and very bright, just w/ the 2-stage-switch the difference between the two stages isnt that big anymore.quickbeam is doing a more extensive test and lists the results in the M1 thread in the manufacturer forum. (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=138703)

regards,

h

 

[cheapo]

im using LG 18650 2600maH, my runtime.. well, 5hrs and 35mins on high mode

how many lumens is this thing putting out? cuz with that runtime, i wouldnt expect the stated 135.

 

[T4R06]

according to quickbeam (flashlightreviews) using 18650 220maH is 105lumens

 

[FlashSpyJ]

im using LG 18650 2600maH, my runtime.. well, 5hrs and 35mins on high mode

Hi! I havent got it yet, are that battery protected or not?

 

[MattK]

No, LG does not and will not make a PCB protected cell. You can buy the cells and a single cell topper PCB and roll your own if you're truly motivated and have above average soldering skills.

 

[FlashSpyJ]

Ok!

Is there no risk in using an unprotected cell? Can it damage the ligth? What should one consider when using a unprotected battery?
This sort of batterys dosent exict in Sweden so its all new to me...

 

[MattK]

No there is a risk. First of all you can discharge the cell too low and make it useless.

The PCB's also TYPICALLY protect against over discharge rates, over charge rate for voltage and current, reverse polarity charging etc.

Lithium Ion cells hold a large amount of potential energy. If mistreated they can rupture and burn.

 

[FlashSpyJ]

hmm...there are some good sides ande there are som bad sides...
kinda like safe s-x I guess, loose some(sense/output and runtime) but you are at least protected...

 

[cheapo]

from the graphs i have seen, there is no difference in runtime between 2200 and 2600.

 

[FlashSpyJ]

Ok thats good in that case!

hate eating toffee with wrapper...

better do it safely with my betterys though....

 

[T4R06]

@flashspyj - unprotected, but still 5hrs and 35mins my cell has 2.85V left. they are dangerous if you discharge them below 2V.

 

[skunksoup]

The protected 18650 are they safe for someone that is not familier with this type of cell? I have ordered 2 for my M1 and read all the warnings about them and am still kind of weirded out by them ? should I be? Is my house going to burn down?

 

[fnmag]

smellysoup, welcome to CPF. The is an electronics forum on CPF that can help to answer your questions. I would certainly not recommend unprotected batteries at this time, when you gain more experience things will change. I would recommend the protected 18650 batteries for you. Good luck.

 

[T4R06]

@skunk - just dont leave unattended when charging your batts.. even they are protected you'll never know. make sure you buy good chargers for your 18650's

 

[skunksoup]

Protected thats what I ordered! My house is safe thanks!!!! Really I could burn my house down with a AA Everyready with that mean little kitty on it! EEEEE