LED lantern lithium batteries

[tadbik]

I know the answer is probably here somewhere but didn't find it on a search.

I'm looking for an LED lantern specifically for power outages. That means it may sit around the whole year (or longer) and not be used. I don't want the batteries corroding so isn't it best to use lithiums?

I've thrown away a bunch of rechargeable emergency lights with NiCads that are useless after one season. What a waste of money!

Is there such a thing as a lithium powered lantern? Throw it in the cupboard for up to 5 years and it works when you need it! That sounds like a good idea, but where do I buy it?

Thanks

 

[Larbo]

If its a 6volt lantern there should be enough room to make a 4cell series with 2 of these in parallel and fit them inside.

 

[John_Galt]

No, just buy a lantern that takes AA's, and put lithium AA's in it. Simple, easy, 20 year shelf life.

Make sure you put a piece of plastic on the contacts of the battery holder, to get rid of any vampire drain that would wear down the batteries.

 

[broadgage]

As above, or simply store the batteries seperatly in case of leaks.

Lithium D cells do exist but are very expensive, and a higher voltage than alkalines, therefore not a drop in replacement.

Alkaline cells should be fine left in a lantern for a couple of years, if of reputable make and fresh when purchased.

Or get a lantern that uses a 6 volt lantern battery, these seem more resistant to leakage, presumably because the cells are in an outer package.

 

[damn_hammer]

You could buy a lantern which take CR123 Lithium batteries, such as this Coleman: https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/3265519&postcount=4

Another option is to purchase any number of lanterns that take AA, or AAA batteries, and use either Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries (L91, L92) in them or Low Self Discharge (LSD) NiMH AA, or AAA. The LSD NiMH are said not to leak or corrode like a alakaline battery might. Sanyo Eneloops for example retain 85% of their charge after a year, and 75% after three years. Charge them once a year and you're good. The L91, and L92's have a 15 year shelf life.

Some of the lanterns that I like:
Black Diamond Orbit (AAA) http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/orbit
Favourlight Warm White (AA) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002C5BXGQ/?tag=cpf0b6-20
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/232028

Eneloop AA datasheet: http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/EDITORS/ENELOOP/DATA_SHEETS/Datasheet_-_HR-3UTG.pdf
Eneloop AAA datasheet: http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/EDITORS/ENELOOP/DATA_SHEETS/Datasheet_-_HR-4UTG.pdf
Energizer AA L91 datasheet: http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/l91.pdf
Energizer AAA L92 datasheet: http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/l92.pdf

 

[tadbik]

Thanks for the quick response. The replies answer my questions and I'll check out the lanterns suggested.

 

[tomcatacec]

Yes, I modified my Black Diamond Orbit to use 25500 rechargeable lithium battery, check the following guide:

http://arden.blogsite.org/showtravelarticle.spring?articleId=40

 

[GreySave]

At one time Coleman made a very small 3 cell 123A powered packaway style lantern. It is no longer manufactured but might still be available elsewhere. Brightness was decent but with artifacts. Run time was good for its day but is not as good as today's lanterns, and the batteries are of course more expensive. I keep one in my CERT kit for true emergency use but would not use it for extended power failure lighting at home. I really like the Stream Siege which runs on three D cells. I have two of them, one which I use regularly and one which I store empty and load when necessary. Fairly even difuse light, quite bright and very good run times including a low setting. The battery compartment door is indexed which makes installing the batteries easy. If price is a concern or you want more than one, Eveready makes one of their "storm" series lanterns that runs on 3 D cells or 3 AA cells. Output is much less than the Siege but it sells for about $18 at Walmart. I have a couple fo those and for the money they are fairly nice lanterns.

 

[ssholtis]

I know the answer is probably here somewhere but didn't find it on a search.

I'm looking for an LED lantern specifically for power outages. That means it may sit around the whole year (or longer) and not be used. I don't want the batteries corroding so isn't it best to use lithiums?

I've thrown away a bunch of rechargeable emergency lights with NiCads that are useless after one season. What a waste of money!

Is there such a thing as a lithium powered lantern? Throw it in the cupboard for up to 5 years and it works when you need it! That sounds like a good idea, but where do I buy it?

Thanks

I ran across 2 lights which were great for emergencies.
This one is solar and lithium-ion but not rechargeable, but it's pretty cheap none the less and has a good shelf life.

http://bit.ly/1gB7SOi

I got 2 of these for 30$ and the kids loved em. They put off more light than I thought they would.

I also found this one called the wakawaka... http://us.waka-waka.com/ uses standard AA, but is also solar and rechargeable, assuming you have some good AA around.
I dont have one of these.