Lithium Ion in Flashlight?

[TheFire]

Hi, I was just wondering what the considerations are for the use of Li+ batts in rechargable flashlights. Actually, a comparison of all rechargable types would be nice, as I'm not well versed in these...

Thanks,
TheFire

 

[PsycoBob[Q2]]

Basically, you can't use 'bare' Li-ion cells. They MUST have some sort of over-discharge, over-charge and over-current limiting circuit. Any one of those will kill the cell (in two cases it can be, uh, 'explosive') and the exact full/empty voltages of the cells vary by manufacturer, so mixing and matching apparently identical cells can be trouble.

I've found the easiest way is to get several 2-cell 7.2v (8.4+ when fully charged.) camcorder batteries from some surplus place. They often have a built-in protector, and often have 'A' sized cells.

http://www.powerstream.com/ has eome good Chemistry pages.

 

[FalconFX]

I've used a Copia Li-Ion 3.7V battery in my E2/KL1 for the longest time, and it's worked flawlessly... The charger for the Wolf-Eyes batts are used to charge them, and the batts have an internal limitor that cuts off their current when their voltage gets too low...

 

[TheFire]

Ok, thanks. I was considering building a mod around a National Semiconductor IC, so I guess I'll do a bit more research and see what I come up with. At lease I know it's possible...

Paul

 

[N4aeq]

Ive been using them in flash/spot & led lights for a while
now. I bought a bunch of laptop/camcorder batteries off ebay
& stripped them down to single 3.6v cells, then got a rayovac universal camcorder lithium charger also of ebay.
It charges all sizes 500-4000ma and auto selects 3.6 or 7.2
voltage, I soldered alligator clip leads to one set of terminals & charge all sizes of cells.

 

[madecov]

I'm alo using the Copia (PILA)in my G2Z and it is flawless with the 3.7v lamp.

The PILA lights are well made and work well. I use one on duty nightly. I really like the GL4R better than my 8NX