M30 + IMR18650?

[signal 13]

I've read that the IMRs are more suitable for high drain setups, but could I run a Malkoff M30 w/ an IMR18650?

If so:

1. What kind of runtime could I expect?

2. What would the advantages/disadvantages be?

 

[mdocod]

Yes and No...

For a regular protected 18650, the M30 is not a high drain setup. It's about a 0.5C load gives or take, or 90-120 minutes runtime (from what most people report IIRC)....

basically there is no advantage to running an IMR 18650 for this module, you will just be loosing out on about 30% runtime with no gain anywhere.

the other issue is that the M30 is a boost regulator that can keep on boosting to rather bright output right down to around 2V, you won't even know you have over-discharged the cell and it'll still be bright. In this case, it's actually better to have the protected LiCo cell that will shut down the discharge if you take it down too far.

Now... for people who are running a module like an M30 in a 3P size body, using an IMR16340 may be a reasonable tradeoff as the load can be pretty hard on those little RCR123s. But in this case the user would need to put an effort forth to try not to over-discharge the cell.

 

[signal 13]

Thanks for the info! I've been trying to figure out where I could use these IMRs but really can't think of anything beyond 3xIMR16340s and a LF HO-M6R. I'm just not crazy about the 13-14 minute runtime.

I guess I was just wanting to try to use these in more lights on duty and on my rifle due to the "safe chemistry" and all that good stuff.

Guess I'll just stick with protected LiIons for now. But I am going to have to put together the HO-M6R setup!

 

[Yoda4561]

I think the tradeoff is worth it. I'm not big on trusting protection circuits, I realize they're quite reliable but given the choice of an inherently safe chemistry with a small hit in runtime, I'll take the hit. You should still get over an hour of runtime, It's been rare that I've gone over that in a single day, as long as you keep track of what time there shouldn't be any problems.

 

[signal 13]

That's kind of what I was thinking. I'm at around 2 hours runtime on 1x18650 w/ my M30. I guess a 30% reduction in runtime wouldn't be a bad tradeoff for safe chemistry. The whole "vent to flame" thing still kind of freaks me out.

But then again, I wouldn't want to over discharge the cell. I don't know, my head keeps getting pulled in different directions on this whole IMR thing!

Perhaps I'll just wait and keep researching.

 

[Yoda4561]

I'm sold on it, I just need to figure out an easy way to bore my surefire C2 to accept them. I was thinking of trying out a small brake cylinder hone from an autoshop, they seem well suited to the task.

 

[mdocod]

For use on a weapon getting rid of a protection circuit and using a safe chemistry is probably worth the tradeoff of the occasional accidental over-discharge. It's the only application I know of that I would recommend setting up such a configuration. (a regulated LED that can over-discharge the cells and wear it out)..

 

[bullfrog]

I'm sold on it, I just need to figure out an easy way to bore my surefire C2 to accept them. I was thinking of trying out a small brake cylinder hone from an autoshop, they seem well suited to the task.

Hi Yoda - the best M30 setup has been my obsession as of late.

Regarding a bored C2 for 18650 IMR - I researched this option as I'm a big fan of the C2, however, it seems as though the flat walls of the C2 make it a bit too thin for comfort if its bored.

The 6P on the other hand is much much more suited for boring BUT that means you have to accept black over natural :thumbsdow

I finally settled on ordering a Leef 2x 18500 body from the hound which will fit one IMR 18650 and then a dummy cr123. The 2x 18500 body will also fit two AAs to run an M30. I figure I could ALSO run one primary CR123 and two dummy CR123s or one IMR CR123s and two dummys. Seems like a body that is pretty adaptable...

I have also been quite happy running an M30 in my C2 with an IMR CR123 and a dummy - the output is EXCELLENT (brighter than my M60) but the runtime is only about 30 mins.

Apologies if you already knew most of this information but I've spent the past few days on this topic so thought I'd share :D

 

[Yoda4561]

I'll call up lighthound tomorrow and see if they can check one in a C2. If not I'm going to check firsthand, I'll be ordering a single imr18650 along with a wf139, a protected 17670 and some imr16340s. If the 18650 isn't feasable in a c2 I can always find something else to use it in, like a leef body later on :) I've heard of folks with 18mm batteries in M3's and M4's, so hopefully it'll be all good :)

 

[bullfrog]

I'll call up lighthound tomorrow and see if they can check one in a C2. If not I'm going to check firsthand, I'll be ordering a single imr18650 along with a wf139, a protected 17670 and some imr16340s. If the 18650 isn't feasable in a c2 I can always find something else to use it in, like a leef body later on :) I've heard of folks with 18mm batteries in M3's and M4's, so hopefully it'll be all good :)

Very nice - sounds like you are going to be set in the rechargeable department! That should be a nice pay-day for AW ;)

Good luck with the hound!

 

[metlarules]

I posted in another thread about using a 4/3A cell. The module works between 1v-5.5v as per Malkoff website. These cells are 1.2v nimh and have between 3800 and 4500 mah. You just have to make sure that you order the correct size as they come in 17mm and 18mm sizes. You can check them out here.
17mm= http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4665

18mm= http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3240

 

[Yoda4561]

Hmm, interesting, but easier I think to run a standard AA nimh with 15mm spacer and a sleeve. With those you'd need to make a custom battery cradle of some sort to charge them. The capacity is nice though, probably get huge runtimes out of that.

 

[Sgt. LED]

I posted in another thread about using a 4/3A cell. The module works between 1v-5.5v as per Malkoff website. These cells are 1.2v nimh and have between 3800 and 4500 mah. You just have to make sure that you order the correct size as they come in 17mm and 18mm sizes. You can check them out here.
17mm= http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4665

18mm= http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3240

How do you charge those?

 

[Yoda4561]

The universal AAA>D chargers should handle them fine, but all I have now is a AA charger. I'd guess that goes for most folks.

 

[mdocod]

I think my vanson speedy body could probably fit an 18650 size cell, I think there are a few extra millimeters of spring travel left on it. Should work fine.

 

[Yoda4561]

Just remembered I had an old (2000??) Rayovac 3 in one that does AAA>D batteries. It's got just enough free travel in the spring to fit one of those.

Wow lighthound is fast, I sent them an email about the 18650/C2 an hour ago and they already got back to me. It's too big, so I guess I'll have to figure out how to bore the C2 for it.