M4 alternate power sources??

[tysonb]

Is there something that I can use in the M4 (rechargeable) other than regular liths?

I was thinking maybe some pila thing, or lithium ion voodoo so that I can run the bright lamp longer than 20 minutes on 4 123s.

Thanks for the info - curious if this should be in battereis instead - please move if required.

Tysonb

 

[Kiu]

Add 2x A19 cell extender, then run the MN60 with rechargeable 3x168s.

 

[Topper]

Hey Kiu, thats my best combo /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Lightedge]

You can also use 1 A19 and 3 150S's but since 3 150S's are the same length as 4.5 CR123's, you'll need to add a battery plug by cutting one of Surefire's SF123 battery plugs in half with a dremel.

This will allow you to have a slightly shorter light than the 2 A19 + 3 168S option albeit with shorter run time.

 

[supes]

Will 2 168s fit in the M4 with a HOLA? Thanks

 

[Topper]

Hi supes, if you are wanting to go without the two A19's then you can run a MN16 or N2 lamp in the M4 with 2 168s Pila's.
The MN16 is rated at 225 lumens not to shabby at all. I like adding 2 A19's to run 3 168s Pila's with the MN60 and MN61 (its a volt thang)
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[chronium]

I'm think of getting an M4 myself.
I'm still a newbie so please forgive me if this question doesn't make any sense. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

By adding 1 x A19 we make the M4 a 5 cell flashlight wouldn't it be possible to run the MN60 or MN61 on:

2 x 150s + 1 x 168s batteries
instead of:
3 x 150s + 1/2 cr123a spacer or
2 x A19 + 3 x 168s

Would it be a problem to use 2 x 150s + 1 x 168s because they are different capacities?

 

[wasabe64]

IIRC PILA does not recommend using more than two of their batteries in series.

Another concern is using batteries of different capacities together. You do risk reversing the voltage of the battery that runs out first and destroying the battery. With Li-Ion batteries, there is the added risk of a runaway thermal reaction if a cell is over-depleted. The result could be explosive.

Edit -- Yes, Pila has a built-in circuit for protecting the cell, but why take the risk?

There are a few users that drive the MN60 with 2x168s without complaints of loss in performance or lamp life.

My recommendation is if you want to play with different battery types, use a LuxeonV module. Do not mix battery types, follow the manufacturer's recommended usage, yada, yada, yada...