N00B first flashlight, a bad idea CR2

[lionelbob]

New to this hobby, I already collect/repair Lionel Trains, vintage audio gear, (Marantz,etc), and I was lured to a 230 Lumen Ultrafire WF-606A on Dealextreme.

I saw a Coleman Max CR2 110 lumen at Wally mart and impulse bought it. Now I see that the CR2's are expensive locally at B+M's. Two for 10 at Target is the best I could do.

Question is this, why are CR2's so high, is there a good reason to go $10 a batt, when I can get AA Lithiums for $2.50?

There is a AA version of the same flashlight that I intend to go back and exchange.

Regards, Bob

 

[Pöbel]

they are just expensive as they are pretty rare, not too much applications use this type of battery. AA size is much more common and thus the price is lower and the capacity (Lithium) is higher as well.

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy Bob and welcome to CPF,
Be sure and check out the CPF Welcome Mat (lots of good info):
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172991

And if you repair trains and vintage audio gear, you might find that you enjoy modding flashlights too. Check out the "Homemade and modified lights" section:
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=17

Now, about batteries...... here is some excellent battery info:
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201375

Have fun!

 

[DM51]

This is shaping up to be a discussion about CR2 batteries, so I'm moving it to the Batteries section.

 

[kyhunter1]

Since Cr2 cells can be hard to come by, maybe you should consider a light that uses CR123 cells. They are expensive if you pay retail. By in bulk on the net and save.

 

[hopkins]

Hi Bob
Maybe you can come up with a less hideous modification to the CR2 than I did.
I wanted function and did not care about form so much as my picture shows.
But hey, its a bright little torch now.:thumbsup:
Welcome
Hopkins

 

[ltiu]

Hi Bob
Maybe you can come up with a less hideous modification to the CR2 than I did.
I wanted function and did not care about form so much as my picture shows.
But hey, its a bright little torch now.:thumbsup:
Welcome
Hopkins

I am missing something here. I thought the Coleman lights uses 2x CR2? If only 1CR2, why 3AA and not just 2AA

 

[ltiu]

they are just expensive as they are pretty rare, not too much applications use this type of battery. AA size is much more common and thus the price is lower and the capacity (Lithium) is higher as well.

I am using CR2 to run my scientific calculator. Hacked of course, take out the 3v button cells and solder in a CR2 battery holder and wires plus electrical tape everything on the back.

I get more than 10x the capacity at the same price.

 

[hopkins]

Itiu - yes it does use CR2 batteries ergo the nickname CR2 flashlight. One AA battery length is close to the length of 2 CR2 batteries and fits the tube nicely.

 

[Illum]

CR2 at best is about ~$6 online.
you can buy them for $1 each but I don't trust the quality at that price
http://www.batteryjunction.com/w2en-lcr2.html

 

[ltiu]

I got lucky, stumbled upon a BestBuy Duracell CR2 sale last year for $2.99 for a 2pk. Comes to $1.49 each. That's for a Duracell brand exp 2017. I promptly got 14 packs. I am good for the next 8 years.

 

[ltiu]

Itiu - yes it does use 2 CR2 batteries. One AA battery length is close to 2 CR2 length.

So 2x CR2 = 6v.

3x AA is only 4.5v max.

The light is dimmer?

 

[Illum]

So 2x CR2 = 6v.

3x AA is only 4.5v max.

The light is dimmer?

that depends if theres a boost circuit involved:thinking:

 

[MarNav1]

I'm running a 14500 in my Coleman, works just dandy. I wouldn't have messed with it but the Coleman has such a great beam to it I had to try it out.

 

[hopkins]

I agree it does have a superior beam for such a small flashlight.

Its a direct drive light - 4ohms of resistors inside to limit current to the Cree led from 2 CR2 lithiums. No boost electronics.

My mod to 3 AA batteries is brighter with fresh charged NimH after I removed the resistors.

Here's a link to a previous thread about the Coleman Max 2 CR2 flashlight:some pics.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201792