matrixshaman
Flashlight Enthusiast
I just got a pair of new Delkin eFilm RCR123A rechargeable batteries and the Delkin charger. A few initial observations will be in this message and then I hope to have more info in the next couple days. I bought this from Thomas Distributing who lists the specs for this battery and charger. The specs they list are exactly the same as what Delkin has in a PDF file on this battery/charger at www.delkin.com . First I'll show what they have for specs - then we'll talk about the real facts and what I have so far.
Features:
- High performance Li-Ion technology
with no memory effect
- Protection circuits to ensure safe
operation. Automatically shuts off when
charge is complete
- Charging Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Low self-discharge rate. Retains 90%
of its charge after 28 days sitting idle
Specifications
- Cell Type: Li-Ion
- Battery Output: DC 3.0 +/- 0.3V 2.0A (max.)
- Charger Input: AC 90 ~ 240V 48 ~ 63Hz
- Charger Output: DC 4.9V/0.1A
---------
Did you notice that Battery output of 3.0 + or - 0.3 volts? Well that is simply not the case. Using a Fluke 77 Digital Meter and checking that even with another digital meter (which agreed within .01 volt or better) I found that a partially charged battery fresh off the charger was putting out 3.95 volts open circuit. I then threw a single 5 volt white LED across it and that voltage dropped to 3.60 volts after a few seconds and held around there. That's a big difference from a maximum of 3.30 volts (actually Thomas Dist had list 3.15 to 3.25 v max I believe). Especially if you are running two of them in series since the additional voltages will add up and could exceed your devices or lights upper limit. The actual charger output measured 4.85 volts and with a protected battery in it for about 40 minutes I was getting 4.85 volts across the battery while in the charger - it started at about 4.0 volts while in the charger. The red light is still on the charger indicating it is going to keep charging. I don't know at what point or what it uses to stop charging but it states it will automatically shut off when fully charged. Waiting to see on that. I also measured the amperage output of the charger with the fluke - it measured 0.6 amps as opposed to the 0.1 amps stated. That can be difficult to measure but I'll believe the meter at this point. I also threw the meter across the battery which is probably 95% + charged and it read just over 6.0 amps. They are rated at 2.0 or 2000 milliamps. It appears they can put out a lot of current in a short burst if the meter is correct. So far I have put them in two different Arc LS lights briefly and nothing fried yet - does anyone know what the Arc's are able to handle for input voltage? I've got on Arc LS first run but modded with a board that has a high-low dip switch on it and one Arc LS1 (ser. no. 3596). At this point I would discourage anyone from putting them in 2 or 3 cell flashlights. A one cell light may be safe depending on the bulb or the LED or LED/regulator circuit being used. All input welcome...
Features:
- High performance Li-Ion technology
with no memory effect
- Protection circuits to ensure safe
operation. Automatically shuts off when
charge is complete
- Charging Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Low self-discharge rate. Retains 90%
of its charge after 28 days sitting idle
Specifications
- Cell Type: Li-Ion
- Battery Output: DC 3.0 +/- 0.3V 2.0A (max.)
- Charger Input: AC 90 ~ 240V 48 ~ 63Hz
- Charger Output: DC 4.9V/0.1A
---------
Did you notice that Battery output of 3.0 + or - 0.3 volts? Well that is simply not the case. Using a Fluke 77 Digital Meter and checking that even with another digital meter (which agreed within .01 volt or better) I found that a partially charged battery fresh off the charger was putting out 3.95 volts open circuit. I then threw a single 5 volt white LED across it and that voltage dropped to 3.60 volts after a few seconds and held around there. That's a big difference from a maximum of 3.30 volts (actually Thomas Dist had list 3.15 to 3.25 v max I believe). Especially if you are running two of them in series since the additional voltages will add up and could exceed your devices or lights upper limit. The actual charger output measured 4.85 volts and with a protected battery in it for about 40 minutes I was getting 4.85 volts across the battery while in the charger - it started at about 4.0 volts while in the charger. The red light is still on the charger indicating it is going to keep charging. I don't know at what point or what it uses to stop charging but it states it will automatically shut off when fully charged. Waiting to see on that. I also measured the amperage output of the charger with the fluke - it measured 0.6 amps as opposed to the 0.1 amps stated. That can be difficult to measure but I'll believe the meter at this point. I also threw the meter across the battery which is probably 95% + charged and it read just over 6.0 amps. They are rated at 2.0 or 2000 milliamps. It appears they can put out a lot of current in a short burst if the meter is correct. So far I have put them in two different Arc LS lights briefly and nothing fried yet - does anyone know what the Arc's are able to handle for input voltage? I've got on Arc LS first run but modded with a board that has a high-low dip switch on it and one Arc LS1 (ser. no. 3596). At this point I would discourage anyone from putting them in 2 or 3 cell flashlights. A one cell light may be safe depending on the bulb or the LED or LED/regulator circuit being used. All input welcome...
