New Guy Has Battery Question

[Wassernaut]

Can some of you pros help me with a battery question?

I keep seeing mentions of batteries like 18650 and 16340, what are these? I was guessing they might be replacements for 123's (1 for 2), like just 2 123's in one package - but I never see them offered as an option . . . . "flashlight uses 2 123's or 1 18650" for example. Just what are these long batteries? And is there an advantage in using them?

I'm lost????????? - Larry

 

[mudman cj]

These are rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The first two digits refer to the diameter in mm, the second two digits refer to the length in mm, and the trailing 0 denotes a cylindrical shape. Li-ion chemistry has a higher energy storage density than Nimh, and they do not self discharge. Primary lithium cells like CR123 have a higher energy storage density than Li-ion (about twice as much), but of course are not rechargeable.

 

[LuxLuthor]

As mudman answered, and if you are more visual like me, there is a picture at the end of AW's post here who sells them.

 

[Wassernaut]

Thanks, but what are these batteries used for? I haven't seen a flashlight that uses them - most use all the standard (AA, AAA, C, D, CR123, etc.). Are they so you can use one long one in place of two 123's for instance? If so, what's the advantage? - Larry

 

[lumenal]

Hey WASS - in a nutshell, one advantage to these cells are that you can recharge them.

At the local store, a couple CR123A cells can cost around $10, or more. That could get spendy if you use your light alot. :thumbsdow

There is also more voltage in these cells. So one needs to be careful in the handling and use of this type of cell.

This type of battery is definitely not for beginners.

 

[ltiu]

At the local store, a couple CR123A cells can cost around $10, or more.

That's why I standardize on cheap and widely available AA or AAA for my lights. Your choice though. If you can afford it and you really need that extra kick, go for those special batteries.

 

[Wassernaut]

You're not understanding my question - perhaps I stated it poorly - I'm still not clear -

I have rechargable RCR123A's now, I know the difference between primary and rechargable batteries. I've been using Nicads and Nimh for years. I know the batteries in question are Lion's. But I don't know what uses these longer batteries. Are these longer batteries (18650 & 16340 and others) used in place of the rechargable 123A's, using one long one instead of 2 123A's? And if so, what is the advantage of using them in place of the RCR123A's?

I've just ordered 4 RCR123A's and a charger for my P3D, this will be my first time to use Lion's. Are you saying these (RCR123A's) are dangerous - not for beginners? [See next post]

Sorry to be so dense, thanks for the help. - Larry

 

[Wassernaut]

These are the batteries and charger I ordered to use with my P3D:

From All-Battery.com

4 RCR123A 3.0V 900mAh Rechargeable Li-Ion Protected Batteries
with a Smart Charger
Part#: RCR123Akit-900

Will they work?
Are they dangerous for a beginner?

Larry

 

[zamboniman]

Just don't short them, or use a charger that isn't designed for them, and you'll be fine. To those who decry 123As as expensive:
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=947

They have them in 1 and 2 packs also.

 

[half-watt]

Just don't short them, or use a charger that isn't designed for them, and you'll be fine. To those who decry 123As as expensive:
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=947

They have them in 1 and 2 packs also.

AND three-packs.

supposedly the two-packs (you can't separate them and use them individually) and three-packs (you can't separate these either and use them individually) are matched for their electrical characteristics to avoid some of the potential explosion issues that some have experienced with a few mismatched primary CR123A cells.

will it really lessen any rare potential failure, or is it just providing piece of mind. if i recall correctly, they don't charge any more for the "matching pairs and tripletts. i have some matched pairs and triplets upstairs that i use in certain applications when i don't want to use RCR's.

 

[Anders]

Hi Wasserman.

The advantage to use 18650 or 17670 is that many lights can't handle the hight volts from two RCR 123, 2x4,2 V is often too much for the LED so you have to know exactly how much your LED can handle before you put two RCR 123 in it.

Another point is that there is more energy in one 18650 than 2 RCR 123, there is none of the RCR 123:s that suppose to have 900 mAh who have that much of power in it. If you look at this post you would find how much they can provide. I think approximately 650 mAh is the record for RCR 123.

Some lights that handle two CR123 (non rechargable) have more runtime but a little less output with one 17670 or (18650 if they fit).


Anders

 

[DM51]

Wassernaut, this would be an excellent and very informative thread for you to read. It is angled principally towards incandescent lights, but the section about Li-Ion cells is obviously just as valid for LEDs. It will answer all your questions.

 

[Wassernaut]

Thanks for all the info and links. You guys are really helpful for a new guy. I've read the info - for now I'm sticking with CR123A's and RCR's. - Larry

 

[LuxLuthor]

I think out of the 50+ flashlights I have now, only two of them use 123a cells....my SF L2 and M4. All the rest use one of the many versions of Li-Ions or NiMH high current output cells. Once you get into more custom lights, especially incandescent hotwires, spotlights, HIDs....you move into the rechargeables...and of those Lithium Ions have the most energy per size/weight....and also more hazards until you understand how to take care of them.

 

[QXS71]

supposedly the two-packs (you can't separate them and use them individually) and three-packs (you can't separate these either and use them individually)

Sure you can take them apart, they are just wrapped in clear heat shrink. I've pulled two 2-packs apart for use in single cell lights..

John