New P3D and want to use w/ RCR123a's. Any issues

socalrunner

Newly Enlightened
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Sep 6, 2002
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Location
Southern California
I just bought a p3d and I am going to use as a helmet bike light.. I need to know reliability of using RCR123a's for long periods of time in this manner..

I am looking at the Tenergy 900mah rcr123a's on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330108837724

Can I use high and turbo modes with no issues for 3-4 hour stretches with no problems. I will carry an extra sets of batteries for longer rides..

Any input would be greatly appreciated..
 
I just bought a p3d and I am going to use as a helmet bike light.. I need to know reliability of using RCR123a's for long periods of time in this manner..

I am looking at the Tenergy 900mah rcr123a's on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330108837724

Can I use high and turbo modes with no issues for 3-4 hour stretches with no problems. I will carry an extra sets of batteries for longer rides..

Any input would be greatly appreciated..

I purchased some of the tenergy 900mAh cells and I don't think they are anywhere near 900mAh!!! Would go with AW or battery station cells.

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2190
 
I think i heard somewhere that the P3D will run ok on R123... i'm not too sure about the long lasting effects though. The P2D however is supoosed to loose the low and medium levels of output wen using R123's but i think they become available again towards the end of the battery's charge.

I'm also curious about this issue as i plan to get a P3D or P2D in the near future.
 
But using 3.0v R-CR123A's would probably be best as it's almost the same as primary CR123A's so enable all modes.

Would imagine using 3.6/3.7v R-CR123A's would just end up overdriving the LED (reducing it's life) and / or generating more heat.
 
I haven't tried the rcr123a's yet, but when I ordered my P3D from David(4sevens) he said that they work fine in the P3D. He did not specify the 3.0 or 3.6/7 volt though. Call him or send an email. 404-935-4458 Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm Eastern Standard Time.
 
Last edited:
All modes work correctly with two 3.7v RCR123's, the circuit is a buck circuit with input voltages up to 8.4v.
 
My experience is this:

1. two freshly recharged RCR123 is about 4.21V each works in all modes.
2. if one cell is defective and drops it voltage rapidly while in use, the P3D will not change mode as expected and often started in the medium mode.
 

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