Pila and surefire rechargeables (9N/8N, etc)

[akula88]

Has anyone every tried using Pila rechargeable LiIon on the Surefire rechargeables (9N/8N)? With their bulbs requiring around 3.6v, I think it would be feasible using the right battery adapters.

My B92/90 coming off the charger reads 4.1volts. I think it would drain out at around 3.4v. Pila would come off at around 3.7v.

I don't want to bust my lamps though... Anyone tried? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[K-T]

Aren't the B90/B92 larger in size compared to the Pilas?

What would your benefit be except for the hassle to get them working in an already rechargeable setup? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

 

[akula88]

The NiCd B90/92 would be larger (less expensive) vs the Pila. What I'd like to know is to have an additional (and LiIon) option for my 9N.

I plan on getting Pila for my L4 and similar lights. So, maybe I can also use them on my 9N.

From this forum, the B90/92 cell still uses 1800mAH (*correct me if Im wrong) because of charger compatibilities. A sub-C cell replacement may rate up to 3400mAH, but would require another set of chargers.

I think by doing a parallel 2-cell 150s connection, 2000mAH would not be all that bad... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[CM]

Does the 8N/9N really use a 3.6V lamp? If so then a Li-Ion should work. akula88, can you give the dimensions of the battery pack? You may be able to put 18mm cells in there for higher capacity. 18500's I think are 1400mAH and two in parallel are 2800mAH. Bare cells can even be had for 1600mAH. I've been using Pila lamps since I didn't think SUrefire had 3.6V lamps. Oh well, I still like my M2/Pila mod.

K-T, a benefit of Li-Ions is low self discharge. I'm not sure how easy it is to drop in Li-Ions in the 9n/8N, maybe it's not a drop-in but instead more of a mod?

 

[K-T]

The B90 battery uses three subC cells if my memory serves me right, that diameter is larger compared to the 123A cells thus larger LiIon cells could be used, too. I have no experience with LiIon cells and thus cannot recomend on which one fits, sorry.

CM, I understand modding a 123A light to accept LIIon cells or to use LiIon cells with a 123A light to save on battery costs. Why would I do that to a perfect working rechargeable duty light that gets used daily anyway and thus charged on a regular basis? I could understand upgrading the battery to more than the stock 1900mAh NiCd cells though.

No, the correct answer is not Because we are flashaholics /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

Klaus.

 

[Unicorn]

I could see a couple reasons to want to use Pilla batteries. A longer run time, longer storage if it's not used everyday, and if he's one of the ones who went through four or five replacement B90's one might be tired of taking chances getting bad batteries. Let's also not forget the main reason, "just because."

 

[K-T]

Unicorn, your main reason is accepted. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I believe the "bad batteries" problem was solved some time ago, one should not have to worry about it being a problem anymore. Long runtime can be achieved by using different NiCd or NiMH cells, too. The fitting problem wouldn't be that much of a problem.

Longer storage is indeed a valid argument. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[CM]

Klaus,

"Because we're flashaholics, that's why" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OK, OK, if the light gets used daily, then you're right, there's not much benefit for using Li-Ions.

As unicorn also said, the B90's have had a checkered history and if I was one of the poor suckers who went through several packs, then I'd be looking for alternatives. Nicad's also develop voltage depression (what most call memory) if not cycled fully and the hassle of cycling battery packs is too much for some, I know it is for me and I've replaced all my Nicads with at least NiMH if not Li-Ions.

 

[akula88]

Klaus,

I only have 1 B92 batt with an overnight charger. Since I actually have other lights, my "bulkier" 9N has been relegated to "back-up" general purpose light. The primary one is a KL1 on NiMH-AAs.

I'm buying a couple of 168s and 150s for my L4 and PR-917, so I might as well test these batteries for the 9N. If it works, the Pila could serve as "back-up" batteries to the 9N, as the LiIon theoritically has drains longer vs NiMH. 9N does have a longer throw than any of my current lights, so it still has its place -- but I don't want to buy additional dedicated battery for it.