please help me, i am about to explode!

[dealgrabber2002]

I am trying to by some rechargable RCR123A for my surefire and 2 other flashlight that i just purchased (both takes CR123). Here is what killing me!!

I was looking on ebay (i know not a good place to buy now that I know DX). All this sellers are saying "do not use other charger to charge this batteries, please use the charger that comes with the batteries" I am concern because I just bought a combo (flashlight + charger + RCR123), but since I have 3 flashlights that used CR123, i need more batteries. I was looking at Tenergy 900mAh and it stated do not use other charger to charge these batteries. I am sooo damn confused and dont want my batteries to explode.

So my questions are:
1) All RCR123 charger can charge 3.0 & 3.6V?
2) Will it charge protected and non-protect battery?
3) No PCB built in the cell. Please never over discharge battery below 2.6V/cell, and always charge the battery immediately after use via a smart charger??

thank you.

-E

(Moderator note: E, your "inappropriate for CPF environment" acronymn in the title was deleted.)

 

[Silviron]

1) All RCR123 charger can charge 3.0 & 3.6V?

NO: Some will do both types if you flip a switch. Most will only do one or the other, although Kaidomain sells an add on circuit that will convert a 3.6 to do 3.0. There may be a few that adjust automatically, but they are uncommon and more expensive.

2) Will it charge protected and non-protect battery?

YES.

3) No PCB built in the cell. Please never over discharge battery below 2.6V/cell, and always charge the battery immediately after use via a smart charger??

It is always wise to use a 'smart charger' if you aren't an expert. Disaster might not happen, but yes, it is wise to not discharge unprotected cells below 2.6V (sometimes you can get away with discharge down to 2.4V, if you are lucky). Usually, all that will happen if you discharge below that is that the battery will never recharge properly. Yes it is possible that it could 'explode' but that is a 'million to one shot' on over-discharge.

It is a good idea to recharge promptly, but not an absolute necessity; the main worry is that if you set it aside and forget about it for weeks or months, it might self-discharge to below its recovery level.

But in circumstances like this, I usually say:
"If you have to ask, then go with using protected cells and the charger that is recommended to use with them. Better to be safe than sorry."

(Hi Siggy- long time no type to!)

 

[mdocod]

the daily RCR123 confusion thread. The market for the variations of these cells is getting worse and worse as more variations of the cells and chargers are released... they tell you only to use in their specific charger because it is for your own safety....
Before getting started I would like to point out that you have already pretty much started on the wrong "track" if you wanted a rechargeable solutions, as RCR123s in all of their many varieties, are not what they are cracked up to be, they have poor power density, and many lights, like SureFires that were designed for use with CR123s, while they will hold li-ion cells, they will not fit the larger more energy dense cells. For rechargeable li-ion flashlights, it's best to START with a light that supports an 18650 type cell, that way you have the best li-ion format available to you. The problem is, we all make the mistake.... we A: show up here, B: get really excited, C: order a lot of stuff, D: wish it were rechargeable, E: ask questions, F: wish we could have our money back and get what we really want.

Anyways, What I am saying here.. is before pulling any triggers on ebay or DX spend at least a solid few days reading and studying and learning. The world of li-ion cells isn't something you dive into blind-folded, the problem is that eBay wants you to think it IS.

1) All RCR123 charger can charge 3.0 & 3.6V?

Some cells require charge voltage at ~3.6V, some at 3.8V, some at 4.2V and some at 4.4V
In most cases, a charger is designed to either charge 1 or 2 types of li-ion cell. Knowing exactly what type of cell you are dealing with and exactly which type of charger you need is not always easy.

2) Will it charge protected and non-protect battery?

In 99% of cases yes, a charger will charge either type of cell... however an unprotected cell in a malfunctioning or poorly designed charger might burn your house down.

3) No PCB built in the cell. Please never over discharge battery below 2.6V/cell, and always charge the battery immediately after use via a smart charger??

Overcharging and Over-Discharging li-ion cells is a major problem, avoid it. Buy quality brand protected li-ion cells. If you want a positive li-ion experience I can not recommend cells from DX or KD or eBay. Tenergy is cheap junk, their NIMH cells aint bad for the money but most around here will agree it's not worth messing around them... I'm phasing out cheapo garbage I made the same mistake on for quality stuff now....

Remember, you can go broke saving money.




Also.... I think I should point out, that many supposed 3.0V li-ion cells will not work properly with some flashlights designed for 2xCR123.... depends on which light it is... but in the case of your SF, if it's an incan, it will either not light up at all, or have a very high likelihood of prematurely blowing the lamp. To learn more please click the link in my sig line...

 

[DM51]

the daily RCR123 confusion thread. The market for the variations of these cells is getting worse and worse as more variations of the cells and chargers are released... they tell you only to use in their specific charger because it is for your own safety....
Before getting started I would like to point out that you have already pretty much started on the wrong "track" if you wanted a rechargeable solutions, as RCR123s in all of their many varieties, are not what they are cracked up to be, they have poor power density, and many lights, like SureFires that were designed for use with CR123s, while they will hold li-ion cells, they will not fit the larger more energy dense cells. For rechargeable li-ion flashlights, it's best to START with a light that supports an 18650 type cell, that way you have the best li-ion format available to you. The problem is, we all make the mistake.... we A: show up here, B: get really excited, C: order a lot of stuff, D: wish it were rechargeable, E: ask questions, F: wish we could have our money back and get what we really want.

Anyways, What I am saying here.. is before pulling any triggers on ebay or DX spend at least a solid few days reading and studying and learning. The world of li-ion cells isn't something you dive into blind-folded, the problem is that eBay wants you to think it IS.

Bravo! Very well put indeed.

Those 2 paragraphs should be engraved in stone and should be compulsory reading for everyone before they buy their first Li-Ion cells.

 

[dealgrabber2002]

over dis-charge means using it until it too low?

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Dealgrabber,

Yes.

Tom

 

[Bushman5]

anyone know what the Nano charger charges at? :huh: i'm using the light purple 3.6V CR123's that came with it, but also charge 3.7 volt CR123 in them (so far no issues.....EEEK!