POLL: If you run 2x CR123 primaries, do you use a tester?

[cjs4760]

Hi gang,

Been researching my 2nd light purchase, to augment my beloved PD20. :kiss:

I'm happy to keep the CR123 primary theme going, but w/ the option for RCRs if I want in the future. For now, focus is on 2x primaries (T10C2, M20, maybe CL1H V4 ...)

Q: if you run a 2x 123 primary light, do you

1. Own a battery tester
2. Use it religiously when pairing 2 new batteries

If you answer Yes to these, then how "close" is "close enough" when you get different readings from the tester?

For example, a common tester (it seems, from searching the forum) is the ZTS - either mini or MBT-1. These have 5 or 6 "bar" indicators for level of capacity. Would you pair only exact matches, or even batteries that are off by 1 bar, as measured?

I have a batch of 50 Ray-o-Vac I got from batterystation.com in Dec. Could I forgo the tester altogether if I'm just pairing batteries from this shipment?

Thanks for your thoughts on this issue of CR123 safety.

-Chris

 

[dano]

No, i feel it's a waste of time to test each cell (and this is in the wrong forum).

 

[Moka]

Perhaps a move to the Batteries section may be in order :sigh:

 

[cjs4760]

No, i feel it's a waste of time to test each cell (and this is in the wrong forum).

Ooops! OK, who does the forum move? Can I?

(Thanks for your reply).

-C

 

[carbine15]

I use a multimeter and anything more than a .02 volt difference I keep them separate.

 

[cjs4760]

I use a multimeter and anything more than a .02 volt difference I keep them separate.

:huh: 1% difference and you won't pair 'em?

Curious as to how you chose that threshold.

-C

 

[DM51]

A multimeter is not a reliable way to test CR123A primaries. The ZTS models test them under load, and this gives a more reliable indication.

Also... the LED Flashlights section is not the right place to post a thread about batteries, so I'm moving it now...

 

[cjs4760]

A multimeter is not a reliable way to test CR123A primaries. The ZTS models test them under load, and this gives a more reliable indication.

Also... the LED Flashlights section is not the right place to post a thread about batteries, so I'm moving it now...

Thanks DM51 for the move.

And yes, my reading thusfar led me to believe that CR123As don't deviate much from their 3V potential, even though they may be partially depleted.

Hope to get more traffic on this Q now that it's in the right forum.


Chris

 

[StriderSMF]

yes i do i put them in my flashlight click the switch and if the light goes on there good :thumbsup:

 

[Sgt. LED]

Geez I hate when my lights explode.
I use a ZTS mini every time. Each cell has to light up the same indicator light or they don't get used together. Period

 

[Bullzeyebill]

I do a voltage check on each new CR123 cell prior to use. Don't have a ZTS. Surefire seems to bank on their CR123's not needing testing prior to use, and they are used in the millions, in all kinds of light including the M6 with HOLA, which is a challenge for any CR123, and we know that most non flashaholics (and some flashaholics) just stick them in their lights and turn the switch on. I think that some testing is benefical particularly basic voltage testing of new cells, not so for partically depleted CR123's that have been laying around; they should be only used for single cell applications.

Bill

 

[cjs4760]

I use a ZTS mini every time. Each cell has to light up the same indicator light or they don't get used together. Period

But this begs the question - is that a false sense of security? I mean, on the ZTS mini, the gradations on the light bars are 20% per!!! That could certainly allow for 2 batteries of pretty disparate remaining charge.

Chris

 

[Sgt. LED]

So far, so good.

If anything goes whacko I'll be sure to let you know. Be prepared for a long wait................

 

[cjs4760]

A multimeter is not a reliable way to test CR123A primaries. The ZTS models test them under load, and this gives a more reliable indication.

What's the effective load of a CREE XR-E ?

(google is your friend: http://www.cree.com/Products/xlamp7090_xre.asp)

Couldn't one rig a test fixture to get real readings on the batteries? And maybe comparing current draw would be more indicative than voltage drop?

Just talkin' out loud... :thinking:

-C

 

[effulgentOne]

I test all my CR123As with a voltmeter when I unwrap them, not so I can match them so much as to catch duds (which hasn't happened yet, but you never know).

I did get a weak NiMH once, and ran it in a ROP with 5 good (high current) cells without checking. It got really hot.

EDIT: I also never mix used cells. For two cell lights, I pair off sets of cells, and never mix between sets until they're almost dead, at which point they go into single cell lights.

 

[1 what]

Yes I own a voltmeter.
No I don't test new 123's.
(I only use Panasonics).

 

[haccess]

Yes I own a voltmeter.
No I don't test new 123's.
(I only use Panasonics).

Is this not something to be concerned with if using name-brands like Panasonics? I just ordered 50 Panasonics to use in a Fenix PD30 (first time using CR123s) and I'm wondering if I should get hold of a tester as well.

 

[DM51]

Couldn't one rig a test fixture to get real readings on the batteries?

The ZTS works by applying a load in a short pulse, so it hardly depletes the cell at all. Other methods might lead to partial depletion, reducing the remaining capacity.

You can reduce to almost zero any risk of a problem by using cells of good quality (reputable maker), bought at the same time and therefore of the same batch, and never mixing new cells with partially depleted ones. To be double-sure, you can use a pulse-load tester such as a ZTS.

You will actually increase the risk of a problem if you just rely on a multimeter, and think that 2 cells both reading 3.0V will be OK together, even if they are of different makes and ages.

There is a good thread here which shows what can happen if a cell blows up. This particular incident was not caused by mixing badly-matched cells - the light was in a fire. The heat from the fire made one of the cells blow, turning the light almost into a hand-grenade. Pretty much the same can happen if you mismatch cells and one of them vents as a result.

 

[coppertrail]

I use my ZTS tester primarily for pairing lithium primary Cells.

 

[ltiu]

Yes and yes.