Question for the Li-ion masters here...

[Atomic_Chicken]

Greetings!

I'm interested in obtaining a few more Li-ion batteries (for A2 runtime tests, etc.) that need to meet the following specs:

CR123 size, no larger than 16.6mm Dia.
Protected
3.7V type only - not the 3.0V (with internal regulation) type
Highest possible capacity (I'm assuming this will be around 750mAH?)

I have a few of AW's "new" RCR123 Li-ions (black wrap, silver label) that seem to be working fairly well... but I'm wondering if there are higher capacity options available... and who makes them? Are the AW cells the best for this application and for use as a runtime comparison basis, or are there better cells available that meet the above requirements?

Best wishes,
Bawko

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Bawko,

Most of the protected R-CR123 cells get stuck in the A2 battery tube. Some of AW's cells will snuggly fit, but not all.

Unprotected cells do fit.

I will also add that in spite of any labeling claims, I have not seen a R-CR123 cell test out at much over 600 mA under a 0.5 amp load, with a cut off of 2.8 volts. This includes protected and unprotected R-CR123 cells.

Tom

 

[Atomic_Chicken]

Greetings!

Hello Bawko,

Most of the protected R-CR123 cells get stuck in the A2 battery tube. Some of AW's cells will snuggly fit, but not all.

Unprotected cells do fit.

I will also add that in spite of any labeling claims, I have not seen a R-CR123 cell test out at much over 600 mA under a 0.5 amp load, with a cut off of 2.8 volts. This includes protected and unprotected R-CR123 cells.

Tom

I'm aware of the fit problem, as I had to modify 4 out of the 7 AW cells I purchased in order to make them fit my A2 test/development light. This involved stripping the outer jacket off the battery, then placing a thin strip of scotch tape over the positive ribbon wire, then another layer of tape over the rest of the battery. I'm assuming this will probably be the "norm" for protected cells in an A2...

Anyway, just wondering... are the AW cells the highest capacity protected 123's you've personally tried? Or are there better cells for this application? Basically, I'm trying to find the highest capacity protected cells that people might be using in an A2, in order to do runtime graphs and other comparisons with primary lithium batteries when upgraded with Aviatrix mods.

Best wishes,
Bawko