RCR123 compatability in P1D CE

[Databyter]

I was waiting until I used all my primary cells that I already had, but a while back I purchased some rechargable RCR123's thinking it would save me some bucks in the long run. I have actually been buying the expensive ones you see in the drug stores for 8 bucks a pop, not the good priced ones on-line that I noticed too late.

Anyway, so last night I popped in the RCR and hmm, my multi mode light only has 1 brightness level now. It still has strobe and SOS but the brightness levels all appear to be the same. I sorta liked having the low med and high on this light.

I thought the voltage range and form factor where close enough to allow this batt. to work in this type of Fenix light with no issues.

Is this just the way it is? or am I dealing with possibly a bad cell, or..

Thoughts?

 

[Mr_Light]

That's the way it works. This is the reason I retired my P1D-CE and now carry a Quark to run RCR123s.

 

[lightsandknives]

The P1D-CE is not rated for the 4.2 volts the RCR123 puts out. It will overdrive it and you will end up loosing some or all of your lower settings.

 

[kramer5150]

That light (as you have discovered) is not compatible with RCR123. My understanding is that it over-drives the LED too so you are at risk of overheating the emitter...:candle:

This is the only reason I have not gotten into the single cell fenix lights.

 

[shark_za]

The level that you lose low and medium is within the usable range of the cell, after you run it a little it will drop into regulation again.
But it will run direct drive till then, possibly damaging the LED.

I'm really liking the Serac S3 but its inability to regulate RCR123's does not impress me.
Then again its a regular consumer aimed torch.

For me its great to burn out solo CR123's I have.