Rcr123 ?'s...

[xian13]

So, I have a brand new (less than 1 month old) EagleTac P20C2 Mk II. I haven't used it a lot, because I am using AW RCR123's in it. I bought them because I remember reading that the light can handle the voltage, but now after reading this part of the forum, I get the feeling that the rechargeables may not be the best way to go.

So far, I haven't had any problems with these AW's, but I don't want to blow up my light, either. Is using these safe, or should I immediately switch to primaries? They are .01 apart on the multimeter. Thanks for the help in advance- I am digitally retarded, but able to learn.:shakehead

 

[GordoJones88]

[h=3]Battery Type[/h]

• 2xCR123A, 2xRCR123A, or 1x18650 li-ion

 

[45/70]

......They are .01 apart on the multimeter.

That's a pretty well matched pair of cells. The important thing is that they stay close in voltage, as they are discharged. Just because the voltage matches well when the cells are both fully charged, doesn't mean they will stay matched when they are half discharged, or even more important, when they are nearly discharged. Check them at various stages of discharging them in the light. If they stray more than 0.05 Volts apart (preferably less) throughout the discharge (above 3.5-3.6 Volt OC), consider obtaining, or matching up a new set of cells.

As for running primary cells vs. Li-Ion cells, as Gordo pointed out, there's nothing wrong with running either 2x123 primaries, or Li-Ion RCR123 cells. I prefer Li-Ions in multi cell lights, as I consider them to be safer, provided protected cells are used. Their only disadvantage, is lower capacity, compared to primary cells.

Actually, if you know what you are doing and match cells like I said above, even unprotected Li-Ion cells are fairly safe. Most (but not all) Li-Ion cell "incidents" occur when attempting to recharge cells that have been over discharged, not when the light is in use. That said, using unprotected cells in series is only for those with experience in using Li-Ion cells, and that understand the risks involved. Li-Ion cells can "vent with flame" when used in series, if improperly matched cells are used. However, it's almost guaranteed that mismatched lithium primary cells will vent, if not matched properly.:poof:

In any event, whether using protected Li-Ion, or especially lithium primary, or unprotected Li-Ion cells, always make sure the cells are well matched. Protection circuits have been known to fail, particularly at low current rates.

Dave

 

[xian13]

Thanks, guys. Just wanted to be safe.