RCR123a Protected Li-Ion Cells Cutoff Voltage Q

[andrewnewman]

Based upon their excellent reputation on this forum I have ordered some AW R123a batteries for my single cell flashlights that will accept these. I remain worried, however. To my thinking, even a flashlight that will accept the higher nominal voltage of Li-Ion chemistry, they will likely not be able to detect a voltage sag toward end of life as the voltage will still be higher than a lithium primary. I understand that regularly running the battery to the protection circuit cutoff point will shorten it's life significantly.

So... 2 Questions:

1. Other than estimating the run time is there any way in the above-described scenario to detect that these Li-Ions are reaching end of charge?

2. Are there any flashlights out there (Ra-Clicky and JetBeam RRT-0 seem to be examples) that *understand* the difference between Li primaries and Li-Ion and can manage the lifecycle of the charge in the latter gently?

-Thx

 

[45/70]

1. Other than estimating the run time is there any way in the above-described scenario to detect that these Li-Ions are reaching end of charge?

Not really. The best approach is to gain some experience using the light, so you have an idea of how long it will run. Also a means to measure the voltage of your cells with a DMM or other device is very helpful. Unlike other types of battery cells LiCo Li-Ion cells can be measured for remaining capacity relatively well just by checking their voltage. And remember, Li-Ion cells can be "topped off" frequently with out any ill effects. They have no need, and it's actually not good for them, as you have learned, to run them down too low.

2. Are there any flashlights out there (Ra-Clicky and JetBeam RRT-0 seem to be examples) that *understand* the difference between Li primaries and Li-Ion and can manage the lifecycle of the charge in the latter gently?

LiteFlux comes to mind. Their models are all designed to run on Li-Ion cells. They have shut down circuitry as well as a voltage readout feature. I'm not sure if this feature works well with lithium primaries or not, the newer LF3XT does have a LiFe setting though, that may work with primaries, as the voltage is similar, otherwise you could just turn the feature off when using primaries.

Dave

 

[andrewnewman]

Thx 45/70! The LiteFlux looks like it has real potential. The manual is pretty bewildering!