Really REALLY dumb newbie question....

[davidra]

Given all the cost and effort to get 3 CR123's to provide 9 volts, why doesn't anyone use regular 9 volt batteries? Do they just not work in lights?

 

[Delta_FHInX]

they supply the volts, but not for long.

 

[IlluminatingBikr]

Capacity!

Voltage is only half. AAA, AA, C and D cells all have the same voltage of 1.5 volts. Their capacities are different however. D cells have way more capacity than AAA cells.

 

[Topper]

Seems like A good question to me
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[6pOriginal]

The 9v battery can only hold 495mah, but 3x cr123 can hold like 1500mah, so that's like 3 times of capacity. Also, CR123 is lithium battery, it can handle higher current demands (for example, Surefires) than the 9v alkaline battery.

 

[gwbaltzell]

There is one brand, Ultralife, of 9V that uses lithium chemistry but it is not cost effective for heavy loads. Not as easy to find as 123s either.
Specs. are 1200 mAh into 900 ohms to 5.4V @ 23° C (from about 10 mA to 6 mA)

 

[fivemega]

Square 9 volt batteries work well in low current draw flashlights like Palight. When hi current draw is main concern, then lithium type of batteries must be used.

 

[jbrett14]

[ QUOTE ]
davidra said:
why doesn't anyone use regular 9 volt batteries? Do they just not work in lights?

[/ QUOTE ]

As mentioned by fivemega: PALights do make a 9volt flashlight. It's actually a pretty neat little light, but too tight of a spot for me.

 

[Tweek]

I love using 9V lithium batteries........ in my Fluke. Or in smoke detectors. I use my Fluke pretty much daily, sometimes for hours at a time. Those expensive lithium 9V's cost a lot up front, but pay for themselves with the amount of alkalines they replace (and the time/frustration of changing them out!)... At least for me, anyway... YMMV! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Chris

 

[6pOriginal]

What's the capacity of those 9v lithium batteries? Any website I can find more info on that?

 

[Doug Owen]

[ QUOTE ]
6pOriginal said:
What's the capacity of those 9v lithium batteries? Any website I can find more info on that?

[/ QUOTE ]

So, now we come around to 'the really dumb answer'. It's made by Eveready (you know, the Bunny people?) at least, 1200 mAh to 5.4 volts (pretty dark...).

Sorry, here's the really dumb part, I can't sort out the URL, go get it yourself....

Bunny BS

Doug Owen

 

[6pOriginal]

I've been known to ask dumb questions every once in awhile /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here's the URL:
URL

The max discharge rate seems to be pretty low at 120ma, probably not too useful for us flashaholics.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

 

[Doug Owen]

[ QUOTE ]
6pOriginal said:
I've been known to ask dumb questions every once in awhile /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here's the URL:
URL

The max discharge rate seems to be pretty low at 120ma, probably not too useful for us flashaholics.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That's the one. Thanks.

Yup, they're bitty suckers, but still have serious mAh capacity. Still, that's a watt. Should be more than enough to drive a LS.

Low current guys like the Pac-lite really shine (doncha wish you'd said that?). Mine draws 1.0 mA on low (useful level, really), so we're talking 1200 hours. Almost two months 24/7.

Doug Owen

 

[Steelwolf]

Well, the Energizer stuff has the same power rating as the UltraLife 9V. But at least the UltraLife stuff is available in my local hobby shop.