Runtime Comparison: Zebralight SC50 v. Nitecore D10 SP R2

[ky70]

Hello Folks,

I did a couple of 30 minute runtime experiments using the high setting on both lights using 2 different 14500 batteries. Considering that both lights use the XP-E R2, I was surprised with the results (see below).

SC50 on AW14500:
Beginning Battery voltage = 4.16
Voltage after 30 minutes on high = 3.79

D10 on AW14500 (same AW battery as used above):
Beginning Battery voltage = 4.18
Voltage after 30 minutes on high = 3.65


SC50 on Trustfire blue 14500:
Beginning Battery voltage = 4.14
Voltage after 30 minutes on high = 3.64

D10 on Trustfire blue 14500 (same Trustfire as used above):
Beginning Battery voltage = 4.18
Voltage after 30 minutes on high = 3.49


No surprise that the AW 14500 battery outclasses the Trustfire. But I'm surprised with the difference in ending voltage when using the same battery in both lights. The D10 is listed as having a 80 minute runtime on high when using a 14500 battery...based on the above the results, is that likely? What then would be the estimated runtime of the SC50 on a 14500 on high considering the above results (SC50 has a listed runtime of 2.3 hours on high using a 2700 Sanyo NIHM battery). Other opinions/conclusions are also appreciated.

 

[Ragiska]

it doesn't matter what led each has. runtime is not determined by the led.

 

[ky70]

it doesn't matter what led each has. runtime is not determined by the led.

Thanks but can you talk about what conclusions (if any) can be drawn from the data?

 

[Ragiska]

trick question?

the sc50 will have a longer runtime on high. that's about it. since the brightness levels are not identical, you really can't draw any other conclusions.

 

[ky70]

trick question?

the sc50 will have a longer runtime on high. that's about it. since the brightness levels are not identical, you really can't draw any other conclusions.

Thank you as this is useful info for me.

Based on the battery voltage after 30 minutes on high, do you believe the D10 80 minute runtime claim on a 14500 battery is accurate? I didn't expect the battery to be that low after 30 minutes as I've read in many places that a voltage of about 3.5v equates to an empty li-on.

 

[Ragiska]

that depends greatly on WHEN you measured the cells. if they did not have a chance to recover, no conclusions can be drawn.

the fact that you did not start with the cell in the same condition for each tests also skews the results.

 

[ky70]

that depends greatly on WHEN you measured the cells. if they did not have a chance to recover, no conclusions can be drawn.

the fact that you did not start with the cell in the same condition for each tests also skews the results.

This is what I did for all cells...took them out of the charger as the green "charged" light came on, immediately measured the voltage with my DMM, and immediately stuck the cell in the light and started the 30 minute test (Less than 1 minute elasped from the time the cell was extracted from the charger until I began the test).

Should I change the above steps going forward? Thanks for tolerating all these questions.

This may not mean anything, but I ran the 30 minute test using the AW in the SC50 twice using the above steps and test 2 results were equal to test 1 results.

 

[Ragiska]

but when did you measure the cells as they came OUT of the light?

for li-ion cells you want to let them rest and rebound before measuring.

 

[Ragiska]

double post deleted

 

[ky70]

but when did you measure the cells as they came OUT of the light?

for li-ion cells you want to let them rest and rebound before measuring.

Thanks!! I did measure the cells immediately out of the light. I did notice the cell voltage was going up as I measured minutes later...next time I'll leave them alone for 10-20 minutes and then measure the voltage.

Thank you for all your help. :twothumbs