Solarforce L2

[carl8190]

Can someone help I just brought a solarforce l2 and it came with 2 cr123 i put a 18650 in and it works fine. I looked at the r2 drop in and it says 4.2-8.4v but a 18650 is only 3.7v so how come it works?

 

[dirtech]

Its probably running direct drive at less than maximum output.

 

[don.gwapo]

When a 18650 is fully charge it reads 4.2V then decreases in voltage as you use it. At 3.7 volts, your batt is almost depleted. Same story with RCR123.

 

[carl8190]

So how come it has 4.2 on it as a min if it works at less sorry I dont understand im still a noob atm.

 

[carl8190]

mine is reading 4v atm but will it work for much longer if it says 4.2 min?

 

[dirtech]

Your drop in will in regulation or constant output between 4.2 and 8.4 volts. Below that and your in direct drive mode or its constantly dimming.

 

[carl8190]

Ok thanks for the help. I best get a new drop in then

 

[Hrvoje]

Why? Don't worry, this one will work just fine.

Hrvoje

 

[carl8190]

I just thought constant output was better?

 

[dirtech]

If you use 2 batts you can get your constant outputwith a sudden cut of with protected bats. Or you can have long run times with a gracefull decline in output. Then you top the bat off for full output again. I prefer using an18650 bat in you situation. Your dropin is more versatile in its current configuration.

 

[march.brown]

Can someone help I just brought a solarforce l2 and it came with 2 cr123 i put a 18650 in and it works fine. I looked at the r2 drop in and it says 4.2-8.4v but a 18650 is only 3.7v so how come it works?

.
What voltage does your 18650 measure ? ... I assume that you have a digital meter as you obviously charge up your 18650s ... Are you using a protected 18650 cell ? ...

As far as your flashlight is concerned , when you notice the light output dropping just put a charged 18650 in and recharge the other cell back to its fully charged voltage of 4.2 volts ... Before charging , make a note of the voltage of the used cell for future reference ... 3.6 volts is empty , 3.7 volts is about 20% left , 3.8 volts is about 40% left.

You might feel better by getting another drop-in , they are available for less than £10 on the dreaded Ebay ... I am considering getting a three mode one with just a high , medium and low output for one of my L2s ... At present they have five modes in.
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