Solarforce L2M for AA,CR123 & 18650 Compatibility?

[offroad]

Which Solarforce bodies and extensions would give:
2xAA (Lithium Primary), 1xCR123/RCR123 and 1x18650 compatibility with the Solarforce .8-4.2V 3mode drop-in?

Currently using that drop-in with an L2R, but I would like my next setup to have compatibility with more cell types.
What if anything do most use as a spacer between AA cells and the wider bodies?

 

[mn_doggie]

There was a solarforce thread that gave exactly the info you want. I can't remember the model number and the extension tubes needed. I know my particular version of the L2m (2009 version?) can handle a single 123 and the 18650.


Someone said that if you remove the center spring on certain dropins, you can use a single AA battery, too.


Use O-rings on the AA batteries

 

[offroad]

Mostly interested in 2xAA and 1x18650 but also have interest in 1xCR123. Not especially interested in 1xAA, I have searched and found some info but still confused.

I think you can do this with both L2 and L2M, just want to confirm which bodies and extensions support which batteries. Also want to know which one's would need spacers etc. before I order.

 

[syncytial]

Some length info for Solarforce:

(1x 18650) = (2x CR123) = (L2) or (L2M + 1x 123 extender) [L2-ECR, included with new L2Ms]

(2x AA) = (3x CR123) = (L2 + 1 123 extender) or (L2M + 2x 123 extender) or (L2M + 1x 18650 extender) [L2-E18]

Always consciously verify you have the correct polarity and voltages - confirm the drop-in matches the voltage presented by the batteries. Always match batteries for type, brand and state of charge in multiple battery setups.

Recent Solarforce L2 series accept 18mm diameter cells, older ones won't. The recent ones will leave a lot of room around AA cells. O-rings, paper, tape or a plastic sleeve are common methods of taking up the space and preventing battery rattle.

This is conceptually applicable to other brands.


Cell Sizes:

18650 = 18 mm diameter, 65 mm length, 0 = cylindrical
18500 = 18 mm diameter, 50 mm length, 0 = cylindrical
16340 = 16 mm diameter, 34 mm length, 0 = cylindrical (CR123)
14500 = 14 mm diameter, 50 mm length, 0 = cylindrical (AA)

Thus body & extension lengths end up as...

2x 14500 (AA) = 100 mm length
3x 16340 (CR123) = 102 mm length
1x 18650 + 1x 16340 = 99 mm length


Notes:

1. All measurements are nominal.
2. Springs make up differences in length.
3. Protected LiIon cells are typically slightly larger, although they will be referred to as being the same size usually - they are made with a standard cell with a small circuit board added at the end and a conductive strip running up the side to the positive terminal, which has to be insulated from the body (can) of the battery.

End result:

If you buy a new Solarforce L2M, which normally includes an L2-ECR, the L2M by itself will take a CR123 or RCR123 (rechargeable).

The L2M plus the included L2-ECR will take an 18650, and you can buy either an additional L2-ECR or an L2-E18 to use 2x AA cells.

If you buy an L2-ECR, then you'll use the L2M plus 2x L2-ECR for 2x AA.

If you buy the L2-E18, you'll use the L2M plus the L2-E18 for 2x AA.


Future considerations:

Buying the L2-ECR will allow you to use the L2M + 2x L2-ECR with 2x 18500 LiIon cells for higher voltage dropins (greater capacity than 2x RCR123) at the cost of additional length.

Buying the L2-E18 will allow you to use the L2M + L2-ECR (included) + L2-E18 for higher voltage dropins that would benefit from the even higher capacity of 2x 18650 LiIon cells, with some further additional length.



- Syncytial.


P.S. - I've read too many of TTA's posts apparently!

 

[offroad]

Some length info for Solarforce:

Thanks for the detailed information, sounds like the L2M with an L2-E18 extender will do what I want. From the pictures on the internet it looks like the knurling on the L2M matches the extensions better than the L2 does as well.

 

[syncytial]

Thanks for the detailed information, sounds like the L2M with an L2-E18 extender will do what I want. From the pictures on the internet it looks like the knurling on the L2M matches the extensions better than the L2 does as well.

Knurling varies (hey, it's a budget host!) Presumably different production batches are a bit different, or Solarforce has changed patterns a bit over time. From my standpoint, it's kind of a roll of the dice as far as matching goes, but it's not priced like a Rolex either.


- Syncytial.

 

[offroad]

Also looking for a holster that will fit an L2R and the L2M (both running 2xAA).

The Solarforce website shows both FH-1 and FH-5 as compatible with the L2R, does anyone have either of these with a 2xAA host? Do these have belt loops and if so what size belt will they accept?

Thanks.

 

[dosmun]

Also looking for a holster that will fit an L2R and the L2M (both running 2xAA).

The Solarforce website shows both FH-1 and FH-5 as compatible with the L2R, does anyone have either of these with a 2xAA host? Do these have belt loops and if so what size belt will they accept?

Thanks.

I have the FH-1 and use it with the L2R and L2. It has a belt loop that will hold up to 2.5" belt and also has a button loop that will hold a 2" belt. Some of the dealers on Ebay (ITC_shop, Flashlight_Express) have deals that include the holster with the light, search Ebay for "solarforce combo".

 

[offroad]

I have the FH-1 and use it with the L2R and L2

Thanks for the info, I have a holster and L2M setup on order