Surefire B90 question

[madecov]

I received a new set of B90 batteries today compliments of Surefire customer service /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif . The stock production number run on these batteries is CL-09.
Has onyone who has received new replacement B-90's also received this particular number ? If so where they ok or not ?
Mine are in the charger right now and after a few days I'll let folks know if they seem to be ok.
If they are good I had no real need to order one of the Wolf Eyes Rattlesnakes, of course that doesn't mean I didn't want one /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif . Maybe the rattlsnake will replace the Ultrastinger.
BTW I ordered several of the new Pelican lights at way under $30.00 today, I forgot the model numbner but it is the one that seems to outpreform the G-2 and the Scorpian.

 

[Shark]

Yes I just got 2 of them today same number they had a sticker in the box that said batteries are fully charged do not charge until they are used up. Well they were deader than a door nail /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mecry.gif I hope this is not a bad omen got one on the charger right now will let you know how they work out.

 

[ygbsm]

CL-09? Argh........ /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

See:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=24458&Forum=UBB1&Words=cl-09&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=1year&Main=24443&Search=true#Post24458

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Shark]

UH-OH! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[madecov]

Sounds like SF really doesn't give a damn.

I have a Copia M-90 Rattlesnake on order.
80 minute of run time and brighter

I'll continue to use my G-2. I have a G2z on order.
I have pelican M6 on order, this light has a one hour run and equal output as the 8NX.

My flashlight is my lifeline, I may order the rechargeable kit for the G2 the B65 battery's seem to be working correctly according to reports. But now I have no real confidance in SF's rechargeable line.I might have considered a 10X but I refuse to purchase a $300.00 light when my $100.00 light can't work right.

 

[dano]

Ugh...new forum glitch...Moved to Batteries...

--dan

 

[WhiteAsSnow]

(NOTE: I have posted this text in the other B90 threads, Just FYI)

I, too, just received the two B90 batteries I have been waiting for. GUESS WHAT -- CL09!!! ARGHH! I charged one, and then tested it a week later -- LOST about 30-50% of its charge just sitting there!!

I had requested these back in October, and have finally just received them this month (February '03). YET THEY ARE OLD BATTERIES -- AND THEY ARE DEFECTIVE! They could have sent me these bad batteries back in October and I would have had the same performance as now. This is a really disappointing chapter for Surefire. At this point, I can only surmise that they don't care.

 

[madecov]

I agree, SF seems not to care. I am going to start searching for a light with the quality output of the 8NX but with a battery that actually holds a charge.

I have on order one of the chinese M-90's. If I can find a holster for it it may just become my duty light.

I find the Streamlight products to just not have the output I want.

I guess it's time to rethink Sf's commitment to the customer.

 

[TheMenace]

Should I be concerned?

I have two B90's, both are lot #CJ07. I fully charged both batteries a month ago (01/30/03) and both checked out at 4.24V, one sat in storage and the other saw limited use in the flashlight (typically 10 seconds per use, a few times a week).

I rechecked the voltage today and they have:

3.70V (in flashlight)
3.75V (in storage)

This is a loss of ~.53V over a month, should i be concerned about having bad batteries? At what voltage will the light stop working, or begin emitting yellow light?

 

[madecov]

Re: Should I be concerned?

I've been told that Nicds should lose about 50% in one month. The problem is the B90's are losing 50% or more in one week!

 

[lemlux]

Re: Should I be concerned?

TheMenace:

The 4.24 V you read is the "surface charge" that dissipates in a couple of hours on any NiMH or NiCad. If you ran the freshly charged batteries for a couple of minutes you'd be down to the 3.75V. Nicads are rated at 1.25 V, so the 3.75 V is the voltage you should expect. This voltage drop is insignificant.

This is also why those of us who overdrive bulbs with rechargeables usually wait at least 2 hours after charging to use batteries with overdriven bulbs.

 

[FBA]

Re: Should I be concerned?

hi madecov.Why not try Sanyo 3300maH.My 8NX is ruuning on it.Just a humle suggestion.

 

[madecov]

Re: Should I be concerned?

Where can you get them ? are they just drop in ? will they charge in the standard charger .

 

[FBA]

Re: Should I be concerned?

SF B90 uses sub-c battery.It has the same diameter as a C cell but shorter in length.The purpose of these sub-c cell is to be stack up to form a pack with voltage as desired.That is why they don't have +ve nipples.Instead they came with tabs spot welded to the +ve and -ve ends.These tabs can be soldered to wires etc.Tabs are very thin flat metals.These tabs are optional.I don't know what rating is the B90.But telling from the burn time (the x80 lamp module draws about 1700maH, initially then drops with time) I guess it is rated about 1700maH.I think.
Anyway madecov, these sub-c cell has to be connected together by spot weld.It is not a drop in thing,like the normal AA or AAA cells.I let the battery shop owner cut open a brand new B90 battery and salvaged the necesary small parts that needs to transfered to the new Sanyo RC3300maH.
As for charging,it can be fast charge as your B90.But fast charge is not really good for the battery in the long run.In fact that applies to all battery.But you have to do the initial 'break in' charge.That is to say ,slow charge the battery first for about 12 to 16 hours with current of one tenth of the battrey rating .Which is about 330ma, cause the Sanyo RC3300 is a 3300maH.Then discharge it.Do this 3 times, then put the battery to actual use.I bought an adapter (cheap one .cost me $6) to do this.I still fast charge the battery, but it is good to do a slow charge once a while to balance the battery.This will extend the battrey life.
You can buy them at any battery shop.GP also offers a 3300maH sub-c.
Hope this info helps.See you.