Surefire L4 rechargable batteries
- Thread starter toneedo
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toneedo,
If you're familiar with using and recharging bare lithium ion batteries, you could use a 17670 (I think). The best way to do it, if cost is not a concern, is to get your hands on some Pila 168S cells. You really only need one. They are about the length of 2X123's. You'll get about 50 minutes of in regulation runtime.
The Pilas have over charge/discharge protection built in, but they run about $33 each. Well worth the cost if you ask me.
If you're familiar with using and recharging bare lithium ion batteries, you could use a 17670 (I think). The best way to do it, if cost is not a concern, is to get your hands on some Pila 168S cells. You really only need one. They are about the length of 2X123's. You'll get about 50 minutes of in regulation runtime.
The Pilas have over charge/discharge protection built in, but they run about $33 each. Well worth the cost if you ask me.
JonSidneyB
Flashlight Enthusiast
At the end of the month, there should be something available.
I found the link to this http://www.1esa.com/pilaacc.htm however, its rated at 3.7V and the surefire L4 i want to use it on takes 2 123A batteries which runs at 6V...am i losing power?
toneedo,
The L4 utilizes a boost circuit. The Pila 3.7v batt actually tops out at 4.2v and its voltage doesn't drop like that of the 123 batts. The Pila also has a flatter discharge curve. What all of this means is that it will run fine. You'll get almost an hour of full brightness with the Pilas, which isn't far off of what you'd get with the 2X123's. Take my word for it. Lots of guys here run the L4 on the Pilas. It's the cheapest way to run 'em.
In fact, I use Pilas in all of my LED lights, except of course the single cell lights. Pila doesn't make one that short.
BTW, don't get the 168A. It's too fat and won't fit.
The L4 utilizes a boost circuit. The Pila 3.7v batt actually tops out at 4.2v and its voltage doesn't drop like that of the 123 batts. The Pila also has a flatter discharge curve. What all of this means is that it will run fine. You'll get almost an hour of full brightness with the Pilas, which isn't far off of what you'd get with the 2X123's. Take my word for it. Lots of guys here run the L4 on the Pilas. It's the cheapest way to run 'em.
In fact, I use Pilas in all of my LED lights, except of course the single cell lights. Pila doesn't make one that short.
BTW, don't get the 168A. It's too fat and won't fit.
Streak
Enlightened
The Pila 168S is the right size.
Not being able to get Pila products here, I got hold of some 17670 bare cells. I have been using these in my L4 with no problem at all.
They donr have any circuitry built into them so as soon as I detect a drop in brightness I replace the cell with a new one and charge the old one.
Bare cells should not be taken lower than about 3v.
Not being able to get Pila products here, I got hold of some 17670 bare cells. I have been using these in my L4 with no problem at all.
They donr have any circuitry built into them so as soon as I detect a drop in brightness I replace the cell with a new one and charge the old one.
Bare cells should not be taken lower than about 3v.
koala
Flashlight Enthusiast
I am also quite interested on what JSB has said... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
V8TOYTRUCK
Flashlight Enthusiast
So if I get a Pila168S for my L4, what do I use to charge it?
Sinjz
Flashlight Enthusiast
Combining JonSidneyB's comments here with those he recently made in the cafe, I suspect he'll be a rich man soon. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Congrats! Now tell us how much you will be charging. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Streak
Enlightened
V8, whoever you get the Pila battery from get a Pila charger for it as well. This is the safest way.
I built a simple circuit to charge my bare cells but only because I could not get the real thing here. There is an element of risk doing it my way.
I built a simple circuit to charge my bare cells but only because I could not get the real thing here. There is an element of risk doing it my way.
My post above was with tonque-in-cheek but before someone does harm to himself let me get it straight:
The PILA cells are Li-Ions with integrated protection circuit and should/can only be charged with the corresponding PILA chargers designed for them.
Standard (hard to get) bare single LiIon cells without protection circuit should only be charged with Li-Ion capable chargers to avoid fireworks like this
There are threads in the battery and electronic forum especially the one started by Koala which I would highly encourage to be read by anyone thinking about getting into LiIon technology.
Koalas "Li-Ion FAQ & Safety" thread starts right HERE
Klaus
The PILA cells are Li-Ions with integrated protection circuit and should/can only be charged with the corresponding PILA chargers designed for them.
Standard (hard to get) bare single LiIon cells without protection circuit should only be charged with Li-Ion capable chargers to avoid fireworks like this
There are threads in the battery and electronic forum especially the one started by Koala which I would highly encourage to be read by anyone thinking about getting into LiIon technology.
Koalas "Li-Ion FAQ & Safety" thread starts right HERE
Klaus
JonSidneyB
Flashlight Enthusiast
This is a long dead thread from before I started selling Pilas, but I sure think that photo is interesting. I also think that Li-ion FAQ & Safety thread is an asset.
wptski
Flashlight Enthusiast
[ QUOTE ]
JonSidneyB said:
This is a long dead thread from before I started selling Pilas, but I sure think that photo is interesting. I also think that Li-ion FAQ & Safety thread is an asset.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've seen pictures like that before in RC Forums but usually they are Li-Poly and not Li-Ion.
JonSidneyB said:
This is a long dead thread from before I started selling Pilas, but I sure think that photo is interesting. I also think that Li-ion FAQ & Safety thread is an asset.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've seen pictures like that before in RC Forums but usually they are Li-Poly and not Li-Ion.
ODatsBright
Newly Enlightened
Greetings fellow flashaholics.
In my vast reading of reviews, info, and general knowledge gathering I came across this thread. I have an L4 and personally don't think $15 for 12 123's is all that expensive, however, with the prospect of a rechargeable battery(ies) for the L4 and its regulated circuit I find this a logical choice. My question would be do you HAVE to use the Pila charger with the Pila Li-ion cells (i.e. proprietary) or would my MAHA777 work without the above 'warming'incident happening? Thanks.
In my vast reading of reviews, info, and general knowledge gathering I came across this thread. I have an L4 and personally don't think $15 for 12 123's is all that expensive, however, with the prospect of a rechargeable battery(ies) for the L4 and its regulated circuit I find this a logical choice. My question would be do you HAVE to use the Pila charger with the Pila Li-ion cells (i.e. proprietary) or would my MAHA777 work without the above 'warming'incident happening? Thanks.
cognitivefun
Enlightened
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2004
- Messages
- 600
and one more question: does a charged Pila battery have a long shelf life? If it's left in a light, will the light work after, say, a year?
JonSidneyB
Flashlight Enthusiast
There is a thread on that very subject. I think it was JanCpf that did a study on how a 168s held its charge after sitting unused. If I remember right, it only lost a couple percent a month. I will try and find that thread later.
I think some people are using the MAHA777 to charge Pila batteries.
I think some people are using the MAHA777 to charge Pila batteries.
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