Technology for Newbies

[WHDPC113]

Hi folks, If my questions are answered elsewhere, please just point me there. I'm confused by the use of one 3.7V Li high capacity cell in place of two stacked 3V CR123 cells (6V). Is it all about current and not voltage for LED lights?

 

[Marduke]

Hi folks, If my questions are answered elsewhere, please just point me there. I'm confused by the use of one 3.7V Li high capacity cell in place of two stacked 3V CR123 cells (6V). Is it all about current and not voltage for LED lights?

Many modern LED lights will adjust the current to the necessary level for the emitter to operate, and a single 3.7v Li-Ion is usually high enough that it doesn't need to be adjusted much.

A single large Li-Ion cell will store more total energy (watt hours) than two smaller RCR123 cells. Flashlights meant to handle it will often run longer. It is also considered safer since you're running one lithium cell, instead of two.

 

[NA8]

Esp nice if your flashlight is well designed for it.

http://www.dereelight.com/new.htm

 

[Mr Happy]

Is it all about current and not voltage for LED lights?

As Marduke indicated, some LED lights contain an electronic circuit that will step up the voltage to provide what the LED needs. This is why some (but only some) LED lights can have their batteries swapped around like this.

 

[WHDPC113]

Thanks, folks. I see I have a LOT to learn before I can make an informed purchase of a 100+ lumen tac light and rechargeable Li batteries to replace my incandescent 2xCR123 model.