Tenergy batteries failing in my Fenix PD10

[Wacki]

I just bought a 4 pack of Tenergy RCR123 batteries for my Fenix PD10 and I'm getting less than stellar reliability. My Pilla charger says they are fully charged but at least 2 of the four batteries will only work intermittently. The third one seems to work ok (for now). Haven't ran the fourth battery. They work fine for a short while (minutes) but once they start having issues I have to go from the 190 lumen mode to the 9 lumen mode. If I go back to 190 lumen mode the battery will almost instantly die. They don't last long in the 9 lumen mode either. The batteries seem to start out fine but once they start having issues they are very fickle even after a top off with the Pila.

Need to pick up a new voltmeter so haven't had the chance to check that yet.

Any ideas why this is happening?

 

[Link Archer VI]

Are they "3V" rechargeables? If so, they can't be charged using a regular Li-Ion charger, but must be charged a special charger. Tenergy makes two kinds of "3V" RCR123's, a LiFePO4 chemistry that's around 3.2V, and a voltage regulated RCR123 that steps down the voltage of a normal Li-Ion to around 3V. Each one needs their own special charger.

 

[Wacki]

If the Pila wont work, what chargers will?

 

[Wacki]

This is what I bought:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BLQQ7S/?tag=cpf0b6-20

• Item model number: RCR123A-900-4

That won't work with the famous pila charger?

 

[45/70]

Wacki, those cells are lithium cobalt cells that have diodes incorporated into the cell to reduce the voltage when the cell is under load. Your Pila will not fully charge this type cell. In my experience, a regular 4.2 volt charger will only charge these cells to about 40%. These cells require a charger that charges to 4.4-4.5 Volts. This is necessary to overcome the effect of the diodes when charging the cell. The actual cell only charges to ~4.20 Volts.

I know Tenergy offers a proper charger as does Powerizer. You do not want to get a charger for LiFePO4 cells, as these charge to an even lower voltage.

Once you obtain a proper charger, make sure you do not attempt to charge regular LiCo cells with this charger, particularly unprotected cells. This type charger will drastically overcharge a standard cell, possibly even a protected cell, and you run the risk of a "vent with flame" incident.

Hope this helps.

Dave

 

[Wacki]

How do you tell it's only 40% Is that the voltage? 40% of 3.2 volts is pretty low.

 

[Wacki]

What about AW cells? Will this work with the Pila?

AW RCR123a Protected 750 mAh Battery

Part Number AWRCR123

 

[45/70]

How do you tell it's only 40% Is that the voltage? 40% of 3.2 volts is pretty low.

No, I meant 40% capacity. 40% may be a bit optimistic. It's likely less than that. It's been a while since I tried charging a "3 Volt" LiCo cell in a 4.2 Volt charger, as it doesn't work very well.

You may find this post, in novice's thread helpful. Measuring the voltage of a 3 Volt LiCo cell is a bit difficult.

I'm not familiar with the PD10's circuitry, as it's been a long time since I bought any Fenix lights. I tired of their monthly model changes long ago. Suffice to to say however, if the light has low voltage circuitry that cuts in around 2.75 Volts, and your 3 Volt LiCo's are only charging to 40% SOC, which would be somewhere around 2.80 Volts under load, you're light won't run very long.

What about AW cells? Will this work with the Pila?

AW RCR123a Protected 750 mAh Battery

Part Number AWRCR123

Yes, those cells will charge fine in the Pila. I would make certain that the PD10 will work properly with the higher voltage (3.6-4.2 Volt) though.

Dave

 

[mdocod]

Everything Dave said.

+1

To summarize, either you need the proper charger, or you should buy a 1xRCR123 compatible light that can run on normal 3.7V cells (not a fenix).

best of luck!

Eric

 

[Wacki]

Re: Tenergy batteries failing in my Fenix PD20

Everything Dave said.

+1

To summarize, either you need the proper charger, or you should buy a 1xRCR123 compatible light that can run on normal 3.7V cells (not a fenix).

best of luck!

Eric

I can't find anything on their website about my PD20's voltage range (I have a PD20 and NOT the PD10). I've emailed the Fenix support line.


If you guys don't like Fenix, who do you go with for your 1xRCR123 every day carry lights?

Thanks,

-W

 

[45/70]

Re: Tenergy batteries failing in my Fenix PD20

If you guys don't like Fenix, who do you go with for your 1xRCR123 every day carry lights?

There's nothing really wrong with Fenix' lights. They are a decent product, good for those new to "high tech" lights to start out with. It's their marketing/sales approach that bothers me. They're always dangling a carrot out in front of prospective buyers. For example, how many Fenix owners do you know that have more than one version of basically, the same light, due to their often, insignificant model upgrades? They've made a fortune using this tactic, I'll give them credit for that. I have an L1P, L0P, and a P1, I guess their marketing strategy didn't work on me, apparently.

As for EDC, it's been hotter than Hades here for the last few months, so I primarily carry AAA Li-Ion powered "pocket" lights, such as a MJP Extreme III, Peak, or a LiteFlux. The less I have to carry, the better, and the days are long enough that I don't really use a light that much, EDCwise.

During the cooler months, I do carry 1x and 2x 123 lights, usually a MR Bulk LionCub, Chameleon, or one of my Peak 123's. Also, although my Fenix P1 is an old Lux III version, it sees some use as well. I haven't bothered to upgrade it's LED, as I have most of the others, but it still does the job.

In leather jacket weather, two of my favorites are my Aleph 2 with Balrog 2x123 tube and flat twisty, and one of my two (different driver boards) brass MR Bulk DragonHearts (1x 18500). Also, cooler weather allows carrying my MR Bulk lights with 18500, or 18650 tubes. These lights have significantly longer runtime with the bigger cells, regardless of the LED installed, and when carried in a heavy jacket or coat, the size doesn't bother me.

Back to EDCing a 123 light, you may want to look into a LiteFlux LF3XT. These single 123 lights are actually designed to be used with either CR123, or RCR 123 cells, and are inexpensive, like the Fenix'. I have always eyed one, but never got around to actually purchasing. The LiteFlux lights (Taiwan) have always impressed me as probably being one of the best out of SE Asia. During the cooler months, my LF5XT is a favorite non 123 light. It too is specifically designed for Li-Ion use, but can actually run on anything you can put into it (1x AA/14500).

Of course there are many other options in 1x and 2x 123 lights. But hey, you asked!

Dave

 

[mdocod]

Re: Tenergy batteries failing in my Fenix PD20

....(I have a PD20 and NOT the PD10)....

Historically speaking, all Fenix 1xCR123 and 1xAA size lights will not support 3.7V cells. They should be used with primary cells for proper behavior and performance.

Doesn't much matter if it's a PD10 or PD20 or whichever...

See if you can't tolerate a compact 1x18650 light. That will give you some serious runtime.

Eric