ThruNite TC15/battery problem.

[lhedrick]

Just got a ThrunNite TC15 which has a CREE XHP 35 LED. Great light.


Very bright but a problem. When I put it on the higher setting, it goes off. If I replace the battery with a plain old Panasonic cell with no protection circuit it works just fine. It seems that on high, the amperage is high enough to activate the cut out. All my older ThruNite 18650s with a protection circuit shut down when I go to the Turbo mode. It will not power back up in a lower mode until I replace the battery. It runs just fine in the lower 3 power modes. Go high and it will shutdown and not power backup at all. Only batteries with protection will do this.


When I buy new cells, with protection how can I find out if they will work with my device. Are there specs I can find to show the max amperage they will handle?

 

[Zak]

Max mode on the TC15 pulls about 10A. That's too much for low-drain cells, and protected low-drain cells usually trip at less than that.

The TC15 should come with a Thrunite branded battery labeled with "3100 mAh" and "IMR18650". The wrapper is semitransparent and it's usually possible to see markings through it consistent with a Samsung 30Q. This battery should work properly with the TC15; if it trips from using the max mode, it is defective and you should return it for a replacement.

Thrunite's other current generation protected battery says "3400 mAh" and when the markings of the underlying cell are visible, it looks to be an LG F1L. This battery is not appropriate for the TC15, and should trip if you attempt to use the max mode. If your TC15 came with this battery, someone made a mistake, and you should return it to exchange for one with the correct battery.

Depending on what your older unprotected Panasonics are, they may be inappropriate for the TC15's max mode. The formerly popular NCR18650B is rated for 4.85A and should only be used in the lower four modes if you power a TC15 with it.

 

[lhedrick]

Max mode on the TC15 pulls about 10A. That's too much for low-drain cells, and protected low-drain cells usually trip at less than that.

The TC15 should come with a Thrunite branded battery labeled with "3100 mAh" and "IMR18650". The wrapper is semitransparent and it's usually possible to see markings through it consistent with a Samsung 30Q. This battery should work properly with the TC15; if it trips from using the max mode, it is defective and you should return it for a replacement.

Thrunite's other current generation protected battery says "3400 mAh" and when the markings of the underlying cell are visible, it looks to be an LG F1L. This battery is not appropriate for the TC15, and should trip if you attempt to use the max mode. If your TC15 came with this battery, someone made a mistake, and you should return it to exchange for one with the correct battery.

Depending on what your older unprotected Panasonics are, they may be inappropriate for the TC15's max mode. The formerly popular NCR18650B is rated for 4.85A and should only be used in the lower four modes if you power a TC15 with it.

It did come with the IMR18650 you mentioned and that cell does work and the light charges by USB. I often use my light away from charging power and I take several batteries. I will need to get a few more of the correct batteries. I do intend to keep the use of high output to a minimum.

I live in area in Utah which has lots of moose. I walk my dogs every evening and I often see eyes glowing when I scan around with my headlamp. Every now and then a moose will drop on to the road and block my way back home. In most cases if we keep our distance, they will move off and we have no problems. In late summer into Sept, when the rut starts the bulls become very dangerous and can charge out from the brush if you don't spot them. These powerful light really help. Shine one of these light at them and they stop and turn away from the light giving me some time to retreat to a safe spot.

Thanks for the information, it was right on and explained everything.