turbodog
Flashaholic
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Your pack is history.
Trash it.
Your pack is history.
Trash it.
Tigerlight doesn't seem as bright
- Thread starter dkelly
- Start date
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Fresh off the charger, I measured 9.03 volts open-circuit, and 5.56 volts with the lamp on. The loaded value rose to 6.01 volts when the lamp was on for less than one minute; slowly rising while the lamp continued to burn.
Fresh off the charger, I measured 9.03 volts open-circuit, and 5.56 volts with the lamp on. The loaded value rose to 6.01 volts when the lamp was on for less than one minute; slowly rising while the lamp continued to burn.
turbodog
Flashaholic
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
[ QUOTE ]
The_LED_Museum said:
Fresh off the charger, I measured 9.03 volts open-circuit, and 5.56 volts with the lamp on. The loaded value rose to 6.01 volts when the lamp was on for less than one minute; slowly rising while the lamp continued to burn.
[/ QUOTE ]
Your pack has some serious problems also. It either has some bad cells or is in serious need of USE. I would run a few full charge/discharge cycles through it, being careful not to discharge below about 6 volts.
[ QUOTE ]
The_LED_Museum said:
Fresh off the charger, I measured 9.03 volts open-circuit, and 5.56 volts with the lamp on. The loaded value rose to 6.01 volts when the lamp was on for less than one minute; slowly rising while the lamp continued to burn.
[/ QUOTE ]
Your pack has some serious problems also. It either has some bad cells or is in serious need of USE. I would run a few full charge/discharge cycles through it, being careful not to discharge below about 6 volts.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Ehhh doodlebugs!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I'll have to USE my TigerLight and charge it a few times and then re-measure. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Ehhh doodlebugs!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I'll have to USE my TigerLight and charge it a few times and then re-measure. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
turbodog
Flashaholic
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
[ QUOTE ]
The_LED_Museum said:
Ehhh doodlebugs!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I'll have to USE my TigerLight and charge it a few times and then re-measure. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
This brings up another point about niX cells. They take a few cycles to reach full capacity when new and will get that way again, given enough non-use.
[ QUOTE ]
The_LED_Museum said:
Ehhh doodlebugs!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I'll have to USE my TigerLight and charge it a few times and then re-measure. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
This brings up another point about niX cells. They take a few cycles to reach full capacity when new and will get that way again, given enough non-use.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
[ QUOTE ]
turbodog said:
This brings up another point about niX cells. They take a few cycles to reach full capacity when new and will get that way again, given enough non-use.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have so many flashlights here, the poor TigerLight has just languished in a drawer with other flashlights for far longer than it really deserves. Like I said, I'll use it for several discharge/charge cycles and then remeasure those voltages.
[ QUOTE ]
turbodog said:
This brings up another point about niX cells. They take a few cycles to reach full capacity when new and will get that way again, given enough non-use.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have so many flashlights here, the poor TigerLight has just languished in a drawer with other flashlights for far longer than it really deserves. Like I said, I'll use it for several discharge/charge cycles and then remeasure those voltages.
js
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Nice posts turbodog! I have the exact same feelings regarding NiMH battery misconceptions. The proper care and use of NiMH batteries is hard to get across, for some reason.
The LED Museum,
Something is DEFINITELY wrong with your pack. This is screwy behavior.
Nice posts turbodog! I have the exact same feelings regarding NiMH battery misconceptions. The proper care and use of NiMH batteries is hard to get across, for some reason.
The LED Museum,
Something is DEFINITELY wrong with your pack. This is screwy behavior.
Gman
Enlightened
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Hey guys,
How do you feel about using a timer for a maintenace charge?
I have all my rechargables on an outlet strip connected to a programmable electronic timer where I can set the charge time and interval to anything I want, for example one hour every seven days. Will that harm anything? If not, what programming would you recommend for such a setup to maintain full charge?
Hey guys,
How do you feel about using a timer for a maintenace charge?
I have all my rechargables on an outlet strip connected to a programmable electronic timer where I can set the charge time and interval to anything I want, for example one hour every seven days. Will that harm anything? If not, what programming would you recommend for such a setup to maintain full charge?
js
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Three to Five hours every Seven days would be a good starting point. Monitor voltage over the week and from week to week and see if you're knocking it back to full charge. If not, try longer. If yes, maybe try less.
Three to Five hours every Seven days would be a good starting point. Monitor voltage over the week and from week to week and see if you're knocking it back to full charge. If not, try longer. If yes, maybe try less.
turbodog
Flashaholic
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
[ QUOTE ]
Gman said:
Hey guys,
How do you feel about using a timer for a maintenace charge?
I have all my rechargables on an outlet strip connected to a programmable electronic timer where I can set the charge time and interval to anything I want, for example one hour every seven days. Will that harm anything? If not, what programming would you recommend for such a setup to maintain full charge?
[/ QUOTE ]
You will damage your packs eventually with this method. If nothing else, repeated topping up will bring about voltage depression and make the light dimmer.
[ QUOTE ]
Gman said:
Hey guys,
How do you feel about using a timer for a maintenace charge?
I have all my rechargables on an outlet strip connected to a programmable electronic timer where I can set the charge time and interval to anything I want, for example one hour every seven days. Will that harm anything? If not, what programming would you recommend for such a setup to maintain full charge?
[/ QUOTE ]
You will damage your packs eventually with this method. If nothing else, repeated topping up will bring about voltage depression and make the light dimmer.
Gman
Enlightened
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Hmmm...I see. Well, I wanted to eventually put the TL in the car. I used to have a Magcharger in there but took it out because it was always dead when I needed it most. I first had it connected to charge whenever the IGN was on and later connected it to charge only when the heater blower was on. Went through several nicad sticks with that light. Guess I need a lithium powered light since I don't use it that often but I wanted the TL for the pepper spray.
How's about modding the charger to reduce the current to a full time trickle charge level, say 20 ma or so? Is that better than a timed maintanence charge at the normal charging current? For example I could put in a switch to select between normal charge and trickle charge.
Hmmm...I see. Well, I wanted to eventually put the TL in the car. I used to have a Magcharger in there but took it out because it was always dead when I needed it most. I first had it connected to charge whenever the IGN was on and later connected it to charge only when the heater blower was on. Went through several nicad sticks with that light. Guess I need a lithium powered light since I don't use it that often but I wanted the TL for the pepper spray.
How's about modding the charger to reduce the current to a full time trickle charge level, say 20 ma or so? Is that better than a timed maintanence charge at the normal charging current? For example I could put in a switch to select between normal charge and trickle charge.
js
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
[ QUOTE ]
Gman said:
Hmmm...I see. Well, I wanted to eventually put the TL in the car. I used to have a Magcharger in there but took it out because it was always dead when I needed it most. I first had it connected to charge whenever the IGN was on and later connected it to charge only when the heater blower was on. Went through several nicad sticks with that light. Guess I need a lithium powered light since I don't use it that often but I wanted the TL for the pepper spray.
How's about modding the charger to reduce the current to a full time trickle charge level, say 20 ma or so? Is that better than a timed maintanence charge at the normal charging current? For example I could put in a switch to select between normal charge and trickle charge.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, this would be the way to do it. I even proposed such a setup in The TigerLight Upgrade Thread.
However, I will have to disagree somewhat with turbodog on this one. I don't think a weekly top-up would be that bad for the batteries, provided you DO use the light a couple to three times a month. If you're just going to let it sit, then I guess I will have to agree with turbodog.
But even a continuous 20mA trickle charge with no use isn't good for the batteries over the long run, I don't think. As you surmised, a lithium based light is the best choice for a throw-it-in-the-car-and-forget-it type standby light.
[ QUOTE ]
Gman said:
Hmmm...I see. Well, I wanted to eventually put the TL in the car. I used to have a Magcharger in there but took it out because it was always dead when I needed it most. I first had it connected to charge whenever the IGN was on and later connected it to charge only when the heater blower was on. Went through several nicad sticks with that light. Guess I need a lithium powered light since I don't use it that often but I wanted the TL for the pepper spray.
How's about modding the charger to reduce the current to a full time trickle charge level, say 20 ma or so? Is that better than a timed maintanence charge at the normal charging current? For example I could put in a switch to select between normal charge and trickle charge.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, this would be the way to do it. I even proposed such a setup in The TigerLight Upgrade Thread.
However, I will have to disagree somewhat with turbodog on this one. I don't think a weekly top-up would be that bad for the batteries, provided you DO use the light a couple to three times a month. If you're just going to let it sit, then I guess I will have to agree with turbodog.
But even a continuous 20mA trickle charge with no use isn't good for the batteries over the long run, I don't think. As you surmised, a lithium based light is the best choice for a throw-it-in-the-car-and-forget-it type standby light.
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
I received a new battery pack, put it in the flashlight and put it on the charger. I decided to take apart the old battery and take some measurements. This “bad” battery had been on the charger for about 24 hours. I took the battery apart so that I came up with 3 sets of 2 batteries wired together. I measured 2.74 volts, 2.73volts, and 1.34 volts. This last set obviously had the bad battery. I cut these two apart and took a reading of 1.34 volts from 1 battery and 0.00 volts from the other battery. Any good ideas on what to do with 5 good batteries?
I received a new battery pack, put it in the flashlight and put it on the charger. I decided to take apart the old battery and take some measurements. This “bad” battery had been on the charger for about 24 hours. I took the battery apart so that I came up with 3 sets of 2 batteries wired together. I measured 2.74 volts, 2.73volts, and 1.34 volts. This last set obviously had the bad battery. I cut these two apart and took a reading of 1.34 volts from 1 battery and 0.00 volts from the other battery. Any good ideas on what to do with 5 good batteries?
turbodog
Flashaholic
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
If they are 1/2 d size, sell them to someone with a mag charger. It takes 5 1/2d nicd/nimh cells.
If they are 1/2 d size, sell them to someone with a mag charger. It takes 5 1/2d nicd/nimh cells.
turbodog
Flashaholic
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
[ QUOTE ]
js said:
[ QUOTE ]
Gman said:
Hmmm...I see. Well, I wanted to eventually put the TL in the car. I used to have a Magcharger in there but took it out because it was always dead when I needed it most. I first had it connected to charge whenever the IGN was on and later connected it to charge only when the heater blower was on. Went through several nicad sticks with that light. Guess I need a lithium powered light since I don't use it that often but I wanted the TL for the pepper spray.
How's about modding the charger to reduce the current to a full time trickle charge level, say 20 ma or so? Is that better than a timed maintanence charge at the normal charging current? For example I could put in a switch to select between normal charge and trickle charge.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, this would be the way to do it. I even proposed such a setup in The TigerLight Upgrade Thread.
However, I will have to disagree somewhat with turbodog on this one. I don't think a weekly top-up would be that bad for the batteries, provided you DO use the light a couple to three times a month. If you're just going to let it sit, then I guess I will have to agree with turbodog.
But even a continuous 20mA trickle charge with no use isn't good for the batteries over the long run, I don't think. As you surmised, a lithium based light is the best choice for a throw-it-in-the-car-and-forget-it type standby light.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, not to start a Tl vs MC war, but some might consider going to a MC. It uses nicd cells which do not self discharge as much. These cells also will take more abuse than a nimh cell.
[ QUOTE ]
js said:
[ QUOTE ]
Gman said:
Hmmm...I see. Well, I wanted to eventually put the TL in the car. I used to have a Magcharger in there but took it out because it was always dead when I needed it most. I first had it connected to charge whenever the IGN was on and later connected it to charge only when the heater blower was on. Went through several nicad sticks with that light. Guess I need a lithium powered light since I don't use it that often but I wanted the TL for the pepper spray.
How's about modding the charger to reduce the current to a full time trickle charge level, say 20 ma or so? Is that better than a timed maintanence charge at the normal charging current? For example I could put in a switch to select between normal charge and trickle charge.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, this would be the way to do it. I even proposed such a setup in The TigerLight Upgrade Thread.
However, I will have to disagree somewhat with turbodog on this one. I don't think a weekly top-up would be that bad for the batteries, provided you DO use the light a couple to three times a month. If you're just going to let it sit, then I guess I will have to agree with turbodog.
But even a continuous 20mA trickle charge with no use isn't good for the batteries over the long run, I don't think. As you surmised, a lithium based light is the best choice for a throw-it-in-the-car-and-forget-it type standby light.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well, not to start a Tl vs MC war, but some might consider going to a MC. It uses nicd cells which do not self discharge as much. These cells also will take more abuse than a nimh cell.
js
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
The TigerLight batteries are 4/5A size--same diameter as a 123--so they would be useless for use in a stock MC.
turbodog,
MC, eh?
nah.
The TigerLight batteries are 4/5A size--same diameter as a 123--so they would be useless for use in a stock MC.
turbodog,
MC, eh?
nah.
turbodog
Flashaholic
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
4/5A ??? 6 cells? That would be a loooooong pack. They must be in there in 3 rows of 2 or something.
4/5A ??? 6 cells? That would be a loooooong pack. They must be in there in 3 rows of 2 or something.
js
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
turbodog,
Three stacks of two, triangle configuration. I have posted two detailed threads on this if you're interested. Search on "js" as poster and "main threads only" and go back a year and you'll see them. There's also a link to one of the threads (how I make custom TL packs) in my "TigerLight Upgrade offerings (summary)" thread in the homemade and modified lights forum.
turbodog,
Three stacks of two, triangle configuration. I have posted two detailed threads on this if you're interested. Search on "js" as poster and "main threads only" and go back a year and you'll see them. There's also a link to one of the threads (how I make custom TL packs) in my "TigerLight Upgrade offerings (summary)" thread in the homemade and modified lights forum.
js
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Tigerlight doesn\'t seem as bright
Actually, check this out. It is a charge methods sheet for NiMH batteries published by Panasonic. Here is a section on a recommended charge system for back up power applications. It is an intermittent timer charger system, exactly as suggested above:
[ QUOTE ]
The optimal charge system for the NiMH “H” Series for back-up power applications is an intermittent timer charge. An intermittent timer charge improves charge efficiency, extends battery life (-vs- trickle charge) and reduces electricity consumption up to 30% compared to trickle* charge. Intermittent Timer Charge: (see diagram) At the beginning of the charge, an IC timer is started and charging is activated at a current of 0.1It until the timer stops and the charge is terminated. When the batteries self discharge down to a set point (1.3V), the timer charge is re-activated.
*Trickle charge is not recommended for NiMH batteries. Please consult Panasonic on any NiMH applications requiring trickle charge. VB Intermittent Charge
• Example of intermittent timer charger system: Average Charge Current: 0.1 ItA Re-charge time: 16 hours Pulse charging can be used
[/ QUOTE ]
Actually, check this out. It is a charge methods sheet for NiMH batteries published by Panasonic. Here is a section on a recommended charge system for back up power applications. It is an intermittent timer charger system, exactly as suggested above:
[ QUOTE ]
The optimal charge system for the NiMH “H” Series for back-up power applications is an intermittent timer charge. An intermittent timer charge improves charge efficiency, extends battery life (-vs- trickle charge) and reduces electricity consumption up to 30% compared to trickle* charge. Intermittent Timer Charge: (see diagram) At the beginning of the charge, an IC timer is started and charging is activated at a current of 0.1It until the timer stops and the charge is terminated. When the batteries self discharge down to a set point (1.3V), the timer charge is re-activated.
*Trickle charge is not recommended for NiMH batteries. Please consult Panasonic on any NiMH applications requiring trickle charge. VB Intermittent Charge
• Example of intermittent timer charger system: Average Charge Current: 0.1 ItA Re-charge time: 16 hours Pulse charging can be used
[/ QUOTE ]
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