Using Pila batteries in M3

[Aaron]

I like my SF-M3 but not the cost of running it. A rechargeable M3 (with the battery being similar to the 10X in that it is contained within the body) would be ideal. Has anyone successfully used the Pila 150S batteries in their M3 with any success? I am interested in using both the high and low output lamps.

 

[IlluminatingBikr]

Aaron (hey, that's my name too /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif) I don't think the rechargeables would work well in the M3 because of the voltage. The lithium voltage is 9 volts, and with Pila's you only get 7.4 volts. Now in a L6 you could do this because of the circuity, but I think that DD with an incandescent would significantly underdrive the bulb, and possibly do harm to it long-term. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Owen]

I use Pilas (2x150S) in a Z3 with both the P90 and N2 (w/turbohead).
They're actually ~4.2v/ea. after charging, and supposedly have a flatter discharge rate.
Works great, though I haven't done a runtime test compared to 3x123.
Pila flashlights that use the 150 batteries have LAs that are listed as 9v...

 

[Klaus]

Couple of people doing so - using SF 9V LAs with 2 LiIons - PILA or bare cells - I´m personally using 2 1100ma LiIons with a P91 in a UBHwE2CwZ44 and like it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Another CPF-er is using 18500 cells - be bored out a C/Z/M SF body to be able to use the higher cap 18mm cells and it seems to work quite nicely too.

PILA and european SF distributors are officially proposing exactly this very setup - replacing the 3x123 cells to drive SF 9V LAs with 2 PILA (make that Li-Ions).

Klaus

 

[jln]

I have them working in my M3, but I had to wrap their lamp spring in with the surefire LA as some people have had to do.

Seems like some people had to do this and some people didn't.

I've used both lamps without issue.