Using Rechargeable Batteries in Fenix P3D RB100 Light?

[kevin812367]

Hi, Everyone i was looking at getting the Fenix P3D RB100 flashlight. I was
reading a review that said rechargeable batteries were not recommended for
this light. Is this true, and if not what would be a good charger and batteries. Any help is appreciated.

 

[mchlwise]

I've never heard that, and I run mine on rechargeables all the time.

:shrug:

 

[leprechaun414]

:welcome:

That is not true. You can use Rechargables but they have to be 3.0 Volt.
If you use anything higher then you will loose the lower modes until the batteries drain down. As far as what to use for a battery and a charger, here are a couple of set ups for you:

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1158

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2515


http://www.batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html

I would recommend the Fenix P3D RB100. Rechargeables are the way to go. You will be happy with the light.

Just another thought for you is Olight. It is comparable to Fenix.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/specialeditionolight-t20.html

Good luck in your search.

 

[WadeF]

:welcome:

That is not true. You can use Rechargables but they have to be 3.0 Volt.

That is not true either. You can use 3.7v RCR123's in the P3D and not lose the low modes. I think I heard you can run the P3D all the way up to 16-18v or something crazy without problem. Fenix-store was making some extended battery tubes available, for example you could run 3 RCR123 3.7v's for more run time, and it would be okay and still have low modes.

 

[Nathan]

I run mine on a pair of RCR123's. They make me less hesitant to use Turbo mode. :devil:

 

[ICspots]

What if any difference is there in runtimes comparing RCR123's to lithium CR123a's in the P3D? Will I lose some runtime with rechargables?

 

[JackHays]

Re: rechargeables

From what I have read (someone correct this if it is wrong!), but the problem with losing lower modes when using 3.7v RCR123's exists in the 1x123 lights (P2D/P1D). The P3D 2x123 light should work fine with rechargeable 123's. As WadeF noted in a previous post, David at Fenix-Store.com says the P3D has been tested with considerably more volts, and you can buy both a 2x123 and a 3x123 "tactical" body for the P3D.

(I'm interested in a P3D myself, so I've been reading a lot!)

 

[Avatar28]

What if any difference is there in runtimes comparing RCR123's to lithium CR123a's in the P3D? Will I lose some runtime with rechargables?

Primary CR123A batteries are generally 1300-1600 mAh if I'm not mistaken. Rechargeables tend to be between 750 and 900 mAh. If you went with 3.0v RCRs you could expect between 50 and 70% runtime I would guess. Maybe a touch more since lithium-ion cells tend to be a little more happy with high current drain. If you go with the 3.6v li-ion cells then you could expect about another 18-20% runtime since the 20% higher voltage would also meet that about 20% less current is needed. I.e. if it draws 500 ma at 6 volts (total of 3 watts). At 7.2 volts you would need only 420 ma of current to provide the same power.

 

[leprechaun414]

You guys are right. My mistake, it is the single cell P2D that you can only use 3 volt unless you plan on loosing the low mode.

I hate when you guys are right :nana::lolsign:

 

[Steve L]

What if any difference is there in runtimes comparing RCR123's to lithium CR123a's in the P3D? Will I lose some runtime with rechargeable?

Primary batteries have about 1.5 times the stored energy of RCR123's. Longer runtime vs free lumens.

 

[Dr.K]

I ran rechargeable's in mine for the first time tonight, and with no problem.

This is what I used

http://www.batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html

 

[jasonsmaglites]

so we can use extension tubes on our fenix's
can i use one on my l2d ce and run 3 aa's
would it be brighter due to fulfilling a voltage need of the fenix?

 

[etc]

I am thinking about a CR123A Fenix light (P3D) but does it have any disadvantages over a AA-cell based Fenix like L2D-CE?

Say, P3D with 3xRCR123A cells vs. L2D-CE with 2AA (Maha Powerex 2700 mAh)

Also, for me rechargeables are the only way to go.

I didn't realize that RCR123A had that much lower mAh. Does that mean it has inferior run time to L2D-CE?

 

[Windscale]

I have started a thread saying that the P3D R100 which I tested was not happy with 17670 as the turbo mode flickered. I am not sure about 2xRCR123 (3.0 or 3.6v). But I would avoid using 2 Li-ion rechargeables (any type) together as this can be dangerous. Plenty of opinions to this effect have been expressed in the 'Batteries' threads. So, almost all of my whole Li-ion rechargeable collection consists of 1-cell lights (except one, namely, a UF WF502D Cree, running on 2x18650). And I use only protected cells.

17670 is OK in my P3D CE.