Which rechargeable instead of CR123

[guiri]

Guys, I don't want to use primaries because I hate NOT being able to reuse batteries but some lights just don't run as well on rechargeables or RCR123.

Are there any rechargeable batteries that can substitute primaries (in power and runtime) that I can use and if so, what are they and where can I find them and are they as good as good primary?

For instance. I'd like to get the Quark Mini but I dont see any mention of rechargeable batteries. http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_355&products_id=2045

Thanks

George

 

[carrot]

It all depends on the flashlight and configuration. For some flashlights, you can safely replace primary CR123A with RCR123, and for others, you cannot. For two-celled lights, some support 2xRCR, others need to use a 17670 or 18650 instead. Some can do both.

However, the Quark MiNi 123 can use regular 3.7-4.2v RCR123. Just don't run it on high for long periods of time, which will cause the LED to run too hot and potentially damage the light (or burn your hand).

 

[amigafan2003]

Are there any rechargeable batteries that can substitute primaries (in power and runtime)

Nope. All rechargeable replacements for lithium primaries have lower capacity.

 

[skyfire]

especially if the batteries are protected, because the actually cell is made smaller to make room for the protection circuits.

i have solarforce (white) 880mah protected cells, and spiderfire (yellow)1000mah protected cells. both purchased from ebay.

i use my lights every night at work, and measure the voltage before i charge and after charging is done.

from my experience the spiderfires work very well, and seems to give me longer runtimes. the discharge rates are also very smiliar. 1 of 4 cells did crap out on me though. i opened it up out of curiousity, and have seen pictures of an AW rcr123a with heat shrink removed, and the AW's are built and assemblied much better.

of my 4 solarforce cells, i noticed 1 discharges at a much higer rate. at the end of the night it can be as much as .05 volt difference. and another cell discharges at not so high a rate, but its different than the other cells.

note: im using 2 cells in series, with either my jetbeam lll M, or quark 123-2. i have been seriously considering a pila IBC and AW 18650, and a AW 17670 for the quark.

my runtimes with the rcr123s, are around 1 hour on max.

imho if you're going to use rechargeable li-ion, 18650s are the way to go. the nice thing about cr123a powered lights are, there are lithium primaries too, and have many advantages over alkalines.

 

[guiri]

It all depends on the flashlight and configuration. For some flashlights, you can safely replace primary CR123A with RCR123, and for others, you cannot. For two-celled lights, some support 2xRCR, others need to use a 17670 or 18650 instead. Some can do both.

However, the Quark MiNi 123 can use regular 3.7-4.2v RCR123. Just don't run it on high for long periods of time, which will cause the LED to run too hot and potentially damage the light (or burn your hand).

So, is this the reason they don't mention it could be used?

Any idea of output and runtimes vs primaries with the quark mini?

 

[guiri]

from my experience the spiderfires work very well, and seems to give me longer runtimes.

Longer than the other rechargeable or the primary cell?

imho if you're going to use rechargeable li-ion, 18650s are the way to go. the nice thing about cr123a powered lights are, there are lithium primaries too, and have many advantages over alkalines.

Yeah, I meant lithium primaries but I hate to spend a buck on a battery and then toss it. I'd rather spend much more on a rechargeable but not have to throw it out.

 

[Lighthouse one]

I've had very good results with the Soshine brand of 3.0 volt batteries the DX sells. THese are more expensive- but good quality. They also have the 3.7 volts 123's- so make sure if you get them.

 

[old4570]

2xCR123A 6v VS 8.4v

Depending on the driver ... Very much .

Check current drain with both batteries ...
You will most likely find that the Rechargeable batteries have lower current drain . The primaries have higher current drain ...

Once you know the current drain then you can work out run time ...
I have one light that is well regulated

18650 = 0.96A
Primaries = 0.7A
Rechargeable CR123A = 0.55A

 

[guiri]

I hope the comment about calculating the run time was for me? I think that's over my head

 

[Bullzeyebill]

2xCR123A 6v VS 8.4v

Depending on the driver ... Very much .

Check current drain with both batteries ...
You will most likely find that the Rechargeable batteries have lower current drain . The primaries have higher current drain ...

Once you know the current drain then you can work out run time ...
I have one light that is well regulated

18650 = 0.96A
Primaries = 0.7A
Rechargeable CR123A = 0.55A

I am reading that one 18650, two primary CR123's, and two RCR123's. Is that correct?

Bill