Fenix P1 and Rechargeable RCR123's

Can the Fenix P1 safely use RCR123 rechargeable batteries? I'm sure this has been discussed before but the CPF Search function has not been working since I've been on the last hour so I can't search to find an answer. BTW anyone who hasn't got one of the P1's yet is missing a great little power house - awesome light and actually much smaller than I thought. Almost Jil Lite size with a CR123 battery - how'd they sqweeze it into such a small package :goodjob:

Yup.
I've been using RCR123As only in it. Guilt Free Lumens.

Thanks - tried one and it works fine - No Smoke

I am using them also and no problems to date. Where did you get yours from?

Mine are from AW RCR123 750ma Protected.

I need to get some more but first two were some expensive ones from Delkin Devices which have a problem working in most lights due to the tail (negative) side being recessed too much from the plastic wrap. I think I had some other issues with this battery too - something was not correct in their advertising. I've also got a couple much less expensive 700mah from one of our dealers here - I think it was AW. They are okay but one seems to lose it's charge too fast - goes down much faster than the other. I don't believe mine are the protected ones.

I have run my P1 exclusively on RCR123s since I got it. Love the combo!

This is where I got mine from, Protected 750 mah 3.7 V
they've been working great so far.

http://www.lighthound.com/sales/rcr123_protected_rechargeable_battery_kit.htm

I recommend using protected RC123 as well in the P1, great light.

regards.

John.

The manufacturer's disclaimer does recommend against using RCR123s, but I've been using protected RCR123s (3.6V nominal, 4.2V off the charger) with my P1 with success. I like the increased output and guilt-free lumens the RCR123 provides but my P1 does get pretty warm after 2-3 minutes of use so I give it periodic breaks to cool it off when using it for an extended time, or use prescribed CR123s in those cases. Great little light!

Would rechargables in P1 reduce runtime or peak output? Yes, the P1 is a remarkable little light, my best single 123A so far (despite having returned one DOB).

Daveman, on RCR123s the runtime is about half that of CR123s, but the peak brightness is much greater (particularly if you put the cell in hot off the charger at 4+ V!!).

Great runtime/output charts from this_is_nascar -

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/120136

Thanks for all the comments and info. Now that I got out my glasses and actually read the package it came in I see the answer was right there. Input Voltage 1.5 to 4 volts. And it basically says rechargeables can be used in it to get up to 75 Lumens but they don't suggest it. I've already tried it by now and no problems here. Generally I'll use a rechargeable if I know I'm going to use a light on a project that needs the light to be on a lot of time. My P1 will get fed RCR's as needed

Is it ok to use RCR123's rated at 3v, ie halfway between CR123's @ 3v, and RCR123 3.6v's @ 4.2v ?

My RCR123 3v's run @ about 3.6v off charger

Any idea of RT and graph with 3v RCR123's?

All my RCR123's above are unprotected.

abvidledUK said:

Is it ok to use RCR123's rated at 3v, ie halfway between CR123's @ 3v, and RCR123 3.6v's @ 4.2v ?

My RCR123 3v's run @ about 3.6v off charger

Any idea of RT and graph with 3v RCR123's?

All my RCR123's above are unprotected.

Click to expand...

Thanks CF.

Already seen your graph.

Doesn't answer my specific question though, about unprotected 3v RCR123 @3.6v, and 3.6v RCR123 @4.2v in P1.

Anyone else help ?

I've been using 3 Volt RCR's in mine for a long time with no apparent ill effects. I figure IF the 3 Volts overdrive the circuit/LED at all, at least it's not as much.

Dave

45/70 said:

I've been using 3 Volt RCR's in mine for a long time with no apparent ill effects. I figure IF the 3 Volts overdrive the circuit/LED at all, at least it's not as much.

Dave

Click to expand...

Thanks

What sort of RT do you get ?

Does it appear to follow a regulated output, ie quite constant for quite a while ? upto 120 mins RT

Or like the 3.6v RCR123's, high for a shorter period, then dips dramatically ? upto 60 mins RT

Or somewhere in between.

From CF's graphs above, I would expect somewhere in between.

Looks like that's what chevrofreak did so I'd say it's okay - I think any of them work fine in the P1. Normal precautions apply ...

I'm happy that the 3v RCR123's will work ok.

Just wondering about RT's etc, prior to receiving my P1 (s/h)

I suppose I'll find out soon enough, well in a week or two anyway.