CREE XR-E DD on 3.7V R123?

Hi Folks,

I searched and did not find a definitive answer. Most seem to feel that running the L1 head on a 3.7V R123 would be overdriving. But what about the LED in a Mule head? There are no electronics and so it would be direct drive the whole time. The CREE specs say voltage at 1A would be 3.7V but does that mean the LED is safe to drive with a protected R123 3.7V instead of 3.0V? Would you expect meaningful output gains for that extra 0.7V?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Wilkey

There is a HUGE difference between the current that the LED will draw at 3.0V as opposed to 3.7V, but an RCR123 will come off the charger at 4.2V and that voltage will result in a large amount of overdrive that will probably fry the LED.

Thanks Luke. Primaries and 3V R123 it is, then.

Wilkey