Streamlights and rechargable batteries
- Thread starter mtngoat
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I have a Streamlight TL-3 and I can run 2x17500 no problem. It's all about the voltage the light can safely handle. If you have a 2x123 light, use a single 17670 or 16650. I wouldn't use RCRs in place of CR123's though - typically that will damage the light.
I am confused now, what is the difference in a 17670, 16650 and an 18650? Please forgive my ignorance I am new to all these numbered batteries I am used to AAs and AAAs.
If it helps the Streamlight in question is a new Protac 2L.
Size is the difference, 17670 = 17mm cell that is 67mm long and the 0 tells you it is round. Same for the others.
Norm
17670 is approximately the same size as two CR123 batteries stacked on top of each other. 16650 has a slightly smaller diameter and typically fits in 2x123 flashlights that won't fit 17670. 18650, length wise, is the same as 2x123 batteries stacked together, but the girth is bigger than most factory 2x123 lights will handle (Surefire and Streamlight, primarily, won't accept 18650 in stock format).
A 17500 cell is 1.5 times the length of a CR123, and are typically used in pairs in a 3x123 format light not only due to the sizes being similar, but the voltages being similar as well (3x123 = 9v, 2x17500 = 8.4v but with less sag than CR123 primaries when the light is turned on).
Hopefully we haven't thoroughly confused you...
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NutSAK
Flashlight Enthusiast
A 17500 is 1.5 times the length of a 16340/RCR123.
Doh! Thanks for letting me know, was typing too fast. I've corrected my post.
StorminMatt
Flashlight Enthusiast
How about 3.2V LiFePO4?
Correction: I wouldn't use RCRs in place of CR123's though - typically that may or may not damage the light.
Also some lights may damage the cells.
Finally, they may not power up some flashlight properly or at all.
Primary CR123, rechargeable CR123 and rechargeable 3.2V LiFePO4, each have different voltage under load of different current. So there is no rule for using one in place of other unless you know what is exact application, type and size of cells.
Some LEDs or regulated incans may have wide range of input voltage, some cells have slight voltage drop under certain load while other type may have greater voltage drop.
Not necessarily.
Some LED flashlights have maximum forwarded voltage of 6 volt which is fine when using pair of primary CR123 but using pair of rechargeable 3.2V LiFePO4 may fry the LED module.
Please let us know what is your exact application before we can properly direct you.mtngoat said:
You will be fine with 3.2V LFP 123A .. I run these in my Streamlight ProTac 1L.. but I also run 16340s 3.7V and have no issues.. You have to realize that the Streamlight Corp "party line" is to never recommend to an end user to run any "re-chargables"... That's just Streamlight.. It's the way they are
You can get a nice little kit of 2ea 3.2V LFP 123A and a cute little charger for them for about $25 bucks from Surefire.
They are from K2 Corp and are quite nice quality protected cells.. They will work excellent in your 2L..
here's the link:
http://www.surefire.com/batteries/sf2r-kit01-charger-kit.html
PS: CAUTION: Streamlights and 3.2V lithium-phosphate rechargeable batteries will only work to a point an in a way. In the High drain lights like the ProTac HL 3 you just aren't really going to get a successful result. And if you go to stacking 3ea 3.7Vs in a light like that you will most likely have troubles. CR123 Lithium Metal Primarys will probably be your only choice there.. So with the broad range of lights in the Streamlight catalog you have wander the path of "swaping out" carefully, and know what you are doing.
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