My new torch

[RBS Bob]

£30 eBay jobbie.

It's great.

[tenohfive]

FiF said:

tenohfive said:

FiF said:

There have been a few occasions where someone on the thread has recommended using Li-ion rechargeables in torches where the spec says use disposable AA or AAA.

Can someone please explain whether I'm missing something here, as there is no way I'd put a 3.7v battery in something that is supposed to take 1.5v disposables.

Where was that suggested?

I certainly wouldn't put li-ions in something that is only rated for 1.5v. There are more and more lights that will run off either li-ion or alkaline batteries, albeit with about 1/3 of the output if running on alkalines (most of my AA/AAA form factor lights in fact) but they are rated to take the higher voltage of a li-ion cell. But I've missed it if someone has suggested running a lower rated light on li-ions in this thread.

Well just on the last page (109) we had this relating to a torch which used 3xAAA.

schmunk said:

The biggest single improvement you could make is to swap your 3x AAA batteries for 1x 18600 Lithium Ion battery

Which you commented on saying that you thought he meant 18650.

On the page before that someone was suggesting using something at 3.7v in those Hero beam camping lanterns that I definitely use normal IKEA yellow AA's in.

Hence me asking the question if I'm missing something, or are people being put at risk of buggering up their kit.

Just re-read his post - I thought Schmunk was talking about different torches i.e. switching from lights powered by alkaline batteries to those powered by li-ion (something I'm all for.) Not just switching batteries within the same torch. In case I've misunderstood his post I'll say this so my opinion is clear:

Li-ion batteries should only go in torches that are rated for them; if they aren't there's a risk of killing the torch and potentially fire. It's not something I'd recommend unless you really know what you're doing.

[tenohfive]

RBS Bob said:

£30 eBay jobbie.

It's great.

It's good...£15 here though:
http://www.banggood.com/BLF-A6-XPL-1600LM-7-4modes...

[FiF]

tenohfive said:

FiF said:

tenohfive said:

FiF said:

There have been a few occasions where someone on the thread has recommended using Li-ion rechargeables in torches where the spec says use disposable AA or AAA.

Can someone please explain whether I'm missing something here, as there is no way I'd put a 3.7v battery in something that is supposed to take 1.5v disposables.

Where was that suggested?

I certainly wouldn't put li-ions in something that is only rated for 1.5v. There are more and more lights that will run off either li-ion or alkaline batteries, albeit with about 1/3 of the output if running on alkalines (most of my AA/AAA form factor lights in fact) but they are rated to take the higher voltage of a li-ion cell. But I've missed it if someone has suggested running a lower rated light on li-ions in this thread.

Well just on the last page (109) we had this relating to a torch which used 3xAAA.

schmunk said:

The biggest single improvement you could make is to swap your 3x AAA batteries for 1x 18600 Lithium Ion battery

Which you commented on saying that you thought he meant 18650.

On the page before that someone was suggesting using something at 3.7v in those Hero beam camping lanterns that I definitely use normal IKEA yellow AA's in.

Hence me asking the question if I'm missing something, or are people being put at risk of buggering up their kit.

Just re-read his post - I thought Schmunk was talking about different torches i.e. switching from lights powered by alkaline batteries to those powered by li-ion (something I'm all for.) Not just switching batteries within the same torch. In case I've misunderstood his post I'll say this so my opinion is clear:

Li-ion batteries should only go in torches that are rated for them; if they aren't there's a risk of killing the torch and potentially fire. It's not something I'd recommend unless you really know what you're doing.

I agree, his post was most unclear as to whether it was replace the batteries or look at torches using Li-ion. Coming on the back of the camping lantern recommendation seemed worth raising as an issue.

Anyway eeny meeny miney mo, ....

Convoy L6 or Klarus XT12?

Same quandary as you, I believe, damn this thread!

[moleamol]

silverthorn2151 said:

tenohfive said:

moleamol said:

I was recently really impressed with my Convoy C8! Nicely made and a good weight etc, then I took it out into the actual field. Do people generally walk their dogs on lawns? It's rubbish unless you want to show someone how bright your torch is 2 metres away.

Are we talking about the same light? I was lighting up houses over 300m away and don't know what the actual range is as I ran out of open space, not candelas.

Have to say I agree. My C8 is one of the two torches I take on night dog walks. I use that for illuminating far far away and a small floody one for the near vicinity, avoiding puddles, poo, snails etc.

I complained about my Convoy C8 earlier in the thread but I think I just expected it to be a bit more mental than it actually is, in proper use it's excellent and easily illuminates as far as my dog ever runs (and he's a Spaniel). I can't see how you'd need more from a fixed beam torch.

[RBS Bob]

tenohfive said:

RBS Bob said:

£30 eBay jobbie.

It's great.

It's good...£15 here though:
http://www.banggood.com/BLF-A6-XPL-1600LM-7-4modes...

Bugger. Still a cracking torch though.

[FiF]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

Well seeing as it was me that raised the issue, the first one certainly says you can use both, and has different battery holders depending upon which you want to use.

Personally I wouldn't put an 18650 anywhere near the LED adjustable one. I have one torch which uses 4xAAA and to go rechargeable on that went to NiMH eneloop.

[tenohfive]

Personally I wouldn't touch those 18650's - cheap batteries are as much a risk as anything else.

I've used this eBay shop for a UK supplier of genuine, decent li-ions before based on recommendations from other UK based BLF members:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/ecoluxshop

And for cells, Samsung 30Q's are a benchmark pretty much - even unprotected, if they're being used with a VC4 charger you're sorted.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Genuine-SAMSUNG-INR-1...

And I paid the same amount for an S2+ last week as what you've paid for that LE torch.

Edited by tenohfive on Thursday 5th January 07:57

[schmunk]

tenohfive said:

FiF said:

There have been a few occasions where someone on the thread has recommended using Li-ion rechargeables in torches where the spec says use disposable AA or AAA.

Can someone please explain whether I'm missing something here, as there is no way I'd put a 3.7v battery in something that is supposed to take 1.5v disposables.

Where was that suggested?

I certainly wouldn't put li-ions in something that is only rated for 1.5v. There are more and more lights that will run off either li-ion or alkaline batteries, albeit with about 1/3 of the output if running on alkalines (most of my AA/AAA form factor lights in fact) but they are rated to take the higher voltage of a li-ion cell. But I've missed it if someone has suggested running a lower rated light on li-ions in this thread.

To both of you: at how many volts do you think the LED runs in a 3xAAA torch?

[defblade]

tenohfive said:

And for cells, Samsung 30Q's are a benchmark pretty much - even unprotected, if they're being used with a VC4 charger you're sorted.

Except than you can also over-discharge a lithium cell, which apparently causes permanent chemical changes inside at lower voltages, leading to much worse performance or a dead cell. The protection circuits also protect against this... in fact these days, with the torches we use which are bright enough that you can't necessarily tell when the voltage is falling (and you're not sure which brightness mode you're in anyway ) I'd say it's the more important function of the protection circuit. My cells cut out at about 3.2-3.5v, these effects start around 2.7-3.0v.

[FiF]

schmunk said:

tenohfive said:

FiF said:

There have been a few occasions where someone on the thread has recommended using Li-ion rechargeables in torches where the spec says use disposable AA or AAA.

Can someone please explain whether I'm missing something here, as there is no way I'd put a 3.7v battery in something that is supposed to take 1.5v disposables.

Where was that suggested?

I certainly wouldn't put li-ions in something that is only rated for 1.5v. There are more and more lights that will run off either li-ion or alkaline batteries, albeit with about 1/3 of the output if running on alkalines (most of my AA/AAA form factor lights in fact) but they are rated to take the higher voltage of a li-ion cell. But I've missed it if someone has suggested running a lower rated light on li-ions in this thread.

To both of you: at how many volts do you think the LED runs in a 3xAAA torch?

Don't know and frankly don't care. At how many volts does the LED run in a 4xAAA torch, or a 2xC, or....

Maybe I'm missing a trick, which is why I asked the question for a detailed explanation, but as it stands, if a manufacturer says "this product requires x batteries of type y producing voltage z, that is what it is going to get, and not going to stick something with higher voltage in risking kit worth £20, £30 ,or more.

So go on then, please enlighten us.

[wseed]

FiF said:

Don't know and frankly don't care. At how many volts does the LED run in a 4xAAA torch, or a 2xC, or....

Maybe I'm missing a trick, which is why I asked the question for a detailed explanation, but as it stands, if a manufacturer says "this product requires x batteries of type y producing voltage z, that is what it is going to get, and not going to stick something with higher voltage in risking kit worth £20, £30 ,or more.

So go on then, please enlighten us.

I suspect they're getting at that a 3 x AA (1.5v each) torch would be running pretty much the same 3.5v vs 3.7v of a single 18650 cell.

[_dobbo_]

wseed said:

I suspect they're getting at that a 3 x AA (1.5v each) torch would be running pretty much the same 3.5v vs 3.7v of a single 18650 cell.

Actually it would be running at 4.5 volts which is why it's interesting that a 3.7 volt cell would be better. Presumably because it can supply more amps.

[wong]

_dobbo_ said:

Actually it would be running at 4.5 volts which is why it's interesting that a 3.7 volt cell would be better. Presumably because it can supply more amps.

NiMH AAs or AAAs are rated at 1.2v, so thats why 3.7v is OK.

[FiF]

_dobbo_ said:

wseed said:

I suspect they're getting at that a 3 x AA (1.5v each) torch would be running pretty much the same 3.5v vs 3.7v of a single 18650 cell.

Actually it would be running at 4.5 volts which is why it's interesting that a 3.7 volt cell would be better. Presumably because it can supply more amps.

Assuming they are in series.

But then what about 2x1.5v, or 4x1.5v and so on. If you have several different bits of kit, all with different setups it needs detailed knowledge of the torch design and electronics to know whether it's advisable or not to start buggering around with power sources.

I'm just asking the question, as a non geek, because it seems risky to me.

[defblade]

FiF said:

Assuming they are in series.

But then what about 2x1.5v, or 4x1.5v and so on. If you have several different bits of kit, all with different setups it needs detailed knowledge of the torch design and electronics to know whether it's advisable or not to start buggering around with power sources.

I'm just asking the question, as a non geek, because it seems risky to me.

The ones that are swappable between AAAs and 18650s hold all the AAAs in a single unit which then has contacts each end. Easy enough to stick a mutli-meter across and check it's running at 3.6 - 4.5v and obviously that's close to the 4.2 - 3.5 ish running voltage of an 18650. The 18650 will supply more current for longer and hold its voltage (especially under load) much better than a stack of AAAs though, which is why these torches work much better with them.

Some torches can replace an AA with the lithium size equivalent (14xxx? escapes me for the minute)... quite simply they are rated to run at either voltage. I wouldn't try it in a torch not sold as capable for that though. I've got a couple of these as as I can switch them to normal AAs and not worry about flying with them.

[jimmyjimjim]

Ok, definitely leaning towards the S2+....and possibly the L6, too!

I think however that I might have to wait a month until the finances recover, first.

[Nigel_O]

This forum is addictive and dangerous....

When I first saw this forum, I owned a 5D Maglite - plenty of light, I thought, especially after I fitted an LED emitter.

Then I discovered 18650 batteries and torches and £100+ later, I was the very happy owner of a Fenix PD35, a couple of Nitecore 3400mAh 18650s and a Nitecore charger. I was happy and my kids were deeply impressed by 900 lumens when we went out for some night photography at LeMans. It'll always be my go-to torch when I need something small and light.

Over Christmas, I seem to have gained a few pounds, so I decided to do a bit of walking. Last night, I wandered along an unlit road and found that 900 lumens just didn't seem to cut it. I wanted, no, actually I needed the "wall of light" I've heard mentioned on here and on CPF a few times.

I'm now the proud owner of a Nitecore TM06S and a couple more 3400mAh 18650s - will be delivered tomorrow by an extremely efficient TorchDirect.

I'm almost looking forward to my Friday evening walk now - I wonder how much better an Olight Marauder would be.....

[jimmyjimjim]

So, can anyone recommend a supplier of 18650 and 26650 cells in the US - or can recommend specific versions of said product on amazon.com?

I suspect I'll get myself a VC4 charger from amazon shortly, as they're only $22.

[Elderly]

jimmyjimjim said:

Ok, definitely leaning towards the S2+....

I think however that I might have to wait a month until the finances recover, first.....

I've recently received my S2+ ..... all of £14.46 including postage.

IMHO the biggest difficulty is deciding on the torch's product properties (colour temperature
and output power) when ordering.