Posted: 7/4/2011 12:10:01 PM EDT
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Background:
I've switched most of my current flashlights over to LED emitters. I have a good amount of various rechargeable NiMh batteries for most of my devices, AC chargers for same, and even a small, portable solar AA/AAA charger. Another stationary solar charger is 12V adaptable. I've also switched over to Lithium cells for most of my flashlights that "Stand and Wait". Had way too many lights damaged by leaking alkalines. This leaves my Surefires, which use CR123A batts. They are converted to LED emitters. I plan on using lithium batts for these on a day-to-day basis, but I'd also like some rechargeable batts and a charger unit. Question is: Do I get NiMh rechargeables, or Li-Ion rechargeables? Is there a good package available from, say, BatteryJunction.com? Be nice to get all the stuff from the same vendor, and maybe save a little on shipping. I prefer smart chargers, and especially like chargers that will operate off of 12V, if needed. Any questions or suggestions? |
| even with the li rechargeable batteries you are losing run time. so keep that in mind. also, they make a 3.6v version that will come off the charger at 4+v. that voltage will fry your light. even the 3v rechargeable RCR's will come off hotter, say 3.4-6v so you need to let them settle a little before you install them. hit up candlepowerforum to see if anyone has used the rechargeable 123's and the LED conversion you have to see if there were any problems. |
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I have been reading at CPF a bit, and LI-Ion batts while having greater energy density, do pose some significant problems in the RCR123 configuration.
At my present state of semi-ignorance, the NiMH RCR123s seem, despite their lesser energy density, to have far fewer issues. Will continue reading, and await comments here as well. |