Nitecore TIP continuous use

A quick question.

I have a Nitecore TIP that I am using as an auxiliary light source for a small camera when photographing insects. It’s mounted on a bracket I have made for the light that screws into the tripod mount. It works well, though the run time can be quite short if the action is hot! If I buy a small battery pack (say about 5000AH) can I attach it to the TIP for longer runtimes? Am I able to run the TIP with the battery pack attached? I know there are many lights out there where information regarding usage after this fashion is available, but can’t find anything on the TIP’s performance in this respect.

Apologies if this is a stupid question.

Recommendations for alternative lights are welcome, but I’ve chosen the TIP because it is (1) very light, (2) has a good amount of light, and (3) is a shape amenable to mounting on a flat surface.

:slight_smile:

Yes.

yeah the battery voltage must be the righ one

The battery must deliver the 50mA or what the LED driver needs on highest level

the capacity is not really a concern, just longer or shorter runtime

charging the battery with build in charger would take very long for a 5000mAh battery but should work,
even if the cut off current is pretty low for such a big battery, which will reduce battery life

The charger I am thinking of using has a 5v output at 2mA. I can’t find out anything about the voltage requirements of the TIP battery - does anyone know more? I’m thinking this is probably not going to work and I should simply buy a second TIP and replace as needed. Probably far easier, and more practical, safe and efficient. Plus I get have another light!

The tip battery is a standard 3.7V lithium one

Hello DrHook59,
I think the simple way to extend using time of Nitecore TIP is plug it into a high capacity portable power bank and turn it ON.
I just tested this idea with my TIP and it works.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for that. I’ve tried that too, but was still wondering about long-term effects on the battery and so on. :slight_smile:

Meaning a 5v output powerbank would happily do what I want attached ‘full-time’?

It does exactly what you want on my powerbank.
But I think it might not be a good idea to keep it running in turbo mode for a long time. I´m not sure because off possible temperature problems.

Turbo steps down after 30s.

Ah, not needing turbo 24/7, just high and medium, and even then, it would be turned on and off - as and when required.

Yes. A power bank connected to the tip will will work fine. This will not hurt the battery at all.

The only possible problem: if the battery is mostly depleted, and if the led requires more power than the internal charger normally puts to the battery. It could burn out the internal charger. So if the charger charges at .5amps you would not want the light in a mode that requires more than .5amps. On the tip, I don’t think this is a concern but I mention it if someone wants to do it with another higher powered light with built in charging.

Thanks LightRider…… so for the way I use it it will be perfect. Proper job. :+1:

Now all I have to decide is whether to go the powerbank route, or buy the second TIP. ……choices, choices

Or get a 18650 charger with USB output. Then you can choose the cells you like. On the other hand there are some nice sleek one or two by 18650 power banks out there. Less cumbersome than a charger.

When you connect tip to powerbank, can you switch through all lighting modes?

Just tried it. Yes, all modes work properly.

@Lowtech

You are right. Forgot that 30 sec. stepdown. :person_facepalming:

23gr including the internal battery, less weight than an AA battery eneloop …. that step down from 360 lumens is necessary, without it, the flashlight would be a danger …and would be poorly designed.
With step is perfect, The high mode is around 170 lumens, high enough for this size. I charge mine with a portable powebank of 2600 mA, is perfect for carry, and you can charge the light in 1 hour if you not have discharge excesively. (speed charge is around 400-420 mA)

Okay, I’ve decided I’m going to get not just the battery pack, but also another TIP too - the best of both worlds. However, I realise I need to find a TIP V2 (like the one I have) rather than the new version with the clip and auto ramp-down.

So, anyone have a coupon and suggestion for where to go and get a V2? Does anyone still stock them? A European store would be great rather than a Chinese one at this time….

Thanks to all for your suggestions, ideas and advice - all much appreciated……