3 xm-l t6 runtime result

Just did a test on my new trustfire 3t6 light. Just came yesterday.
I used 2 of the super cheapo ultrafire 18650’s. The ones that are blue and claim 2400 mah. They came with the light. I have some better 18650’s in the mail as well as an extension tube to make it a 3 battery 3t6 ligght
Starting voltage both cells was 4.17volts
After 5 constant minutes on high, one battery was 3.97v and one was 3.84 volts. I then put them back in and ran for another 5 continous minutes on high. Measurment at 10 total minutes one battery read 3.92 and one read 3.74.
Put em back in and did another 5 mins on high. One battery read 3.86 and one read 3.70.
So after 15 minutes with 2 super cheap 18650’s on high, they were not quite even half way gone. I cant wait to see what it will do on 3x good 18650’s. Anyone else get similar runtime as this with cheap batteries. Also after letting the batteries cool after 15 mins of the runtime. The voltage went up as they cooled down. After 15 minutes and cooling they were at 3.95 and 3.89 volts. Can anyone explain to me why they go up as they cool down? Thanks.

Sounds like unbalanced cells = not good in a multi cell light.

yeah, as I got to the third measurement I was expecting this to turn into a story about venting flames...

Could someone please link the safe Li-ion handling procedures for guitarmeister2005 ? I would hate to lose a new member so soon.

Thanks !!

guitarmeister:

I haven't found the Li-ion handling procedures Chicago X referred to but thought I would give you some information that would be helpful. Regarding multiple cell lights like your TF 3T6, it's very important to use high quality balanced cells. Your 3T6 will hold up to 3x18650 - balanced cells are even more important. A lot of BLF users don't use multi-cell lights and some don't even like to use Li-ion at all.

I own two different 2x18650 cell lights. In one I use Callie's Kustoms 3100mAh and in the other I use Xtar 2600mAh. I am very careful with these cells, I check voltage periodically, before charging and after charging to make sure they are closely matched. I own plenty of budget cells, including UF 3000mAh and TF 2400mAh & 3000mAh - they're ok for single cell lights, but I won't use them in my multi-cell lights.

I'm rather new to the scene on lights and Li-ion and certainly no expert, so any of our more knowledgeable users feel free to chime in. But I agree with C X - we don't want to lose you so soon after joining BLF. So wait on doing any more runtime tests until you get some decent quality batteries, ok?

Here's some good light reading on Li-ion batteries for you to peruse:

Ultrafire 18650 3000mA exploded | Candle Power Flashlight Forum

http://flashlight-wiki.com/Rechargeable

Lithium-ion Safety Concerns - Battery University

Using Li-ion cells in LED flashlights safely | Candle Power Flashlight Forum

With half decent cells 60 min runs is posible withe the TR-3T6

Thanks everyone. I did not realize that lion cells were that dangerous. I used to race rc cars and used lithium polymer lipo.batteries. so i see what your talking about, as those had potential to be dangerous if not used correctly. Can anyone reccomend what i should use. Need 3 18650s. For my 3t6 light.
And want to go as budget as possible. But want to be safe and get good runtime and performance. Thanks for all your help.
.

Here's some choices, but budget they are not - sorted roughly high to low in cost:

Callie's Kustoms 3100mAh
Redilast 2600 & 3100mAh
Solarforce 2600 mAh Also good source for Xtar Charger if you need one
AW 2200 - 3100mAh
Xtar 2600mAh (2 Pack) Also good source for Xtar Charger
Himax 2600mAh (2,6 & 10 Packs)

These are all ConUS sellers, so you will get them fast and they are all reputable dealers. You might find cheaper out there, just be aware there are a lot of fakes on ebay. When selecting batteries for a multi-cell light, it's not the time to skimp on price!

BetweenRides has done an excellent job of steering you in the right direction.

There are a few things in life that you don't want to go too budget with:

  1. Condoms
  2. Parachutes
  3. Antibiotics
  4. Lithium-Ion cells

All of the cells mentioned above are a good choice. My first pick would be the Callie's - the owner is a member of the forum, and a nice guy.

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/protected-trustfire-18650-37v-3000mah-rechargeable-batteries-2pcsset-p-7941 I was going to get these battries next, supposed as good as xtar2600 but a little shorter.

The list above is clearly some of the best batteries. Are the trustfire competive? I currently have 6 of the xtar 2600ma but they will not fit in some of my lights!

Chicago X I agree with your list.

The Trustfire 3000mAh tested well. I have 4 of them and they seem like good batteries. If they stay balanced after charge I may test them out in one of my 2x18650s. Agree on the Xtars - won't fit in 2 of my lights.