Hello BLF! Long time lurker, finally decided to make an account and join others in discussing our love of glorious lights for cheap.
I recently ordered two 1500 Lumen 5x Cree Q5 flashlights (I know, I know Q5's are getting old...). Here's the model: http://www.meritline.com/showproduct.aspx?ProductID=68226&SEName=aluminum-super-bright-5-cree-q5-led-flashlight-torch-with-lanyard
And I also ordered these exact batteries, the 2x UltraFire 3000mAh with charger: http://www.amazon.com/UltraFire-3000mAh-Rechargeable-Battery-Charger/dp/B004LHFU62/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330112076&sr=8-2
I've had some decent Cree flashlights before, but nothing on this caliber. Well they both arrived today and boy was I excited to try them out! Charged the batteries, turned it on, and then a light so bright it could fry bacon shot out in front of me..... for about 2 seconds. See, here's the deal:
My light will only stay on High for about 2-4 seconds before it goes into a medium/low intensity strobe.
I have two of the flashlights and they both do the same thing. I only have one set of the batteries though, so I suspect they are the problem but I am not sure. Does anyone have any idea which of the two it could be? I ordered a pair of Panasonic 16850s that are on their way so I can do some further testing before I decide which I need to return.
Also, would that charger that came free with my original 18650's be sufficient to charge these Panasonics? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062ANS7O/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details
Most likely protected cells whose protection circuit is cutting in. It may be that the discharge rate is too much for the cells in which case this is intended behaviour, or that the protection is cutting in too soon. Those Ultrafire cells do not have a good reputation though I've never personally owned any so can't say if the ill reputation is deserved or not. Do those cells work well in any other 18650 light you have?
Don't see much detail on the charger so can't really say. Decent 18650 chargers needn't cost a lot - I think I paid $22 (for both) for an XTAR MP1 and MP2. Both of these are well-regarded around here and at around $11 each they aren't expensive.
The Panasonics are well regarded - I have some and agree that they are good cells.
Tripping the protection would have been my first guess, but as this is 2 x 18650 light, the current shouldn't be that high.
Maybe other cell is defective, so the other one starts charging it (and the protection trips, not allowing the flashlight to transform into a pipe bomb)? Or then, like Don said, one or both protection circuits are defective.
Do you have a DMM? What are the charge levels of both cells?
I don't have a meter, but I suspect it is the battery protection kicking in as well. There isn't much information I can provide on the charger, but can cheap chargers be used safely with high end batteries?
Before using a 2x light, you should really be checking cell voltage and balance - get yourself a DMM. I have 2 different 2x lights, one will not run on high with cheapo cells, the other only for a short while. With Xtars or Callie's, both run as intended. I suspect you have some counterfeit or just bad cells that have high internal resistance or that can't handle the current draw. Your new cells should help.
Don may be right about those red-wrapper BRC 3000 batteries. I ordered a couple about six months ago (wanted to see if they were as bad as I had heard) and besides not holding a charge worth a darn, run-time on one of the two I received is less than half of an unprotected Panasonic 2350.
Also, I saw a compelling picture of an exploded Solarforce incan using two of these in series. Probably user error but the image of blackened pieces of red UltraFire batteries has stayed with me.
Even the cheapest chargers are usually ok for high end cells, but they might have some fluctuation in the voltage when charging ends => might not be good for multi cell usage. But you never know.. One of my El Cheapo DX chargers stops always exactly at 4.20V for both bays.
Only way to figure that out is to get that DMM.
But then again, a known good charger like XTAR WP2 II doesn't cost a fortune either. I bought that because it charges to 4.16V (only), giving my cells a bit more lifetime.
My guess would be your batteries too. Ultrafire batteries seem really crappy, big time. Those were the ones tested here, giving out a measly 302mAh @1A, only 10% of claimed capacity, pretty useless. And its big brother test result here, getting only 779mAh @1A despite claiming 3600mAh (around 20% of claimed).
That battery hardly give out anything at 1A, and I'm sure your 5xQ5 flashlight must draw MUCH more than that! I bet its not even the circuit protection, your battery probably simply run out of juice to maintain necessary voltage for HIGH after two minutes.
Secarob sent me some of these batteries for fun when he was sending something else .
i was amazed how bad these batteries were .I'd never seen such crap in my life. the blue ultrafires that came free with a charger in the dino direct 5$ 502b r2 deal are 10 times better ..the fake trustfire flames off ebay are 5x better than these . The ultra fire red 3000 batteries are pure garbage .I'd just be in a dispute immediately over these .They are so bad it's funny ...maybe it's only funny because I didn't pay for them .
there ought to be a sticky about what not to ever buy ...this should be on top
if it wasn't a dual set up i'd suggest ripping open a laptop pack ,but even that I wouldn't suggest if you don't own a meter .
I also have the XTAR WP2 II and I can recommend it (I had a XTAR WP2 original version but it had a manufacturing defect so I got a new XTAR WP2 II on warranty). My cells usually end up at 4.16V which I prefer instead of charging them to 4.20V.
I would also recommend to get a DMM, especially when using a 2 x 18650 light.
I've taken everyone's advice and ordered a new pair of batteries, a DMM, and a new charger (the XTAR WP2 II). Should I swap out the flashlight as well? It is still within the refund period. Is there anything else better I can get for the price? Or any flashlight that beats it as far as lumens/$$$?
Here's the link to the light again: http://www.meritline.com/showproduct.aspx?ProductID=68226&SEName=aluminum-super-bright-5-cree-q5-led-flashlight-torch-with-lanyard
Thanks everyone! It feels great to join the ranks of other people with lightsabers
