Not really a problem, there are inexpensive and good chargers which can cope with LiFePO4 cells. As most notable examples the LiitoKala Lii-202 and Lii-100. This is not for sloppy users, to charge LiFePO4 cells you will have to press the MODE button to swap charging mode to Li-Fe upon cell insertion. A very easy thing to perform once accustomed.
Choosing this path will make you save money sooner or later; quite soon I'd say given the price :facepalm: of CR123A non-rechargeable lithium cells.
Quick question for Henrik: how/where did you got the Turnigy sub-C 5000mAh cells you reviewed? May need a cheap way to get one or two.
I recently bought two 7,2V Turnigy Stick Packs made with them, for drill battery pack restoration. After dismantling the packs measured all cell voltages, all of them were close to 1,3V except one at 1,235V. Re-raised its voltage to 1,304V and I have it under observation, but looks like it self-discharges :| quicker than the rest.
I know, that it is not rechargeable, but did you consider reviewing the Soshine AA and AAA 1.5V lithium primaries? For some low drain applications, those could be a good choice as an ‘alkaleak’ replacement.
At the given price for those lithium primaries I can buy a bunch of alkalines (a lot really), and if I were to worry I'd laminate them LoL.
In my experience I've rarely seen leaking alkalines, something which can happen to a very minor extent when AC recharging them, and their consecuences aren't terrible either. I've even had alkalines in vintage toys without issues, yet I preserve stuff well.
I really see no point in buying lithium primaries other than financing unworthy dubious technologies.
Hi HKJ,
I have bought a pair of these 16340 batteries and they perform surprisingly well and I wonder how they compare to the AW 16340 15C that you tested a few years ago.