I'll be using it along with test pens to check USD paper currency at swap meets, flea markets & such. Runtime is a priority.
Thanks.
slmjim
The 3 x 7135 driver should draw 1.050mA at max.
Such current draws are supported by every modern 18650 cell, so you should choose the largest original cell you can get your hands on.
A few cells that come to mind:
- Samsung 35E (3500mAh)
- LG MJ1 (3500mAh)
- Panasonic NCR18650b (3400mAh)
Please remember that sourcing an original battery should be your first priority.
Getting 50-100 mAh more per cell isn’t going to produce stunning differences, so get any of the aforementioned cell that you can source more easily.
LG E1 4.35V 3200mAh but only if you use a 4.35V capable charger, it should maintain the full output for a bit longer. Otherwise use any of the ~3500mAh cells (Sanyo GA, Samsung 35E, LG MJ1 or M36,Molicel M35A) but they only go to 4.2V. I would avoid the NCR18650B as the voltage curve is 0.1-0.05V less than the GA, that 0.1V will affect the output, or you could just go with the cheapest $/mAh since full output is not critical for checking money (of course get one of the big brands, and anything higher than 3600mAh is a counterfeit).
Agreed...any quality cell is fine here, even older ones, so you can shop by capacity (higher mAh ratings for "honest" cells/manufacturers). If you can solder just a little, you could also buy a new driver for the light that has more modes. I put Convoy biscotti drivers in a couple (either 4x or 3x 7135 is fine) and you then have the option for bright full power light or dropping down the power for long run times (this would also be much easier on the eyes while still being very effective for that kind of use). If there's any chance of accidentally leaving it on until the battery would drain below a safe level, get a protected cell, but if you're reasonably diligent then there's no need for that. If you're using it frequently and setting it down, it can be easy to forget that these are on sometimes. Samsung 35E have been my favorite general purpose for awhile but they're hard to find at the moment. Look on illumn.com and liionwholesale.com to see what 18650s they have now and just about anything they sell is fine (imrbatteries.com as well). But even the cheaper cells are fine for this because the light will not pull enough current to stress/test most cells...just have to hope the capacity as stated is honest, and most are pretty close when you buy from legit sellers and avoid the lowest priced amazon/ebay junk. I've even run these (same emitter) on old Sanyo 2300mAh laptop pulls and they do fine in that application.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
I had a hunch that capacity was king for this application, but I'm still on my way up a steep learning curve when it comes to tuning cell selection to a particular light. Especially a single-mode light with a niche emitter.
I only buy from LiIon Wholesale, 18650 Battery Store, Mountain Elecrtonics & such. Trusted U.S.-based suppliers with a track record here at BLF. The only exception to that is when lights from trusted brands come with cells when ordering from Amz. or, BLF group buys. I'm unwilling to play cell roulette ordering cells from China just to save a few bucks.
slmjim
Get some NCR18650GA from 18650 Battery Store or Liion Wholesale. Both stocks are the Made in Japan version at least several weeks ago but you better double check with them before ordering.
Another important thing is to get a ZWB2 uv filter - big improvement, Mohr Lumens store may have it in the US
My cell purchases since joining BLF have always tended toward quality name-brand cells from established U.S. vendors, with an eye toward capacity, not max current. I've not ventured into lights that require high current just yet. There are at least six NCR18650GA's waiting in my cell stash.
I asked Simon if I could purchase a separate, loose ZWB2 filter not installed in the light when I ordered it. He reiterated he could not because of a patent issue. I'd read about the issue prior, don't really understand it, but it is what it is. I ordered a pair of ZWB2 filters from another vendor so I have a spare if needed.
slmjim