Semi-noob here. I’ve cHecked many similar threads but haven’t found quite the answer I need.
I have a black anodized aluminum light currently running one 18650, driving an XM-L to about 700~ Lumens. I want to mount it on my motorcycle (long story) and it must be able to withstand ambient air temps of 100F and surface temp on the flashlight about 130F in the direct sun.
So, I’m pondering changing from the Lithium cell to NiMH or some other non-explosive chemistry. I realize I will need an adapter for a different cell size and will probably take a power hit in the translation, but it has to be able to withstand high temps.
I would appreciate any suggestions on battery, adapter and other concerns. Thank you for your time.
Many past discussions have pointed to lithium primaries for hot car environments. However, most of the mfgr graphs I’ve read suggest relatively short life for all batteries at high temps.
First thing I would do would be to paint the flashlight a color like silver, that would cut down on the heat.
Also, you could take the batteries out when you stop riding, as long as you’ve got air moving while riding you shouldn’t lessen the live of the batteries too much.
Why don’t you want to hook up the light to your motorcycles electrical system?