16340 Vapcell RCR123A T9 output voltage?

I am looking for some rechargeable batteries to replace my CR123A batteries in a thermal scope which is a real battery eater. One of them is rated for 3.7V “accumulators” but, 16340 batteries are 4.2V off the charger.

This has me looking at RCR123 batteries. The Vapcell T9 looks good and is listed as RCR123A but also shows a charge voltage of 4.2V!

Do I need to look for different batteries with a circuit for charging and current limits to bring the voltage down to 3.0~3.7V?

TIA,
Sid

Can you get clarification from the manufacturer? Seems like you may be OK.

3.7v is the ‘nominal’ voltage which is a description for a ‘standard’ lithium battery that has a voltage range from 3.0v-4.2v.

If it NEEDS to be closer to 3.0v then you need an LiFePO4 battery which has a nominal voltage of 3.2v and a range from 2.5-3.65v. They work on a pretty flat discharge curve around 3.2v.
In the size you want, these are not common. They also don’t have nearly the capacity of 3.7v, (like about half) so may not work well anyway for your use. You need an appropriate charger for them.

Surefire Rechargeable Battery CR123A 3.2 Volt Lithium 2PK

1 Thank

RCR123A and 16340 are the same thing.

There’s a special 16340 with a onboard circuit to limit the output to 3V. It says the max discharge current is 1.5A so make sure that works with your device.
https://illumn.com/16340-keeppower-860mah-p1634u1-3v-rcr123a-protected-button-top-2-pack-please-read-description.html

agree

that battery you linked has the correct output Voltage to use in devices that call for CR123a. They are rated for 3V output.

However, those special batteries are 2mm longer than a CR123a, so they may or may not fit your device… depends if your device has enough spring travel to accomodate the longer battery.

@sidpost do not use RCR123a, and do not use 16340 (same thing, those are 3.7V cells)

16340 LiFePO4 battery can change CR123 battery.

Why not just measure the voltage of one of your current batteries? That will tell you the voltage of the battery type that you need to buy.

I heard back from the manufacturer. 3xCR123A is what they warranty. They also said anything over 10V would damage the electronics.

It looks like 3 of those Keeppower 3V would work though.

1 Thank

If I’m not mistaken, the rechargeable versions have a lower mAh rating than the primary 123’s. As such, they might not last as long.

Yes, less run time and less waste! I’d rather have two sets of rechargeables than one set of batteries looking for a safe landfill site every night.

3 CR123A batteries last me one to two night hunting so, more waste than I would like to create and deal with

1 Thank

How about CR123A Battery Dummy Cell “fake battery”
+2 “standard” 3.7v R123a rechargeable batteries?
8.4v to start and depending on your device voltage sensitivity might last OK until 6v. They should have a flatter discharge curve.
More capacity and cheaper. No special charger required if you have a stock lithium charger that would take that size.

2 Thanks

Two with a “spacer” cell might be worth a try. Thanks for the suggestion. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to try 2 18500’s if the battery tube would accept that diameter and the extra length (54mm x 2 versus 34mm x 3).

1 Thank

Back in the days when P60 format was popular, there were 17670 cells to replace 2xCR123A for lights battery tube too narrow for 18650s.

Additionally, I’ve old 17500 cells which are unfortunately now challenging to acquire, but might be the format you are looking for? Be aware that the Saft Lithium manganese and lithium thionyl cells are not rechargeable.

In my opinion, if you’re using lithium cobalt in series, they should be protected cells.

The dimensions of a CR123 battery are approximately 34 mm in length and 16.5 mm in diameter
Length: 33.4 mm to 34.5 mm
Diameter: 16.5 mm to 17 mm
CR123A batteries, have very similar dimensions, with slight variations:

  • Length: 33.4 mm to 34.4 mm
  • Diameter: 17 mm

Here’s an interesting deep dive:
CR123A and rechargeable substitutes
Near the end of the article is the 3xCR123 substitute options.

1 Thank

Thanks, I have been looking for some xxX500 batteries to try.

That article/post is a good one.