BLF D80 se question

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

I got in on the group buy but didn’t pay attention to the battery requirements. (I only have protected button top cells.) Is anyone having success using protected button top cells in this light with the optional longer center tube? OR: could someone suggest a couple unprotected cells that work well in this light? Thanks

2

Samsung 30Q flat top works well in mine. It sits just barely shorter than the tube. I ordered a button top to try it out but haven’t received it yet. Flat top works fine, just make sure to put it in correctly with smoother/bigger contact at - and the smaller contact at +. I order batteries exclusively from Richard at Mountain Electronics due to his reputation on this forum.

3

Thank you, this is my first foray into unprotected. I’m assuming the Samsung 30Q is a unprotected flat top, correct? I have a Nitecore D4 charger, am I OK With charging the 30Q in the D4? Also what extra safety precautions should I take with this type of cell? Thanks for the help.

4

The Nitecore charger will work just fine as will the 30Q.

There are protected cells that will work if you want to use them. They are listed on first page of D80 SE thread.

5

Quote from: http://www.budgetlightforum.com/node/36983

1/5/16 Edited (Added known protected cells that fit). Note…I can only vouch for the Xtars. I have not tried the other protected batteries suggested here by other members:

1) I have protected Xtar batteries that fit. They are 2600 mAh and have black shrink-wrap with a silver label and purple lettering. They are a shade under 69mm in length. They might be an older version though.

2) Dale has also said that he has protected AW 2600 mAh flat-tops that work.

3) BLF user mattlward has said, the Enova IMR18650 2600 mAh Flat-Top seems to fit. Not sure where to get it, and Richard at Mtn seems to be out at the moment.

4) DanielM says: …my Keepower 2600 fits just fine.

5) Chuckov says these should work:

http://www.illuminationgear.com/EagleTac-18650-3500mAh-Li-Ion-Rechargeab…

http://www.illuminationgear.com/EagleTac-18650-3400mAh-Li-Ion-Rechargeab…

http://www.illuminationgear.com/EagleTac-18650-3100mAh-Li-Ion-Rechargeab…

6) mfilippello says look at these:

http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Fenix%2018650%20ARB-L2%202600m…

Edit: 7) I have since found that protected TrustFire flames work beautifully. Not sure where to get good ones these days.

6

And you are fine with the unprotected 30Q. Just make a habit of not letting them drop below 3 volts. No problem in the D80 SE.

7

That helps greatly. Anyone tried the longer center tubes with a button top protected? Is this The right one? http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_312930.html

8

Apex, that is the correct tube. I haven't heard any report as of yet. They're just coming out I suppose. Hope they got em right. H)

9

Thanks, I’ll order one and report back (in 7 weeks or so) let’s see that’s only 3 1/2 months to get it up and Running. :davie: Good thing I didn’t order a Kidney.

10

I ordered the optional longer body tube for the BLF D80. When it arrives, I will probably switch to a protected version of the Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA 3500mAh battery. In the meantime, I have been using the Samsung INR18560-30Q. It works great.

The reason I am switching to a protected battery is because the D80 does not have any form of low-voltage cutoff or warning. Given the 10-amp capability of the GA, I should be able to get decent performance out of the D80. As I have not done a spring-bypass, I am not looking for maximum amperage, anyway.

11

How to handle unprotected batteries:

  1. Use a high quality charger (D4 counts as high-quality)
  2. If the light doesn’t have low-voltage cut-off (the BLF D80 doesn’t) don’t run the light until the battery is dry. You’ll eventually notice the light output dropping significantly below normal, and that’s when you want to take it out and charge it. This drop is very obvious, so you’re not going to miss it.
  3. If for some reason you keep running the light until the battery is dry (say, you leave it on accidentally when storing it) don’t try to charge that battery. Doing so could be dangerous. The battery is damaged beyond repair, just recycle it and get another one.
  4. Never put the battery in a situation where it might be short-circuited, don’t use a battery that has visible damage. (This applies to protected batteries as well, but figured I might as well put it in here).

That’s about it, if you follow those steps using unprotected batteries is just as safe as protected ones.

12

That was really a great post, Andreas!

Thank You!

-Chuck

13

Thanks for the information, much appreciated. I did order the center tube last night. I’ll report back on its usage.