I ordered two of these lights (GearLight High-Powered LED Flashlight S1200 Amazon.com) and I ordered 4 EBL 26650’s 5000mAh ($18.99).
I’ve seen some chargers that will charge them but is there one that will charge 4 at once? The packaging doesn’t seem to be straightforward with that info.
I’m struggling with whether I actually need to charge them at the same time but would be helpful but I don’t want to spend a bunch extra to do so.
What are yall’s favorite budget charger?
I also have a high end Hyperion EOS 0615i DUO3+ Dual which I used for R/C hobbies but I’m not sure if I could utilize that or what I would need to do so.
The link you posted above doesn't works (at least for me). Made a search, cleaned the full of @#$% links, and noticed your link has a typo. Link fixed here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074BT4X5H
In order to use that Hyperion EOS 0615i DUO3+ Dual R/C charger you would need one or two battery holders. Chinese brand ZKE Tech sells inexpensive 4-wire battery holders which could be used (on sale here right now).
You just ordered two flashlights, but still if the aim is to charge all those batteries simultaneously, there are more practical options. I am still to see a single charger with more than 2x 26650+ slots. Most inexpensive way to charge those 4x 26650 cells at once would be getting 2x LiitoKala Li-202 USB powered chargers (less than $14 without USB power adapters if you look carefully in AliExpress), or 2x Lii-500 or Lii-500S for a lot more flexibility and functions (the Lii-500S can charge at 2 A on the outer slots, but other than this I prefer the previous generation Lii-500).
Not many people here care much about flashlights with zoom or zoomies, although there are some good zoomies out there.
That "S1200" or whatever name they come up with is also known here as Warsun X50. It ain't a very popular flashlight, and probably the internal construction of that clone sucks because of a hollow pill (where the led emitter sits), so heat transfer is bad and the led fries (reduces lifespan notably). You can check a related modding thread here: Warsun X50 Mod - a complete makeover (Beamshots added).
Recommendations? It all depends on what you aim for. There is a lot of flashlights, and even if you discard all of them which suck you will still find a lot of good flashlights. So you need to say something else, like if you need flood, throw or a balance between them (amount of light output versus beam range), emitter temperature and CRI or colour rendering ability, runtime, size, etcetera.
For a start Convoy is among the most (if not the most) popular brand of flashlights around here, his products are of great quality and affordable. His manager and store owner is a member here (Simon Mao) and answers questions about his products in this thread. His AliExpress store is here: https://convoy.aliexpress.com/store/330416. You will find plenty of reviews of his flashlights in this forum and others alike. Simon also offers a exclusive 15% discount or BLF members if you care to request, as you need to place your order without paying. You need to use the AliExpress application, add to the cart whatever from his store, order selecting "other payment methods", then go back without paying. This submits the order, and then you can message Simon in AliExpress to request your discount telling him your BLF username. After that he will adjust the order total once he finds your request, and then you can pay.
Going to retire now, hope others will chip in. Wow early morning around here again. :-/
Kaidomain is also a popular overseas seller here, click/tap here for a review search on some of his torches. That business is run by forum user BanL, which also answers questions here in KD (kaidomain): Deals and new products thread. He sells flashlights designed or customized by himself, but also from other brands in all price ranges as you can check here. The LHT Flashlight Store in AliExpress is an extension of his business, it can be worth if you get some AliExpress coupons.
IMRBatteries is a Texas based battery supplier, so nearby.
I use a XTAR VC2S, which is a 2 bay x 1A charger that will allow 2 26650 batteries to charge side by side, and with enough forethought, be able to charge fast enough. (drop 2 in after the ride, and replace the others in the morning). Or, buy 2 chargers. This is a USB only charger, with no AC adapter.
You linked a classic C8, from Convoy. Classic among the classics. With an SST-40 emitter, and up to 5 A (4 and 12 modes) or up to 8 A ramping driver. It's a great flashlight without a doubt, but throwy. With an SST-40 driven that way, 50+ Kcd on high. As headlights for a bike (do you mean bycicle?), may do depending on the distance you aim to be looking at. I once took my up to ≈100 Kcd modified Convoy M1 for a jogging walk at night, and returned home inmediately to swap the flashlight, too throwy even in medium modes. For a bycicle ride you want more distance, and so the SST-40 C8 in some medium mode may be pleasurable to use. Wait for other's opinions.
That Warsun X50 retrofit was pretty thorough. The main weak point by far is the hollow pill, to fix it finding a copper cap of suitable size could be the easiest path, if you can make it press fit inside the pill. It's some task already. Don't worry, we all buy some @#$% flashlights for a start.
I guess one of my earlier replies didn’t come through. I have a iNova T4 rechargable that I got 8-10 years ago. Still going strong with the original battery. I also have a T3 but I never have 123 batteries. I know they make rechargables. I need to get some. Do they make a ONE piece to take place of THREE 123’s?
Just checked your video. I see these S1200s / Warsun X50s come with an annoying high - medium - low - strobe - SOS driver. The good point is that they use 26650s, which means extra runtime over 18650s or even 21700s.
Can't say for sure, but very likely. They probably are Power Long Battery INR26650-50A, a common good cell rewrapped by many. Check a couple reviews here and there. The most characteristic trait of PLB cells is that they're a little bit thicker than the rest at around ∅26.7-26.8 mm versus ∅26.2-26.3 mm, and so by measuring the EBLs you will know if they come from PLB factories or not. It's not the only 26650 manufacturer who does good 5000+ mAh 26650s at this moment, though.
Downloaded and checked the Inova T series instructions. The use of rechargeables with the T3 is not recommended, I guess this means its driver very likely lacks low voltage cut-off for 3x li-ion cells. Thus, while you could use 3x 16340 cells inside, you would have to use your intuition to know when to recharge the cells. With 3 cells in series the cut-off could be done between 7.5 to 9 V, but I guess that if you don't have the means to know when that happens, it can be a risky business.
If the T3 driver stops draining the cells at some voltage between 5 to 6 V (?), using 2x 16500 cells could be a possibility. However, 16500s are rare, this means little choices (if any) to choose from. Check this Vbatty ICR16500 1200mAh (Blue) review @ lygte-info.dk (it is an old cell type, but pretty 0K for a T3).
Check this AliExpress search for 16500s if you want to try. As you need button tops there are basically 2 possible choices from either Vbatty524 Store (this and that) or VbattyBigpower Store (that and this).
At last, throw is the term folks use here to define the range of a flashlight. It involves a combination of optics (to concentrate the beam) and emitter intensity. There's a standard which defines it, the ANSI/NEMA FL-1.
For example, the throw distance for the Inova T3 is defined as 187 meters, this means its maximum beam intensity is throw² × illuminance = 187² × 0.25 = ≈8.75 Kcd.
Well I know stuff and I like to share and explain what I know, so people can learn faster. I must admit at times I spend considerable amounts of effort in my posts, something I always look to balance as I also have quite many other matters to take care of. There is some people around here with more technical knowledge than me, others make and publish nice technical tests about leds or flashlights and even some “freaks” build amazing custom flashlights. Everyone adds his/her little bit.
Killing the flashlight or the batteries? I doubt the Inova T3 would die with 3x 16340 cells despite the additional voltage, I'm pretty sure its buck driver can stand some additional input volts. But as I say the main problem is that, since it is designed to run with CR123 primaries which need to be drained down to at least 2 - 1.5 V each to make use of their capacity at a drain current of 1ish A (check this Panasonic Lithium Industrial CR123A review @ lygte-info.dk), its buck driver is ultra unlikely to cut-off at anything above 6 - 5 V, and that if it cuts at all. So, 2x 16500s will make the T3 run well, until it drains the cells and you can know how low does it go. If it goes just a little bit too low, 4 - 5 volts, it could be bearable in my opinion. Some folks may complain in this respect, but cutting off a li-ion cell so low (2 - 2.5 V) is still 0K even if it may have a little impact in their lifespan. However, if you get the cells, try and find the T3 drains them overly low (lack of cut-off) my advice in that case would be inmediate recharge (to some resting voltage, 3.7 - 3.9 V) and finding an alternative application for them. They are fairly cheap, what can you really lose?
In any case, it is best to buy a flashlight designed to run with li-ion cells and use it accordingly. A Convoy S2+, for example, is very affordable, runs on 18650s and most people around here has at least one.
You can test the cells in series, but I'd do it one by one. It is easier as I understand it and it also allows you to check how balanced is the pair (just in case).
Yes, you’re very throughout and knowledgeable and its VERY appreciative. So if I get the 16500 and do a test, I should see how long it will run until the cell is at 4 volts?
Honestly, this flashlight hasn’t been used in YEARS and its because I refuse to drain my bank account buying non-rechargeable batteries. Why did I buy it in the first place?? Well, I didn’t. It was a thoughtful gift. As such, I’d like to use it.
Once, i understand this better, I’ll feel confident in buying a few batteries and testing them based on your recommendations. I probably just need a clear plan to test them and the usage in this T3.
I now have a XTAR XC4 charger so hopefully i have that part covered.
Thanks again my friend. Also, you’re in Spain? I’ve been once.
You could ask Nite Ize if the Inova T3's driver has some sort of low voltage cut-off, or you can straight try.
Does the T3 gives some blinking warning when its inner CR123A batteries are low in juice? If so, this is a good sign as it will serve you with the 16500s. If it drains without warning until its led starts to become dimmer, bad news as it will not play good with li-ion cells. But even if it has low voltage warning, it may be set too low.
The Xtar VC4 (you meant VC4, doesn't it?) is a fine charger.
I’ll try giving them a call. They had good customer service last time I called. I misplaced the charger on my T5R when moving. They sent me one for FREE. Like a $25 item.
Honestly, I don’t remember about the low battery warning because it’s been so long since it’s been used and I’m getting old. lol. I searched around and also read the manual but I don’t see anything stating that it does. My T5 does but it has a lithium rechargeable.
Yes, the VC4, sorry. I made a separate post today in the subsection about the deal I got.
I was at Moron Air Base near Seville. I was stationed there for a brief period during the Gulf War.
