HELP How to choose a Battery for the Convoy C8 as of 12/04/2018

STUBBY · 2018-12-05T03:37:50.000Z

First off....Hello everyone !!!! I am 66 years old, I live in Colorado,USA and my smart phone is smarter than me :) I ordered a Convoy C8 directly from Simon (in China). It is the new one as of 11/01/2018. (Black Convoy C8+ with XPL HI LED,copper DTP board and ar-coated inside,new firmware U63A)

I have some questions and need advice/suggestions. I have searched the forums for answers but much of what I have found is outdated, such as.... (protected cells will not fit, etc). Also.... I am now just plain confused about the whol 18650 battery thing.

I have asked Simon for help and I really hate to, knowing that he is probably busy as hell just trying to support his family.

I apologize in advance for any dumb ass questions but..... as I stated earlier, I am totally confused on what batteries to purchase.

As of 12/04/2018......

WHAT I DO KNOW:

I need at least (2) 18650 lithium batteries. From what I have read here..... the best choice are the Samsung 30 Q's or the Panasonic ncr18650ga/ncr18650B (outdated info)?? The problem is...they only seem to come in an 'unprotected' version (at least the 30Q's ...anyway).

1) I want to be able to run the batteries til they 'safely' run out of charge. ( I am getting VERY forgetful and need 'no brainer' type of shit but also in case I let someone use my flashlight. So I believe I need 'protected' cells (unless my new C8 has a built-in battery protector circuit ?)

2) I want longest run time on battery before a recharge is required. Most powerful????

3) I want a battery that has has a fairly flat discharge curve.

4) Best bang for my buck. (I don't mind spending a little money)

What I DON'T know: (1-2 are the questions I asked Simon)

1)Does the flashlight have a built-in battery protection circuit? 2)Can you please recommend the best battery for this Flashlight? 3)Do I need an expensive 'SMART' charger for charging? 4)Where to buy 'AUTHENTIC' batteries.

Well, I had more to write but it looks like I am stuck in 'rich-text' mode…ugh It seems HKJ is the 'go to guy' on this forum concerning batteries…I hope he chimes in

chadvone · 2018-12-05T04:02:39.000Z

do you have a link to the light you bought?
I am not sure if it has a fet or 7135s.

Here is a Utah based company that is on this site, RMM

I have ordered several times from them.

mtnelectronics.com

16650 - 18650

16650 - 18650 - Batteries

BlueSwordM · 2018-12-05T04:14:28.000Z

1. Yes the flashlight you got has built-in low voltage protection.

2. The best, no compromise, inexpensive 18650 cell is the Samsung 30Q:

illumn.com

18650 Samsung 3000mAh INR18650-30Q High Discharge Button Top

[Samsung INR18650-30Q 3000] 18650 Samsung 3000mAh INR18650-30Q High Discharge Button Top

Price: USD 7.5

It has high capacity, and is powerful enough to use all other higher power lights if you want, and will fit them all. Get 4 of them just in case, as you said.

3. For the charger, I would recommend the Folomov A4:

illumn.com

Folomov A4 Intelligent Rapid Charger Li-ion/LifePO4, NiMH/NiCd Charger

Folomov A4 Intelligent Rapid Charger

Price: USD 39

Can charge almost all battery types, from lithium-ion 18650s, to rechargeable AAs/AAAs, and can charge them relatively quickly if you want them to.

Just combine your order of Samsung 30Qs and Folomov A4 to save on shipping.

4. Good US sellers of cells/chargers:
Illumn: https://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers.html/?\_store=default
LiIonWholesale: Wholesale Li-ion Batteries | Liion Wholesale – Liion Wholesale Batteries
Mtn Electronics: Batteries

STUBBY · 2018-12-05T04:21:34.000Z

Thanx for all the responses so far….

To chadvone

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Black-Convoy-C8-with-XPL-HI-LED-copper-DTP-board-and-ar-coated-inside-new-firmware/32889563626.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dQ4F7yZ

Macka17 · 2018-12-05T04:19:47.000Z

Hi.
Order 2 x Samsung30Q. Pana B’s batteries.
with a Liito Kala 2 cell charger
Battery’s and chargers cheaper on coupons.
Charger cost $5.60 Aud del.
It’s one of the few that charge Li-Po4 cells.

The C8+ is latest and I think nicest looking model of them
and can be well upgraded.
$19 US something I’ve seen them for on coupons.

Sofurn C8T is nice too, with the “A” model having more output/range.
Triple gives more output again, with less range.
Them and Kaidomain about the best in basic C8.

That C8/C8+ and SkyRay S-r5 would be hard to beat in budget and performance
stakes I reckon.
Then buy a little Astrolux AO1 for keychain. with Soshine LiPo4 10440 cells
You got it ALL covered for tiny price.
and the one charger does all. NiCad. Li-Ion and Li-Po4.
.

STUBBY · 2018-12-05T04:29:00.000Z

[quote=BlueSwordM] 1. Yes the flashlight you got has built-in low voltage protection.

So does that mean I don't need 'protected' battery cells? Sorry....I'm a newbie but learning

chadvone · 2018-12-05T04:34:46.000Z

[quote=STUBBY]

[quote=BlueSwordM] 1. Yes the flashlight you got has built-in low voltage protection.

So does that mean I don’t need ‘protected’ battery cells? Sorry….I’m a newbie but learning

[/quote]

The light should shut off before damage to the battery.
So unprotected battery will be safe to use. Some convoy lights are short, and protected cells may be too long.

I am not sure about the C8+. I would do a search on here, I know there has been one review.

Lightbringer · 2018-12-05T05:00:12.000Z

Just a word of advice, if you’re “forgetful” and might leave on the light unattended, a) try not to use the highest modes, and b) never ever ever set it on anything lens-down. Not unless you want the light to cook itself (a), and not unless you want to melt/burn whatever’s underneath the light (b).

Turn the light on high and just put it against the back of your hand for a few seconds, and you’ll feel how hot the rays get. Some lights (eg, the MT09R) can actually set things on fire.

STUBBY · 2018-12-05T05:22:48.000Z

Lightbringer:

Just a word of advice, if you’re “forgetful” and might leave on the light unattended, a) try not to use the highest modes, and b) never ever ever set it on anything lens-down. Not unless you want the light to cook itself (a), and not unless you want to melt/burn whatever’s underneath the light (b).

Turn the light on high and just put it against the back of your hand for a few seconds, and you’ll feel how hot the rays get. Some lights (eg, the MT09R) can actually set things on fire.

Good to know…thanx

justanotherguy · 2018-12-06T03:32:28.000Z

STUBBY:

Lightbringer:

Just a word of advice, if you’re “forgetful” and might leave on the light unattended, a) try not to use the highest modes, and b) never ever ever set it on anything lens-down. Not unless you want the light to cook itself (a), and not unless you want to melt/burn whatever’s underneath the light (b).

Turn the light on high and just put it against the back of your hand for a few seconds, and you’ll feel how hot the rays get. Some lights (eg, the MT09R) can actually set things on fire.

Good to know…thanx

That is a lot of charger, but it is quite good…It seems you need to charge one or two batteries at a time…

Perhaps buy 3 or 4 batteries, that charger and something else? $50 orders ship free…

Macka17 · 2018-12-06T05:37:58.000Z

Hey.
That Follomov 4 cell charger looks good at decent price.
I have several 2 cell and one 4 cell XTAR.
Running 30ish torches and more battery’s.

90% are charged on the Liitokala LII202.
That MFG gets a LOT of Recommendations from members here.
I find I only use the 4 cell when charging my 4 cell SKYRAY.
Never use it otherwise.

Just remember. There’s NO WAY you will stop at 2 or three torches
believe me.
I used to spend $35 in Lottery tickets every week.
Nowadays I only buy one if it over 10mill.
Otherwise it’s $35 a week on torches and Kitchen knives.
Enjoy the madness.

STUBBY · 2018-12-15T22:03:11.000Z

OK….narrowed it down to 2 batteries (only to be used for my C8+, 3a draw). My criteria is internal resistance, run time/mah and long lasting ability(how many recharges it will take)

Samsung 30Q
Sanyo NCR18650GA

The obvious winner is the Sanyo NCR18650GA (10a) for run time/mah.

Unless I am missing something,I don’t believe I need the extra amps? the Samsung 30Q (15a) provides (for this flashlight anyway) so now it is up to internal resistance and long lasting ability.

Since I live in Colorado cold weather performance is also a factor.

Thoughts anyone? Anything I am missing in my considerations (especially the extra amps thing/brighter longer?)?

note to self probably being to picky here but I can’t help it

DavidEF · 2018-12-15T22:26:58.000Z

STUBBY:

OK….narrowed it down to 2 batteries (only to be used for my C8+, 3a draw). My criteria is internal resistance, run time/mah and long lasting ability(how many recharges it will take)

Samsung 30Q
Sanyo NCR18650GA

The obvious winner is the Sanyo NCR18650GA (10a) for run time/mah.

Unless I am missing something,I don’t believe I need the extra amps? the Samsung 30Q (15a) provides (for this flashlight anyway) so now it is up to internal resistance and long lasting ability.

Since I live in Colorado cold weather performance is also a factor.

Thoughts anyone? Anything I am missing in my considerations (especially the extra amps thing/brighter longer?)?

note to self probably being to picky here but I can’t help it

My opinion only, so feel free to disregard.

If you are a person who never (or very rarely) feels the need to “update” your tools/equipment then go ahead and get the GA’s for the (slightly) higher capacity. However, if you think there’s any possibility that in a while, whether it be months or years, you might decide to upgrade, or even just add to your collection by purchasing a more capable light, then the 30Q’s are a better buy. If you treat them right, the Li-Ion cells you buy today can possibly give you decades of use. Now, that doesn’t preclude you buying more cells later, if you do happen to buy a new light. :money_mouth_face:

justanotherguy · 2018-12-16T01:58:25.000Z

DavidEF:

STUBBY:

OK….narrowed it down to 2 batteries (only to be used for my C8+, 3a draw). My criteria is internal resistance, run time/mah and long lasting ability(how many recharges it will take)

Samsung 30Q
Sanyo NCR18650GA

The obvious winner is the Sanyo NCR18650GA (10a) for run time/mah.

Unless I am missing something,I don’t believe I need the extra amps? the Samsung 30Q (15a) provides (for this flashlight anyway) so now it is up to internal resistance and long lasting ability.

Since I live in Colorado cold weather performance is also a factor.

Thoughts anyone? Anything I am missing in my considerations (especially the extra amps thing/brighter longer?)?

note to self probably being to picky here but I can’t help it

My opinion only, so feel free to disregard.

If you are a person who never (or very rarely) feels the need to “update” your tools/equipment then go ahead and get the GA’s for the (slightly) higher capacity. However, if you think there’s any possibility that in a while, whether it be months or years, you might decide to upgrade, or even just add to your collection by purchasing a more capable light, then the 30Q’s are a better buy. If you treat them right, the Li-Ion cells you buy today can possibly give you decades of use. Now, that doesn’t preclude you buying more cells later, if you do happen to buy a new light. :money_mouth_face:

I think I am in the future boat… I have a bunch of GA, 8 30q (two groups of 4) and 4 VTC6….!

Meelo · 2018-12-16T04:01:13.000Z

Review: Convoy C8+ Sand/Desert Tan 18650 Flashlights

The Convoy C8 is a classic budget thrower flashlight that has been around for many years in various iterations. With many other manufacturers selling lights identical in appearance, it was time for Convoy to introduce a new look C8 - introducing the Convoy C8+. Disclaimer The Convoy C8+ was send for an honest review by Banggood. Product Link. $20.99 with code:02c657 Construction The Convoy C8+ arrived wrapped in bubble wrap, inside a plain white cardboard box. The only included accessory wa…

C8+ supports protected cells
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/Panasonic-protected/1382210_505117671.html
slightly older 18650b’s but protected, verified good seller, took two weeks to arrive, tracking never worked but it didn’t matter.

I don’t think higher output cells matter, this light isn’t a hyper light drawing many amps so vape level draw capacity is just a waste, better to have peace of mind, no danger of over or under voltage, cut off at 2.4v, so with the lights protection, its double protected.

taller but fit s2+

Cells were tested and all were within spec.

voltage readings are off because they are charging after the capacity test.