MTNElectronic's Convoy C8 info

So, I ordered a C8 from MTN just the other day, and I’m in need of some cells to replace aging 18650s. I noticed the warning on the use of some of the NCR18650 cells in the item description on the product page here: MTN Convoy C8 host

I thought that the most recent version took care of the sizing issue for using those longer cells? I was about to pick some up, but didn’t want to end up with more cells that aren’t even usable in the light.

If anyone can chime in and provide some info, I would really appreciate it.

(I picked this host up for my son’s first “helping dad mod” build. Nothing like finishing and not being able to appropriately power it!! My kiddo would be devastated!!)

Thanks!

From the MTN link you provided “Protected NCR18650PF fit and are recommended if you want to use a protected cell.”
Link to those batteries on MTN.

Depending on where you look, there are conflicting specs (probably from changes in versions) on all three of those batteries, so I’m not sure what the length really is. And, from what I’ve read I thought that the latest version of the C8 wasn’t going to have that issue. But the warning is still up, so it makes me wonder if it still holds true or if it’s just old info. .

Also, I wasn’t planning on getting any of the NCRs they listed as examples, I just need to know what does/doesn’t fit so I can make sure the other 18650s I am considering aren’t too long.

For lights with springs at both ends of the cell, like the C8, it is unlikely that the cell is too LONG.

But protected cells may be too THICK.

Some of the higher-capacity cells are already close to, or larger than, 18mm. Then the metal strip to feed the protection circuit is added and another layer of wrap added over that.

ME were to get some protected cells with only a single wrapping layer that solves this issue.

EDIT: E.g.:

http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_88&product_id=55

“The original Panasonic NCR18650B cell is inside, but its wrapper has been removed in order to provide a thinner batter that will fit in more lights.”

So maybe this will help illustrate why I’m still concerned about the battery sizing. The following is a table of the different NCRs found on MTN’s site. All the numbers are from the product description provided for each battery. (Also from their site.)

I’ve highlighted the protected version of each NCR as noted in the product description for the C8 host. Specifically, it says, “This host works with flat top, button top, unprotected, and some protected cells. Protected NCR18650B are a very tight fit; protected NCR18650BD/GA do not fit. Protected NCR18650PF fit and are recommended if you want to use a protected cell. ”

Based on the numbers I’ve highlighted, the cell with the longest and widest values is the NCR18650PF. That’s also the cell that’s listed as “recommended.” This is why I’m concerned. I’m getting a warning that some cells might not fit and being told that the biggest of the three is fine to use…

Hi Sprinkles,

The NCR18605B and NCR18650GA are a tight fit, but the newest ones fit. About a month ago I switched to single-wrapped protected batteries; the old ones had two wrappers. As a result, the new batteries are thinner than the old ones. The protected NCR18650PF is still the double wrapped version, which is reflected by the wider diameter (the future NCR18650PFs will be single-wrapped as well, once the current stock runs out).

I didn't want to change the recommendation until all of the batteries had switched over, which has happened gradually over the past few weeks.

Richard,
Thinking of using the C8 Convoy as a host for a MT-G2 with one of your Qlite drivers @4.5amps. Will the stock switch handle the amps? Thanks
Jim

In my experience, yes. The switch is an Omten and it can handle a lot of amps without any issues (but you must copper braid the spring!)

Thanks Richard. I put together an xtar z20 with your components (xhp50 + qlite driver@3amps) and it’s really amazing.