RCS1300
Flashlight Enthusiast
Below is my experience and testing of the Fenix 16340 as well as a question, at the end.
I purchased six new Fenix 16340 lithium Ion batteries, LiCoO2, protected 700mAh batteries from Battery Junction about four months ago for use in my HDS flashlights. Coupled that with a new Nitecore D4 charger.
After experiencing some hiccups with my two HDS lights I decided to do a run test on five of the batteries. The hiccups consisted of random resets as identified by the light, at random, flashing five times and then the Locator Flash coming on - about once every 8 days of use over four months. The hiccups also included the light turning itself off and then the Locator Flash coming on - happened twice in 4 months.
The test included running the HDS light on high/max for as long as the batteries would last before stepping down in output. All batteries were charged to 4.20 volts before beginning. Results:
Battery 0 = 42 minutes run time
Battery 1 = 60 minutes run time
Battery 2 = 60 minutes run time
Battery 3 = 40 minutes run time - before it shut off and the Locator Flash came on.
Battery 4 = 52 minutes run time
My interpretation is that the quality control used in the production of these batteries is poor, very poor with over a 30 percent variance in run time between batteries.
Not sure if there is a better rechargeable choice though as all of the 16340 rechargeable batteries are made in China (at least Fenix makes an effort to produce a Materials Safety Data Sheet). Looked into the IMR version of lithium Ion and decided against that as it is also made in China and contains no protection circuit. After reading many articles on IMRs I do understand that they cannot be over charged. However, if some contaminants found their way into the package during production there is nothing to prevent a short.
Interesting article on IMR from another CPF member, Battery Guy:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?325456-What-exactly-does-quot-IMR-quot-mean
Has anyone located a non-Chinese source for 16340's? I believe AW used to source his product from Japan. Any other "Manufacturers" of 16340s like AW around?
I purchased six new Fenix 16340 lithium Ion batteries, LiCoO2, protected 700mAh batteries from Battery Junction about four months ago for use in my HDS flashlights. Coupled that with a new Nitecore D4 charger.
After experiencing some hiccups with my two HDS lights I decided to do a run test on five of the batteries. The hiccups consisted of random resets as identified by the light, at random, flashing five times and then the Locator Flash coming on - about once every 8 days of use over four months. The hiccups also included the light turning itself off and then the Locator Flash coming on - happened twice in 4 months.
The test included running the HDS light on high/max for as long as the batteries would last before stepping down in output. All batteries were charged to 4.20 volts before beginning. Results:
Battery 0 = 42 minutes run time
Battery 1 = 60 minutes run time
Battery 2 = 60 minutes run time
Battery 3 = 40 minutes run time - before it shut off and the Locator Flash came on.
Battery 4 = 52 minutes run time
My interpretation is that the quality control used in the production of these batteries is poor, very poor with over a 30 percent variance in run time between batteries.
Not sure if there is a better rechargeable choice though as all of the 16340 rechargeable batteries are made in China (at least Fenix makes an effort to produce a Materials Safety Data Sheet). Looked into the IMR version of lithium Ion and decided against that as it is also made in China and contains no protection circuit. After reading many articles on IMRs I do understand that they cannot be over charged. However, if some contaminants found their way into the package during production there is nothing to prevent a short.
Interesting article on IMR from another CPF member, Battery Guy:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?325456-What-exactly-does-quot-IMR-quot-mean
Has anyone located a non-Chinese source for 16340's? I believe AW used to source his product from Japan. Any other "Manufacturers" of 16340s like AW around?
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