On Tue, 30 May 2017 09:18:23 -0400, "(PeteCresswell)"
wrote:

Is your reason for using LiIon in flashlights the near-zero
self-discharge?

No. It's my total disgust with the damage done by leaking alkalines.
I discovered something new with the last alkaline battery leak. Even
though the battery leaks had made a big mess inside the flashlight, it
still lit up normally. So, turning on the light to see if it is still
alive is NOT a substitute for visual inspection. Argh.

My main reason for getting into flashlights is that I'm bored and
wanted to play with some different toys. I've been reading Candle
Power Forums for quite a while and thought flashlights might be fun.
The major incentive was a non-monetary bet with a friend over the
usefulness of bottom of the line LiIon cells. My contention is that
they are economically justifiable, while he demands nothing but the
best.

Another reason I won't trust alkalines. They die in the box:
http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/crud/Kirkland-AAA-leak.jpg

I just remembered that I'm suppose to fix an Apple BlueGoof wireless
keyboard. The alkaline batteries leaked and the stainless steel screw
on cover, into an aluminum housing, it rotted shut. I've tried brute
force, with no effect. Chemical attack comes next.

I have been using Eneloops, but not in all of my lights.... yet.

Same here, but I prefer LiIon. I've been having problems with
ordinary NiMH. In addition to self discharge, they don't seem to last
through too many charge cycles. Typically, I get about 200 with NiMH
and 1200 or more with NiCd. Overall, I do better with NiCd for
something that requires regular recharging, such as handheld radios,
and flashlights. I'm doing something wrong with NiMH, but haven't
figured out what.

Also, LiIon has a much higher maximum discharge current. 20C is
common while NiMH is maybe 5C. It's the higher energy density of
LiIon that has made power hogs like quadcopters and high power
flashlights possible. They could be made to work on NiMH, but
performance would suffer. LiIon has also force the introduction of
decent battery chargers. One can get away with crude and simple with
NiCd and NiMH, but not with LiIon. LiIon requires a well designed
charger. Multiple cells charged in series require a balance charger.
Many NiCd and NiMH chargers will merrily kill batteries with "quick
charge" and various memory effect cures, but even a mediocre LiIon
charger will do a reasonable job without killing the cells. Of
course, there are plenty of ways to do it wrong, but so far, that's
been the exception, not the rule.



--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558