sinker
  • sinker
  • 50.2% (Neutral)
  • Newbie Topic Starter
12 years ago
I use a Petzl Duo as I like the design, balance, water-tightness etc, and with the CustomDUO upgrades it does what I need it to do.
However the batteries are not lasting as long as I would like (approx 4 hours for the Accu reachargeable packs, bit longer if I use 4 rechargeable AAs), and with the price of Petzl Accu battery packs being what they are..... 😞 . Great if they last, but they don't! If the "spot" module is on full bore I'm told it draws 700mA....does that sound right?
So...suggestions please on a way to get reliable, waterproof 6v power that will last! I think the CustomDUO module is happy on 7.4v, and I have plenty of 1860s and chargers so I'm thinking along those lines. Is this correct?
Biggest problem then is a waterproof housing for them....over to you!
Yma O Hyd....
RJV
  • RJV
  • 50.2% (Neutral)
  • Newbie
12 years ago
Given the profusion of lamp upgrades available I'm quite surprised that nobody is selling a universal modern battery to go with 'em - assuming such a device is possible.

I have an old Raptor with one of Mr Mike's Retros in it. I love the light it gives off but it sits unused as I can't be doing with wearing a battery on my waist.
NewStuff
12 years ago
Keep in mind for any 2s or higher 18650 or LiPo pack, You really need to balance the cells when charging. You can add in a PCB that does this (and usually has charge, discharge and heat protection) when building the pack, or make sure You allow for a balance lead.

I'm planning on trying out some Polycaprolactone in the future, it may work for You? It's more commonly known as Polymorph.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycaprolactone 
Searching for the ever elusive Underground Titty Bar.

DDDWH CC
gNick
  • gNick
  • 50.2% (Neutral)
  • Newbie
12 years ago
I'm currently designing a battery housing to use 2 18650s as I reckon for the bulk of what I do, 2 high capacity 18650 batteries will have more than enough capacity for a day's pottering and spare batteries are easily carried.
The idea is to have something that will power my Oldham with a Retro upgrade and my AYUPs (mountainbike lights really but I like them)
Single cell batteries and appropriate chargers are easily bought from the likes of Torch Direct and avoid the need to make up or buy battery packs and more specialist chargers.
Don't look so embarrassed, it's a family trait...
simonrl
  • simonrl
  • 51% (Neutral)
  • Administration
12 years ago
I wonder whether any of these would be worth considering?

http://www.magicshine.co.uk/batteries.html 

I quite like the look of this:

http://www.magicshine.co.uk/batteries/rechargeable-battery-standard-pack-mj-6002.html 

A "one size fits all" battery might be difficult, various lamps operate on voltages. Generation 1 'super lights' (Sten, Scurion, original Little Monkey lamps) were all 7.4V. The Rude Nora (and presumably Rude Nora 2) operate on 3.7V.

The Petzl Duo presumably 6V? (4 x AA)?
my orders are to sit here and watch the world go by
NewStuff
12 years ago
And if You want to make your own, this stuff looks promising. I've ordered some.

http://sugru.com/about/ 
Searching for the ever elusive Underground Titty Bar.

DDDWH CC
royfellows
12 years ago
I have ordered some Magicshine batteries etc for testing and evaluation purposes with regard to using them for my caplamp range, and will report in due course.

The batteries.
Pros: Compact size as casing made to fit the cells
Misgivings: What cells do they use, are they the rubbish Ultrafire?
What about balancing the cells on charging?

The lamps for underground use
Sexy for the price but useless. Lack of a suitable walk mode, useless and unwanted 'nuisance' strobes, no back up lighting pilot/emergency or alternative flood, no mounting bracket for underground adapted helmets. Needs custom bracket or headband.

EDIT
Just read the reviews and cancelled my order. Not waterproof and doesn't balance, second expected, first not expected. Ah well, carry on potting cells in Maplin boxes.
My avatar is a poor likeness.
nova_turbo
12 years ago
I was going to use magic shine but decided on the Gloworm X2. Same price but better made, IP67, 2 year warranty and batteries are Panasonic. They're 1200 luminum (1300 boost) tested.

The lamp fits helmets with little modification and additional spot and flood lenses are available for £5 each.

For £145 I couldn't find anything that gives all that. Also the remote switch I think is a great idea.


Your welcome to have a play tomorrow!
Wormster
12 years ago
"NewStuff" wrote:

And if You want to make your own, this stuff looks promising. I've ordered some.

http://sugru.com/about/ 



Why bother to buy it when it can be made at home using sillicone sealant and cornflower.


http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Sugru-Substitute/step3/Mixing-Oogoo/ 
Better to regret something you have done - than to regret something you have not done.
NewStuff
12 years ago
Thanking You muchly, will be trying that in the next few days.

"Wormster" wrote:

"NewStuff" wrote:

And if You want to make your own, this stuff looks promising. I've ordered some.

http://sugru.com/about/ 



Why bother to buy it when it can be made at home using sillicone sealant and cornflower.


http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-Your-Own-Sugru-Substitute/step3/Mixing-Oogoo/ 

Searching for the ever elusive Underground Titty Bar.

DDDWH CC
Wormster
12 years ago
No worries let me know how it turns out.
Better to regret something you have done - than to regret something you have not done.
sinker
  • sinker
  • 50.2% (Neutral)
  • Newbie Topic Starter
12 years ago

........... :blink: .........my mind is well and truly boggled..... :lol:

Thanks for all the suggestions, there MUST be something in there worth persuing. The Magicshine look great....shame they dont perform.
I will do some further research tonight, now I know the kind of thing to look for :thumbup:
Yma O Hyd....
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