Will RCR123A batteries work on a Dorcy Jr

[iknitsteel]

I have found recharagble RCR123A batteries and I was wondering if I could use them in a Dorcy Jr build?
Is there any size difference from a regular CR123 battery? Also is there any power difference that would affect the Flex drive I have in it? Sorry for the noob question just wondering though.

 

[919jack]

I am relatively new here and not a builder of lasers, but I will take a crack at your question since no one has replied yet.  

There can be a slight size difference but I don't think it is an issue in the Dorcy (it isn't in mine, see below)

Whether your Dorcy Jr. build can handle RCR123s (usually 3.6V or more) depends on the driver.  In general there are buck and boost drivers that lower or raise the voltage out of the battery to match what the diode needs.  The driver is the middleman.  I don't know anything about the drivers available on this forum.  Someone familiar with the Flexdrive may be able to answer your question more fully.

Primary CR123s are usually 3V batteries, whereas most RCR123s are 3.6 or 3.7V (and can charge up to 4V or more depending on battery and charger).  Some rechargeable 123s are only 3V, and I think 3V rechargeables would work wherever 3V primaries work.  You need a different charger or an adjustable charger for charging 3.0V rechargeables, since a 3.7V charger will fry them.  If you want this kind of battery I would recommend getting AW's protected LiFePo4 batteries (from a certain flashlight forum) and DX sku 1236 as the charger, or get some Tenergy 3.0V batteries and charger.

I have a red laser in a Dorcy Jr. host that uses the original Dorcy driver, meant for LEDs not laser diodes.  This works but from what I hear it is not ideal.  My 3.0V RCR123 works fine in this laser and the power seems the same as with primaries.  I am afraid to try a 3.7V RCR123 in this build, since I don't want to fry the diode.  (anyone tried this?)

The bottom line:  if you are looking to replace your primaries with rechargeables of the same power, go for it.  If you want more power, you might want to do some research into your driver to avoid frying it and/or the diode.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kenom]

This as stated above mostly depends on the driver you use. If you intend to use a flexdrive, then yes you sure can use a rechargable. If your going to do the basic tutorial I setup for a red, then no! The current off this boost driver inside the light is incapable of providing safe current with a rechargable and a red laser diode.

Hope that helps.

 

[daguin]

I have found recharagble RCR123A batteries and I was wondering if I could use them in a Dorcy Jr build?
Is there any size difference from a regular CR123 battery? Also is there any power difference that would affect the Flex drive I have in it? Sorry for the noob question just wondering though.

The flexdrive will handle the RCR123A's The flexdrive can use anywhere between 2.5V - 5.5V. You should be able to just swap the batteries out.

The only other issue is whether the protection circuit is too wide for the tube. I haven't tried a protected RCR123 in a Dorcy yet. If the rechargeable battery is protected and it doesn't slip into the tube easily, don't force it

Peace,
dave

 

[kernelpanic]

The only other issue is whether the protection circuit is too wide for the tube.  I haven't tried a protected RCR123 in a Dorcy yet.  If the rechargeable battery is protected and it doesn't slip into the tube easily, don't force it

I've used both Radio Shack RCR123's and Ultrafire 16340s (both protected) in my dorcy jr. builds, they fit fine and work well with the flexdrive. (Not to mention they are far more cost-effective.)

cheers,
kernelpanic

 

[iknitsteel]

That's what I want to be more cost effictive. And I am using a flex drive with a Blu ray (405nm) and soon to be a red (605nm) diode thanks for the info all

 

[iknitsteel]

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