Torch type small Lithium Batteries?

[gavinwibrow]

I note that the AA size lithium batteries are 1.5V untike the older style Metal Hydride etc 1.2V.

Anyone care to comment on how suitable they are for boys toys - for grandies remote control cars, boats etc?

A bit expensive at the moment at up to almost $10 each, but no doubt will reduce.

I assume they will also require a dedicated new recharger, and hopefully not be prone to explosion etc?

[loanrangie]

Old style AA/AAA's are 1.5V so won't be an issue.

[gavinwibrow]

Old style AA/AAA's are 1.5V so won't be an issue.

Except that a lot of the NiCad or Metal Hydride rechargeable ones are 1.2 or 1.25V - certainly the case with my miscellaneous collection.
I didn't know that for many years, but may explain why they were not the best for some circumstances - I think cameras and flashes were two items where rechargeables were mentioned.

[Blknight.aus]

generally, anything that takes a 1.2v nicad will be set up with a specific battery pack if its got the drop in style batteries it will be intended to run on 1.5 V batteries.

If in doubt get NimH rechargables for anything that you suspect wants 1.2v and get the lithiums for 1.5v systems.

[gavinwibrow]

generally, anything that takes a 1.2v nicad will be set up with a specific battery pack if its got the drop in style batteries it will be intended to run on 1.5 V batteries.

If in doubt get NimH rechargables for anything that you suspect wants 1.2v and get the lithiums for 1.5v systems.



I've never come across anything in my collection that wanted 1.2V, all my stuff wants 1.5V, hence the interim info.
Hopefully we can now get some comments on the original issues raised.

[Blknight.aus]

Most 7.2Vstuff works fine on 9V

if you're worried about it simply omit a cell, a 6 cell 7.2V pack operated unit wont be hurt by running a 5 cell 7.5V lithium pack.

the problem will be charging it if its solder in cells.

[loanrangie]

Except that a lot of the NiCad or Metal Hydride rechargeable ones are 1.2 or 1.25V - certainly the case with my miscellaneous collection.
I didn't know that for many years, but may explain why they were not the best for some circumstances - I think cameras and flashes were two items where rechargeables were mentioned.

Thats true but these devices were designed around a 1.5V cell x whatever so replacing 1 x 1.5v with another 1.5v is no problem.

[AK83]

I note that the AA size lithium batteries are 1.5V untike the older style Metal Hydride etc 1.2V.

Anyone care to comment on how suitable they are for boys toys - for grandies remote control cars, boats etc?

A bit expensive at the moment at up to almost $10 each, but no doubt will reduce.

I assume they will also require a dedicated new recharger, and hopefully not be prone to explosion etc?

I'm assuming the one use Lithiums, not the rechargeable LiIon types.
In a word .. brilliant.
Use to use them exclusively on my old Meridian GPS which used to chew batteries like nothign else.
Good quality alkalines would give me about 6 hrs out of the GPS, Lithiums would give a min 15hrs one test showed 18hrs.
I now use them in wireless mice and other less heavy duty devices, as they last years.

BUT! .. cost is mad! You can get cheaper branded ones .. just as good but still pricey.
So had to look for alternatives, and so I got a pack of 8 LiIon types that recharge via USB.
If this is the type of Lithiums, they also very good value for money.
Note tho, they are LiIon, not Lithiums.
Note that you can also get 3.7v LiIons in AA size, technically called 14500's. Like the typical 18650 LiIons more commonly found, but the AA form factor.
Don't use in torches! They will blow up(or burn out the globe, if not LED)
Use in motorised devices that you want to 'hot up' tho .. love em.
I use these only in my electric pepper and salt grinders and they rip through the stuff nicely(when cooking) and my Nikon flash.
They will blow anything that only needs 1.5 volt types tho.

so maybe for your remote cars/boats, the 3.7v type 14500's may give you an unfair advantage over your mates .. and they won't understand why! [biggrin]
I've been using them in my salt/pepper grinders and the Nikon flash for about 4+ years now.

But the USB chargeable LiIons(the 1.5v types) have the required circuitry built in to regulate the 1.5v output. You could use these to play it safe.
Lower amp/hour rating than the 3.7v types, but still very usable .. rechargeable, so cost is a one off.
I bought my set of 8 for about $50(can't remember, maybe less).
Found on ebay locally, brand is Etinesan. Also came with a 4 way USB A to usb micro cable, so you can charge 4 at once off a single USB source.
Charge quickly, cost is high to start, but overall for some devices better off for the long run.
Have only used in one torch type and they appear to hold up to their 1875mWh rating.
If you search for these, they have the typical AA form but have mUSB port up near the +ve nib on the side of the case.
Also, they hold their charge for what seems 'for ever' which can't be said about most non expensive NiMH. Note that they actually hold more charge than 1.5v, but output is regulated internally at 1.5v output .. so holding charge longer is to be expected.

One aspect I've also considered with those rechargeable AA LiIons is that they do have the built in lectronics to control charge and ouptut, and as we LR owners know all too well .. lectronics aren't always reliable, noting that these are Chinesium Lectronics.
I've had mine since June, and touch wood, zero defective so far.

[gavinwibrow]

I'm assuming the one use Lithiums, not the rechargeable LiIon types.
In a word .. brilliant.
Use to use them exclusively on my old Meridian GPS which used to chew batteries like nothign else.
Good quality alkalines would give me about 6 hrs out of the GPS, Lithiums would give a min 15hrs one test showed 18hrs.
I now use them in wireless mice and other less heavy duty devices, as they last years.

BUT! .. cost is mad! You can get cheaper branded ones .. just as good but still pricey.
So had to look for alternatives, and so I got a pack of 8 LiIon types that recharge via USB.
If this is the type of Lithiums, they also very good value for money.
Note tho, they are LiIon, not Lithiums.
Note that you can also get 3.7v LiIons in AA size, technically called 14500's. Like the typical 18650 LiIons more commonly found, but the AA form factor.
Don't use in torches! They will blow up(or burn out the globe, if not LED)
Use in motorised devices that you want to 'hot up' tho .. love em.
I use these only in my electric pepper and salt grinders and they rip through the stuff nicely(when cooking) and my Nikon flash.
They will blow anything that only needs 1.5 volt types tho.

so maybe for your remote cars/boats, the 3.7v type 14500's may give you an unfair advantage over your mates .. and they won't understand why! [biggrin]
I've been using them in my salt/pepper grinders and the Nikon flash for about 4+ years now.

But the USB chargeable LiIons(the 1.5v types) have the required circuitry built in to regulate the 1.5v output. You could use these to play it safe.
Lower amp/hour rating than the 3.7v types, but still very usable .. rechargeable, so cost is a one off.
I bought my set of 8 for about $50(can't remember, maybe less).
Found on ebay locally, brand is Etinesan. Also came with a 4 way USB A to usb micro cable, so you can charge 4 at once off a single USB source.
Charge quickly, cost is high to start, but overall for some devices better off for the long run.
Have only used in one torch type and they appear to hold up to their 1875mWh rating.
If you search for these, they have the typical AA form but have mUSB port up near the +ve nib on the side of the case.
Also, they hold their charge for what seems 'for ever' which can't be said about most non expensive NiMH. Note that they actually hold more charge than 1.5v, but output is regulated internally at 1.5v output .. so holding charge longer is to be expected.

One aspect I've also considered with those rechargeable AA LiIons is that they do have the built in lectronics to control charge and ouptut, and as we LR owners know all too well .. lectronics aren't always reliable, noting that these are Chinesium Lectronics.
I've had mine since June, and touch wood, zero defective so far.


Hi Arthur - your usual comprehensive response - many thanks, and just what I was looking for