Prodigy and CR2 batteries?

[pete]

So I have a little stockpile of CR2's that I've been using (and a bunch of unused ones...ordered many, seeing as DX takes a while to receive).

I know the prodigy is designed for 2 CR123's, but will the Prodigy work with 2 CR2's as well? I hate to have to buy all new Li-Ion batteries now. Since the CR2's are a little shorter, can I simply use a magnetic spacer? Or is the 2mm difference just absorbed by the spring at the bottom, and it doesn't make a difference?

Thoughts?

If I can use the CR2's, I'm sure I'll be buying one!

 

[CaSHMeRe]

Hey Pete ...

Can you give me the specs on the CR2's ? (Dimensions and voltage/amperage)

 

[pete]

Damn, Steve... you're quick!

Voltage: 3V @ 800mAh

CR2 Dimensions are 27mm long by 15.5mm in diameter.

I believe RCR123's are 34.5mm long by 17mm in diameter.

I'm not worried about the diameter, 1.5mm isn't much, but they will be short, and I didn't know how much play the spring inside has... and if it can make up roughly 1.5cm in length. If it doesn't have that much length to spare, is it easy to replace the spring, or would I be better selling off the CR2's I have now?

 

[CaSHMeRe]

The spring is quite long, I'm not entirely sure its that long! A magnetic spacer should do the job just fine. More than powerful enough to get the job done

 

[youfillintheblank]

You probably could use those batteries and the spacer inside a length of PVC "Schedule 40" pipe so they won't rattle around too much. That's what Madog used in his original Magnums that took CR2s in place of 3 AA batts.

Damn, Steve... you're quick!

Voltage: 3V @ 800mAh

CR2 Dimensions are 27mm long by 15.5mm in diameter.

I believe RCR123's are 34.5mm long by 17mm in diameter.

I'm not worried about the diameter, 1.5mm isn't much, but they will be short, and I didn't know how much play the spring inside has... and if it can make up roughly 1.5cm in length. If it doesn't have that much length to spare, is it easy to replace the spring, or would I be better selling off the CR2's I have now?

 

[pete]

The spring is quite long, I'm not entirely sure its that long! A magnetic spacer should do the job just fine. More than powerful enough to get the job done

Thanks, Steve! I figured that's the worst case... Appreciate the help!

 

[franklyspeaking]

anyone have a link to where I could buy a spacer?

 

[StratOvation]

anyone have a link to where I could buy a spacer?

CR123A Size Dummy Cell - 0 Voltage for Flashlight spacer DUMMY-CR123A

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2708

 

[vaporize me]

I don't know if this would help...

DealExtreme: $5.96 Super-Strong Rare-Earth RE Magnets (8mm / 100-Pack) Suitable for Extending 18650/CR123A Batteries

 

[franklyspeaking]

Thanks guys

 

[franklyspeaking]

These are for CR123 batteries, does anyone have a link to spacers that are sized for CR2 batteries? I'm sure the magnetic spacers would work but I wanted to heat shrink them together for ease so I would like to find something the same diameter as a CR2. Thanks for the links but I don't need black cell spacers, just enough to make up a few mm spacing.

 

[Nicfits]

Will a magnet have any effect or possibly damage a lithium Ion battery?

I tried to find the answer to this, but all I could find was from another forum where a person stated that he mounted his Ipod, which had a brand new battery on his motorcycle with a magnet, and it killed the battery. He stated the Ipod would play when plugged in, but would only last about three minutes when running on the battery after that.

It is my belief that a magnetic field can effect the polarity of these types of cells. It stands to reason, but I have no data to either affirm or deny such a hypothesis.

I do know that electrical current creates magnetic fields, and in sensitive electronics, shielding is used to protect the circuits. In the case of a magnetic field traveling through a wire, the field can be nulled by using a shielded cable or the twisted wire method.

Anybody know the answer to this? I would be interested in finding out.

 

[franklyspeaking]

Good points Nic. I'd like to know as well.

 

[Nicfits]

I' still researching it Frankly.
I haven't found any conclusive data as of yet.
To be on the safe side, I would just use a non magnetic spacer of some sort. Anything that is a good conductor will do. Even a few washers would work.

 

[StratOvation]

Seems that I recall reading a forum online where the folks were talking about using Neodyium or Rare Earth magnets as spacers for charging CR2 batteries in a CR123 charger. I'll check around and see if I can find it...seems like it was possibly on a Deal Extreme product page with the comments listed below. I'll post if I can locate any info.

Mike

Frankly and Nic,

If you guys determine that RE magnets are acceptable for your needs, DX does carry 15mm X 1mm size that should be the right diameter for the CR2's.

 

[franklyspeaking]

The link is on page one of this thread. I think the concern is that using magnets may interfere with the lith-ion batts and cause problems that we don't want. I think some washers might be the best bet or even cutting down a dead cell spacer might work. This one needs more thought and research before I figure out what I am going to do.

Nic, I appreciate the info and continued research. I'll share anything pertinent I can dig up...

 

[Cellmeister]

You Can Use RE RE Magnetic Spacers Can Be Used Safely Depending On The Application For Magnets. I Have Been Using Them For Years, I Actual Shrink Wrapped Some For Ease Of Use. Again Depends On Your Application. I Would Not Really Use Them Inside A Device (Don't Want Them Shorting If On Metal Casing), You Can Make Your Own Spacers Out Of Common Items.

RE Magnetic Spacers Are Cheap, Fast & Easy. They Can Be Found At Lighthound.com & DX & Other Places.

~Keep Vapin~!

 

[Cancer]

With my Prodigy still being the original specs(3.7v=3.3 under load and 6volts). What are your recommendations for configurations for maximum battery life/power? This includes anything previously mentioned spacers,dummy cells and just higher mah batteries. Thanks

 

[StratOvation]

With my Prodigy still being the original specs(3.7v=3.3 under load and 6volts). What are your recommendations for configurations for maximum battery life/power? This includes anything previously mentioned spacers,dummy cells and just higher mah batteries. Thanks

Just my 2 cents...

With the Original V1 / 901 atty: 3.7V 3000mah 18650
" " " " / 801 atty: 2 X 3.0V 750mah rcr123a

At least that was my planned setup if I had stayed with the original V1.

Mike

 

[vaporize me]

Hi Strat...

Where did you find rcr123a 3.0v 1400mah at? I found cr123's but they are not rechargeable.