Can rechargeable CR123 3.0V result in inaccurate battery readings?

[bitfidelity]

I hear the battery indicator can be inaccurate if you use rechargeable batteries that are out of spec in regard to voltage, but I seem to be getting low-battery readings on fully charged batteries even though they are 3.0V. Is that normal?

[Schorschi]

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bitfidelity wrote:

I hear the battery indicator can be inaccurate if you use rechargeable batteries that are out of spec in regard to voltage, but I seem to be getting low-battery readings on fully charged batteries even though they are 3.0V. Is that normal?

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Yes, that's normal. I have some rechargeable NiteCores and a freshly charged set will have only two out of three bars on the battery gauge from the beginning.

[TomMac]

Yes... the 3.0v rechargables will show low......

Back in early 2015 , the battery indictor sw was optimized to use the OEM and 3.7v 123/16340 cells.... since then the 3v'ers have shown low readings. As a PS, I think you'll get less life as the low end drop out voltage has increased. ( meaning the battery may still have juice but the sw shuts down the unit )

[jguerdat]

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TomMac wrote:

As a PS, I think you'll get less life as the low end drop out voltage has increased. ( meaning the battery may still have juice but the sw shuts down the unit )

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Not sure that's true.  I have a camera with EagleTacs that dropped the display to empty a week and a half ago with very cold weather and it still works fine.  I've had maybe 60 minutes recording since I first got the low battery email which was followed quickly by the empty battery display.  If software was shutting it down early, you'd think it would have done so by now.

[Schorschi]

It seems even the 3.7V rechargeables are affected by low gauge readings. My NiteCores are 3.7V, actual voltage is 4.08V after a full charge. Battery gauge shows 2 of 3 bars after a fresh charge.

[jguerdat]

My Eagletacs and TangsFires show more like 4.18v after a few hours after charging and take maybe a week in cold temps before going to 2 bars. Sounds like the slightly lower voltage causes the indicator to change sooner.

[GO_Calgary]

I too am looking for rechargables. Is there any difference between CR123 an CR123A? Can the ARLO camera's handle the 3.7 volt batteries?

[jguerdat]

Yes. Check the Buying Options and Tips forum for lots of information.