16650 battery extender for Hogster.

C

case-nh

Well-known member
I see 3D Night Vision will be offering a 16650 battery extension for the Hogsters. Wondering what you thought Kirsch?
 
Ironically before seeing this, I had sent a message to Bering to get their reaction. As far as I am aware, Bering will not warranty any damage caused by internal rechargeable CR123s or 16650 batteries. If what they have told me in the past is still current, it will be use at your own risk. The one positive thing about this one is it sounds like it is a little longer and may work with some of the better, protected 16650 batteries.
 
what is the drawback to just using a rail mounted battery pack ?

Seems like its the 'easiest' option for most thermal scopes
 
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Seems strange that they give you the option in the menu of choosing the the 3v or 3.7v batteries which the regular ones are 3v and the rechargeable are 3.7. I have not edified myself on why the rechargeable ones would present a problem that they would not have anticipated in development of these scopes. They warranty the scope used with the packs, correct? Again, haven't looked into why this is any different.
 
Originally Posted By: Buck13what is the drawback to just using a rail mounted battery pack ?

Seems like its the 'easiest' option for most thermal scopes

That is the best option IMO for ARs but some might have a bolt gun with regular stock and no place to attach an external.
 
Originally Posted By: case-nhSeems strange that they give you the option in the menu of choosing the the 3v or 3.7v batteries which the regular ones are 3v and the rechargeable are 3.7. I have not edified myself on why the rechargeable ones would present a problem that they would not have anticipated in development of these scopes. They warranty the scope used with the packs, correct? Again, haven't looked into why this is any different. The scopes are rated to handle 3v or 3.7v. This doesn't mean Bering believes it is a good idea for people to use them. Anyone is welcome to contact Bering, I am just relaying what it says in the manual and what I have been told by Bering.

As for why it is different with an external pack, if the pack leaks or catches on fire, it isn't inside the scope causing damage. With an external, the worst thing that could probably happen is it sends the improper voltage. This is not Bering's first piece of equipment. They have been creating NV devices long before thermal. The last time I spoke with Bering about this potential issue they told me they hadn't had an issue with a thermal yet but have had issues with rechargeable CR123s in some NV units that caused internal damage.

I am about the only one saying anything about this. Bering has been fairly quiet on the matter, and the dealers selling them aren't saying anything. Maybe I am making a big deal over nothing, but if something happens, I don't want a PM member to say "Nobody told me there could be an issue." As always, I state the good, bad, and everything in between.
 
Originally Posted By: Buck13what is the drawback to just using a rail mounted battery pack ? Seems like its the 'easiest' option for most thermal scopes Many don't like a cord, the extra weight, and it creates a bulkier solution.

With a little creative placement and using things like LaRue index clips, I have never snagged my cord. However, simpler is usually better. There are lots of options starting to happen, so hopefully Bering will get behind one or more of these solutions and offer all of us some guidance.
 
I have been using external batteries with a bolt gun. I use vet wrap to attach the battery to the gun, I can still charge the battery when mounted.
 
He posted a video of him beating on the thing for awhile with his hand for the concern of it sticking out a ways and getting broken or keeping the scope on.
 
I received a reply from Bering on my question on the 16650 extender. It looks like Bering Optics will start adding a 16650 extender to their catalog of products in 2022. The result will be more and more dealers will be selling these. However, Bering indicated their position is the usage of internal, rechargeable CR123s and 16650 batteries will be use at your own risk.

The unfortunate part is I doubt many dealers will post this warning. At this time, Night Goggles does not plan to carry the extender if Bering will not warranty. We will continue to recommend the TRB which is the recommended extended battery solution for Bering thermals.
 
So how do they think this will be used or should be used if they're going to sell it. As far as I can see, 16650 batteries are only rechargeable or am I wrong.
 
As far as I know, 16650 are only rechargeable, yes. It is just like it is with rechargeable CR123s. The Bering Optics thermals can handle the voltage, but they won't warranty any issues that are a result from using them. The main thing a person has to worry about is them leaking or catching on fire. This would be the very evident signs of battery damage.

I have been asking Bering because I also find it is a little contradictory that they will provide an accessory for sale, but not warranty it's use if something goes wrong. I have said my peace with Bering and I have told the PM community with 100% transparency what I know of the situation. I doubt many dealers selling them are going to caution their customers of any potential hazard or issue in regard to warranty. Night Goggles is not this kind of company, and the reason at this time, we have chosen not to carry this accessory. Bering's position may change on this accessory, and we will evaluate the situation again if this happens.
 
[edit] sorry just noticed the location. this probably wont help you, but maybe it will someone else.


thats a little high for that 26650. those are quite nice cells - i have several flashlights that use the p2655c button top version. the 2562c is the flat top cell

if he can still return that one he can order them from the site i got my 2655's from for less than half that

https://www.illumn.com/26650-keeppower-5200mah-protected-high-discharge-flat-top.html

hth
 
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There are 3 that I know of at this time and there could be more being made. The one I got from Bering to test is the one that had been used in Europe previously I believe and is the one DarkNight Outdoors has been selling. Apex3d is making one, and 3D Night Vision is also making one. The 3D Night Vision is the one that I believe Case-nh was referring to as he smacks it a ton of times with force with his hands trying to get it to shut off and it keeps running. It was a pretty effective video. Looks like prices may range from around lower $20's to $50+ for the extenders without batteries.

As I have stated, Night Goggles does not plan to carry these since the usage of rechargeable internal batteries will be use at your own risk.
 
Just my .02

I tried the rechargeable Cr123 batteries when I got my Hogster 35 to scan with last year. I think I paid $36 for the 8 batteries and charger. The battery life was terrible. I'd got through one set, then had to change out the batteries mid-way through the second. One time of that was too much for me. I found a battery pack on amazon for $20 and the cable for under $10. The battery life is incredible. I've ran it 10+ hours before recharging (mine has the battery % indicator on the side so I know when it's time to charge if I want to push it to the limit).

Save yourself the time and hassle and get a battery pack. Even if you already have the cr123s or 16650s on hand, it's worth the small investment based on the battery life alone. I haven't dealt with the ND temps that Kirsch has mentioned before, but it gets pretty cold in MI. I have no doubts that I can hunt all night if I choose to, and have zero worries that my battery will die before I'm done.

I just upgraded my weapon scope to a Super Hogster that came with the TRB and Anker battery pack. I haven't hunted with it yet, but based on my time sighting in the scope and familiarizing myself with the functions, I'm confident this pack will provide similar results as the pack I'm using with my Hogster 35.
 
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I have the super yoter and I was reading through the user manual the other day. It says that if you run rechargeable batteries that they could not exceed 3.7v. From what I can tell every rechargeable battery fully charged is 4.2v so they kinda are misleading with their info saying you can run them. I would love to run 16650s or rechargeable cr123’s but their disclaimer of warranty void makes me really worried. They should release a rechargeable battery pack like AGM if they are going to be that way. I also emailed them asking if they recommended a battery but got no response.
 


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