¿Quién creo la linterna de litio?
Concretamente en el primer comentario que un lector de la review (un tal JB) hace da una información muy interesante :
The reason the majority of tactical lights on the market, and, most importantly Surefire, use CR123 lithium batteries is because Surefire and Duracell partnered on research into these little beauties years ago.
Surefire was Laser Systems, Inc. (I’m 99% sure of “Systems”, it may have been “Products” instead) in the late 70′s-80′s. As their name tells you, they worked with lasers. They basically created the laser sighting systems in use on weapons today. The laser on the .45 in Terminator? A Laser Products/Systems product…
Anyway, the guys at LS/P decided they wanted to create a compact, lightweight, high output light meant for police/EMT’s/Military/SWAT, etc. The only battery chemistries at the time were the horrendous alkaline AA. Due to alkaline chemistries inherit voltage sag under even moderate loads, a high output light either needed alot of batteries, or, well, alot of batteries.
So LS/P partnered up with Duracell to create a brand new type of battery. One that would have higher voltage, especially under load, have good capacity, be stable under varying environmental conditions and make them money (hey, they’re a business like any other). So, the lithium chemistry was eventually formulated. It was great. 3v nominal, >2.5v under a heavy load, >1Ah capacity, stable, lightweight and compact. Two in series was perfect for over-driving a high output bulb, so it would produce a cleaner, whiter light.
Duracell almost backed out, citing safety hazards with lithium batteries. So, LS/P payed for the rest of the development. Then they went to market. LS/P sold the P6/etc under their name for a while, then became Surefire as we know them today.
That’s why. Before high output, efficient LED’s came along, a battery revolution was needed to create the market.
Very good article, as always.
Regards,
JB
Resumidamente viene a decir que Surefire , cuando todavia se llamaba Laser Produts (fabricaban miras laser para armas) decidió crear una linterna profesional , pequeña y potente . Para lograrlo solicitó a duracell que creara una pila de litio . La CR123A . Con aquella pila crearon la linterna 6P . Primero con la marca Laser products (yo tengo una de esas linternas) y mas tarde con la marca Surefire . A falta de confirmación resulta que las pilas de litio no se crearon para aparatos fotograficos sino para una linterna .