03-14-2009, 03:34 AM
To quote from the website Bystander linked to, "small transformers won't work because they don't have enough amps" Duh!! How about because transformers are AC devices, Not DC. (except some wall wart types-which have diodes in them) The article is interesting and obviously the author took apart a few battery packs and most of the information is semi-correct.
I have been trained for (by the US Coast Guard - keeper of bouys and remote located navigation systems) and have been working on Marine and other off-the-grid systems since the late 1950's and have restored many battery packs to useful levels. Mainly using Maha Battery chargers (they're great - google them) and the time consuming method of charging-discharging-charging-discharging-charging-discharging charging-discharging-charging-discharging-charging-discharging until they either prove their demise or restore themselves.
Because a lot of our equipment is old but still good I have made numerous cell replacements in the packs (if you have multiple battery packs just sacrifice one bad pack, which probably has several good cells in it to get the replacement cells to repair your other packs - you can also buy good quality replacement cells from Maha) getting the packs open is the hardest part. A Dremel tool works well.
With a set of long leads to clip on a car battery (or cigarette lighter adapter) and the contacts from an old battery pack you can make a reliable portable tool for field work. You can also fasten your leads to a home-built battery and carry it in a fanny-pack. This battery can be made up of just regular non-rechargeable cells or even a small lead-acid motorcycle battery or borrow the battery from your UPS computer system.
If any of you have old tools/battery packs/chargers laying around gathering dust contact me - there may be life hidden in them yet.
I'm a recycle, reuse, restore, remake kind of guy that enjoys electrical work,
especially if it's an unusual type project.
Even in retirement I can be hired if the wages are high enough
or the project challenging enough.
Jim & Carol -- KC7OKZ & KC7TSX
I have been trained for (by the US Coast Guard - keeper of bouys and remote located navigation systems) and have been working on Marine and other off-the-grid systems since the late 1950's and have restored many battery packs to useful levels. Mainly using Maha Battery chargers (they're great - google them) and the time consuming method of charging-discharging-charging-discharging-charging-discharging charging-discharging-charging-discharging-charging-discharging until they either prove their demise or restore themselves.
Because a lot of our equipment is old but still good I have made numerous cell replacements in the packs (if you have multiple battery packs just sacrifice one bad pack, which probably has several good cells in it to get the replacement cells to repair your other packs - you can also buy good quality replacement cells from Maha) getting the packs open is the hardest part. A Dremel tool works well.
With a set of long leads to clip on a car battery (or cigarette lighter adapter) and the contacts from an old battery pack you can make a reliable portable tool for field work. You can also fasten your leads to a home-built battery and carry it in a fanny-pack. This battery can be made up of just regular non-rechargeable cells or even a small lead-acid motorcycle battery or borrow the battery from your UPS computer system.
If any of you have old tools/battery packs/chargers laying around gathering dust contact me - there may be life hidden in them yet.
especially if it's an unusual type project.
Even in retirement I can be hired if the wages are high enough
or the project challenging enough.
Jim & Carol -- KC7OKZ & KC7TSX
Home of the "Just for Keiki" Luau show.
See: http://justforkeiki.blogspot.com/
See: http://justforkeiki.blogspot.com/