DIY SDC2300 Battery Mod - Another Option

[condor22]

So, I wanted to look at the use of the 3.7V Li-On batteries and a cheap interface. (found that some are selling the mod at over $100.

MATERIALS -
https://www.bunnings.com.au/garden-rain-300-x-25mm-poly-riser-connector_p4816126
@ $3.75
https://www.bunnings.com.au/porta-19mm-tasmanian-oak-dowel-1-2m_p0099441
@$7.45
2 off Round head - 1/4" BSW x 1 1/2" long brass set screws (6mm x 35 will also work, I used the former as I had them in the shed.

MANUFACTURE

1. Cut the threads off the riser and then 2 pieces 90mm long. (NOTE - the OD is a push fit into the SDC battery compartment, I wanted them with a little clearance and have a neighbour with a small lathe. He skimmed 0.5 mm off the OD for me, but they will still work without this mod.)
2. Cut 2 pieces of Dowel 25mm long, drill a 15/64 hole down the centre of the 19mm dowel.
3. Screw the 1/4" BSW firmly through the dowel.
4. File the head of the screw flat (almost to the bottom of the screwdriver slot).
5. Cut the thread to an overall length (incl what is left of the head) of 30mm.

TOOLS

Cordless drill, hacksaw, flat blade screwdriver, file.

Notes - The OD of the riser mat'l is a neat fit to the SDC. The ID of the riser is approx. 20mm and the OD of the dowel is 19mm - hence a 1mm clearance.
I assembled the riser tube to the SDC, dropped in the dowel/screw assy screw head first and then the batteries (correct polarity).

PICS

TOTAL COST $11.20 - The batteries I already have are for my headlight and torch and used to make the above. They are only 2600 mAH, so I will obtain 4 more @ 3500mAH and a duel charger as the charger I have is single battery only.

 

[user 11578]

Top job mate and you saved quite a few bucks, bonus :Y:

 

[condor22]

 

[bundyjd]

Good stuff Condor :Y:

I've been using the 18650 batteries in my SDC for a while and just recently came across and ordered one of these newish chargers from Nitecore.

http://charger.nitecore.com/product/i8

You can charge batteries of just about any type, 8 at a time.

It also has USB outlets which I can use for charging the Pro Sonic TX/RX units and my x-pointer.

Runs off 240V or 12V with the extra cig socket accessory.

 

[condor22]

What's the cost?

 

[HarryHoudini]

Good stuff Condor :Y:

I've been using the 18650 batteries in my SDC for a while and just recently came across and ordered one of these newish chargers from Nitecore.

http://charger.nitecore.com/product/i8

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/img/member-images/3809/1528930604_chg-nite-i8-13.jpg

You can charge batteries of just about any type, 8 at a time.

It also has USB outlets which I can use for charging the Pro Sonic TX/RX units and my x-pointer.

Runs off 240V or 12V with the extra cig socket accessory.

Now that is a beast. All in one.

Cheers

 

[HarryHoudini]

$58 on ebay..

 

[mbasko]

$54.95 here:
https://www.wickandwireco.com.au/products/nitecore-i8-8-bay-battery-charger
They are a verified reseller too. (I got one of these from them when they were released)
Nitecore have issues with fakes/copies & legit products come with a verification code so buyer beware on eBay etc.
Good charger & very versatile but no good for charging 8 x C cells.

 

[LC76]

Apart from the obvious(dont use it too long) ,without a low voltage control circuit how do you prevent over discharging the lithium batteries?
I cant see the SDC shutting down to stop you killing the batteries.

Or am i missing something?

 

[bundyjd]

$54.95 here:
https://www.wickandwireco.com.au/products/nitecore-i8-8-bay-battery-charger
They are a verified reseller too. (I got one of these from them when they were released)
Nitecore have issues with fakes/copies & legit products come with a verification code so buyer beware on eBay etc.
Good charger & very versatile but no good for charging 8 x C cells.

What's the issue with charging C cells?

 

[mbasko]

8 x C cells won't fit (if someone was looking at it to do that). To charge 4 x C cells I put 2 on each side & if doing other batteries put them in between.

 

[mbasko]

Apart from the obvious(dont use it too long) ,without a low voltage control circuit how do you prevent over discharging the lithium batteries?
I cant see the SDC shutting down to stop you killing the batteries.

Or am i missing something?

The kits etc. I've looked at are made to suit protected 18650's so if making your own spacers etc. up & you don't want to be killing your 18650's I would be making them to suit the protected (PCB) 18650's. Pretty sure the protected 18650's are a bit longer - I've had some that didn't fit into an unprotected 18650 battery holder (the holder had inbuilt protection in those) that I used to make a QED battery pack.
Pretty sure most of these protected 18650's shutdown at 3v but I believe it can vary to as low as 2.5v.

 

[bundyjd]

8 x C cells won't fit (if someone was looking at it to do that). To charge 4 x C cells I put 2 on each side & if doing other batteries put them in between.

Ah ok, that makes sense. Didn't think about the physical size being an issue.

I don't really use C cells any more so it won't affect me, but good for other folks to know.

 

[Ballina1]

I covered rechargeable batteries with duct tape. Upper batteries require more thickness than lower. Fatter at their top. Marked batteries for nearest the opening with permanent marker. Lower slides in and out easily. Upper is thicker so not used for lower. Therefore customised thickness for upper or lower battery position. Easy. Cost $0.15. Result: no restarts. Note that rechargeable batteries readily available from stores such as B...ings have lower AH than you really need for a day out.

 

[dan80]

Recommend efest batteries and their charges. Specifically designed for high drain.