Re: 3M Airlite, Battery substitution (UK supplies)

Harry, thanks for the idea, as it is I have dismantled the useless battery pack and found that the information on the actual cells is so bad as to be totally indecipherable. As for the size, it would relate to the common AA at about 1.5 volts but I have noticed that Ni-mH batteries tend to be available in several milli-ampere ratings and I have no wish to do damage to the motor at this late stage in it's life!

Yes, I can solder, Agricultural Engineer for more years than I care to remember means that soldering is almost second nature!

Thanks again, Regards, Peter Charles Fagg Freshwater, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.

Peter,

At a given voltage the motor will draw some amount of current. It is up to the batteries to deliver that current. The greater the milli-ampere hour rating, the longer the batteries will deliver that current. So, it the cells are AA, get ones with the highest mill-ampere rating. It will definitely not hurt the motor.

BTW, when purchasing cells, try to get the ones with solder tabs on them. It is much easier and safer to solder to the tab than to the individual cells.

I'm not familiar with this battery pack but if it is carried in you pocket or fastened to your belt, you could use C or D sized batteries. You add weight but they will run the motor much longer.

Hope this helps,

Harry

Harry is right, get the highest mAh rating you can, you can't do any damage by going for higher rated batteries. FYI, EuroBatteries.com in Bristol in the UK do tagged NiMh cells for that very purpose. See

Alun

Thanks again.

Regards, Peter Charles Fagg Freshwater, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.