motor turn a little faster.
When using rechargeable cells in
circuits/motors that need the full voltage of the standard non-rechargeable
pack, the most common solution is to
add another cell. Though a bit harder
to find, you can locate five-cell holders
that — when used with 1.2 volt-per-cell
batteries — provide the full six volt
output you want. Similarly, if you are
creating your own battery packs by
soldering cells end-to-end, you can
simply add a fifth cell.
When adding cells, be sure the
recharger can compensate for the higher voltage. Most rechargers for NiCd
and NiMH batteries — especially for the
hobby radio control market — are quite
forgiving in the battery voltage they are
used with. If the recharger doesn’t automatically adjust for the proper voltage,
you may need to manually set the voltage, or recharge the cells separately.
Advanced Battery Systems
www.advanced-battery.com
Advanced Battery Systems sells
sealed lead acid, NiCd, NiMH, lithium,
lithium-ion, lithium polymer, and
alkaline batteries; in all traditional
sizes and capacities. Also sold are
rechargers and battery packs (custom
and stock) for cell phones, laptops,
cordless phones, and other electronic
devices.
Battery Mart
www.batterymart.com
Mail order batteries, large and
small, all types (including sealed lead
acid, motorcycle, NiCd, NiMH); chargers. Online sales; local stores in
Winchester, VA and Martinsburg, WV.
See their section of Robot Batteries —
a selection of sealed lead acid
batteries in sizes from single cells to
large 12 volt packs.
Batteries America
www.mrnicd-ehyostco.com
Batteries (including sealed lead
acid, NiCd, NiMH) and rechargers;
single-cell and packs.
Battery Specialties
www.batteryspecialties.com
Resellers of alkaline, NiCd, sealed
lead acid, and lithium batteries; battery
holders.
Batteries Plus
www.batteriesplus.com
US nationwide battery retail chain
sells products for retail and commercial
applications. Check the website for a
store locator.
Sources
Battery City
www.batterycity.com
Consumer-packaged batteries:
NiCds, NiMH, camcorder, and other
specialty types.
Duracell
www.duracell.com
Duracell makes batteries. Billions
of dollars worth every year. You’ll buy
them at your local store or through the
mail, but the website provides some
interesting semi-technical articles in the
Technical/OEM section.
Acme Model Engineering Co.
www.acmemodel.com
Battery holders for AAA, N, AA, C,
D, and nine-volt.
BATTERIES AT A GLANCE
Here are the most common consumer battery technologies
eBatts.com
www.ebatts.com
Rechargeable batteries. In single
cells or packs for camcorders, laptops,
cordless phones, and cellular phones.
Volts/Cell* Application
1.5 Low demand, flashlights
Alkaline 1.5 Small appliance motors and electric circuits No
Rechargeable Substitute for non-rechargeable Alkaline 1.5 variety Yes
NiCd 1.2 Medium and high current demand, including motors Yes
NiMH 1.2 High current demand, including motors Yes
Li-ion 3. 7* High current demand, including motors Yes
Lithium 3 Long life, very low current demand No
SLA 2.0 Very high current demand Yes
Polymer 3. 8 Long life, medium current demand for electronics Yes
*Nominal volts per cell for typical batteries of that group. Higher voltages can be
obtained by combining cells. Voltage is typical.
**Many non-rechargeable batteries can be “revitalized” by zapping them with volts
for a few hours. However, such batteries are not fully recharged with this method, and
are re-discharged very quickly. Battery manufacturers usually frown on the practice,
as recharging non-rechargeable batteries may overheat them, causing ruptures or a
violent explosion.
74 SERVO 09.2007
Battery
Carbon-zinc
Recharge**
No
Edmond Wheelchair
Repair & Supply
www.edmond-wheelchair.com
Edmond Wheelchair Repair &
Supply carries wheelchair and scooter
parts, including motors, wheels, and
batteries.
Energy Sales
www.energy-sales.com
Energy Sales is a distributor of
name brand primary and rechargeable
batteries. Locations also in Oregon
and Washington.
EnerSys
www.enersysreservepower.com
Major battery maker, with many
types of batteries, including an extensive line of sealed lead acid cells.
Available in single cells (usually two
volts per), and in packs up to 24 and
48 volts. The site does not offer direct
purchasing, but there is plenty of bat-
