Satlook Lite ...suitable batteries ??

[rbdaves]

Looks like the only thing available is the AA*8 pack offered by SolidSignal.com at a price of $40.00. I will not be using this meter until Feb. of 2017, so will bite the bullet at that time and purchase a replacement for SolidSignal.com.

thanks to everyone for helping me with this.

 

[archive10]

In case it's not obvious it looks as though your meter uses AA size NiMH batteries. Seven cells equates to 8.4v, assuming that there isn't another row of cells underneath.

If you look carefully, there's an eighth empty slot at the bottom.
SatLook ships the device with one battery removed (most likely to leave some charge in the batteries).
So it's 8x1.2 which is 9.6V or so.

 

[archive10]

@rbdavies
Could you not just fit a DC-input socket to the meter case, with the terminals connected to the end contacts in the battery compartment, and use an external battery pack made up of whichever cells you want (and with a suitable charger for the batteries, or the pack, of course)?

There is actually a 12V DC input at the base that could be used for this.
But it sort of defeats the purpose of the all-in-one with a rubber casing...

I think @rbdaves would be better off with something like this:

8 AA 12V Battery Clip Slot Holder Case Box 1Pc With Leads Wire Black | eBay

There seems to be room in the compartment for this.
Refit the plug from the old pack on the new, and you can upgrade in the future to new cells without upgrading the pack.

(and it's purely an example, there are many others available on ebay at the same price).
And if he doesn't need it beofre Feb, then there might even be time for free shipping from China....

 

[PaulR]

If you look carefully, there's an eighth empty slot at the bottom.
SatLook ships the device with one battery removed (most likely to leave some charge in the batteries).
So it's 8x1.2 which is 9.6V or so.

Yup, didn't notice that.

 

[jeallen01]

@rbdavies

Not sure that the extra 1.2v would actually make a lot of difference to the meter - but if you are concerned then buy a 3.6V pack and a 4.8v pack = 8.4v when connected in series, and these could be strapped side by side, and you could then charge thecombo with an 8.4V charger. Lots of all of those on e**y.

 

[vma]

Hi,

What you need is a simple cell pack with 8x 1.2V AA cells (=9.6V).

The cheapest way will be searching for those on eBay. They are quite popular for RC models. However, you need to find the right form factor (all laid out side by side). Just change the connector using the one from your old cell pack and you are set.

Do not try to build a cell pack yourself, if you don't know how to do it. Soldering the pads is tricky and requires proper soldering station. Solder too hot/long and you damage the cells.

There are shops that custom make cell packs, but I have found them too expensive.

Regarding the quality and total charge, don't expect miracles.

Regards,
Vitor

 

[jeallen01]

vma

Most of the 3.6V & 4.8V battery packs I indicated are designed for RC models - although I did not mention that.

 

[vma]

Sorry - I was away and used the phone to reply (bored in a shopping mall) and didn't notice that the conversation went on a lot and that there are only 7 AA cells in the original pack!

That naturally equates to 8.4V.

Here are two eBay results from China:

Model Toy Racing Car Rechargeable Battery Ni-Cd 8.4V 900mAh for w/SM2P AA_7SB | eBay
Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery 8.4V 1800mAh for Model Toy Racing Car w/SM2P AA_7SB | eBay

The search words are "8.4V AA cell pack". There are some internet shops specialized in RC and battery. They have those, too. However, mostly in non AA sizes, which wouldn't fit inside the Satlook.

Regards,
Vitor

 

[archive10]

Sorry - I was away and used the phone to reply (bored in a shopping mall) and didn't notice that the conversation went on a lot and that there are only 7 AA cells in the original pack!

That naturally equates to 8.4V.

Here are two eBay results from China:

Model Toy Racing Car Rechargeable Battery Ni-Cd 8.4V 900mAh for w/SM2P AA_7SB | eBay
Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery 8.4V 1800mAh for Model Toy Racing Car w/SM2P AA_7SB | eBay

The search words are "8.4V AA cell pack". There are some internet shops specialized in RC and battery. They have those, too. However, mostly in non AA sizes, which wouldn't fit inside the Satlook.

Regards,
Vitor

You will find that the 7 AA was a miscount, we need 8 AA and 9.6V
I would still try the battery pack + 8 individual cells; much easier to upgrade the cells.

 

[skomedal]

Wouldn't work. The battery pack in this device consists of AA*8 9.6V 2500 MAH.

Thus 9.6Volt battery pack needed with relevant Mah or better.

Please stop dissing/confusing this thread

Regards