Batteries

[gilfordberry]

Technology for batteries continues to advance. I see that the TDI uses a lithium battery pack because the amount of energy needed by that high power pulse machine. I guess that more power can be stored in the lithium battery than can be stored in a similar weight rechargeable battery of a different type. So the question is: Would White's customers consider paying pretty big bucks for a lithium ion or lithium polymer battery pack for use in your V3i, or XLT, or DFX, or..... How about one that would work in the PI Pro or dual field? Since you could pack more power in a battery pack WITH LESS WEIGHT it would seem a nice option - every ounce you can lighten the machine counts after two or three hours of swinging that coil around - especially if the additional energy storage capacity might mean carrying a backup isn't really necessary.... Is there a potential market great enough for Whites to develop such battery packs, sell them at a reasonable price, and still make a profit?

OH, and how 'bout a battery charger to plug into the cigarette lighter in the car? I'd buy one of those today if it was made for the V3i's NIMH batteries.. Yes, I know I can plug a small inverter into the cigarette lighter, then plug the White's NIMH battery pack charger into the inverter, and accomplish the same thing, but, if Minelab can supply a simple 12V cigar lighter dongle to charge their NIMH battery packs, can't Whites do the same?

Would there be enough interest to develop and market such devices?

 

[Rob (IL)]

I was stated that the lithium battery won't be used by Whites and the new TDI would probably use NIMH due to all the problems with shipping restrictions. ROB

 

[gilfordberry]

Rob, you're a lot closer to Whites than I am, but their website lists a 14.4 lithium ion battery for the TDI (at just under $200 ). Lithium batteries present some unique problems in recharging and discharge limitations for both current and low voltage, but they seem to be becoming more popular by the day. I had to replace the batteries in our cordless phones recently (had NICADs in there - a pack of 2 AAAs) - and I found a lithium ion replacement pack for about five bucks. That's not bad considering the chip that has to be built in to the battery pack to protect it - and your house from fire!

 

[gilfordberry]

Hmmmm, I just learned about the new TDI SL - a new lighter version of the TDI that is shipping now I guess - and that it is being shipped using the NIMH battery pack currently in use with the V-series. Am curious - are you aware of any problems encountered with the lithium ion battery system used on the TDI Pro? I was only thinking that with a higher cell voltage (about 3 volts compared to about 1.5 for carbon-zinc, alkaline, NICAD or NIMH) should allow the development of a battery pack with greater energy storage at the same or less weight. I also read that a car charger for the "new" TDI SL battery system would soon be available - and since the "new" TDI SL battery system is the "old" V3 battery system, looks like I'll be able to get at least part of what I've been asking for. Thanks, Whites, even if you didn't do it for me. lol

 

[Rob (IL)]

It is as I stated. New detector, back to NIMH. This was stated by Carl some time ago and that's where I got the information.

Once a battery will last for a FULL day of hunting there isn't much need for more. Whites will offer a higher Mah pack for around $70. I built a high Mah pack myself but I don't need it. I also built a higher mah, 12v pack, but I really don't needed it either. Both work with the Whites charger so I still use them. Who knows the future but the old TDI looks like it will be the only Li ion Whites detector.

 

[kyledfx]

will the old tdi lithium work in the v3i?

 

[Larry (IL)]

I suppose if you wanted a 14.4 volt $200 brick battery pack to work in the V3i, there is a way.............. but why? Don't forget the charger for another $120............


http://whiteselectronics.com/products/accessories/batteries.html

 

[Rob (IL)]

I don't know for sure, but I believe the voltage would be OK. Other than that I would ask why? The detector would have to be modified by soldering wires. If it fit in the box it would be flopping around. If the pack is much lighter how would affect the counterbalance for the coil? We have discussed that if the present battery will last all day what would be the advantage? If more running time is needed use higher rechargeable NIMH Mah batteries in the pack.

I'm not recommending anything but if you like to tinker, here is a 9 cell pack that doesn't require modifications to the detector. With 2500 Mah batteries compared to 1800 Mah batteries in the standard pack it starts at 12V and lasts a long time.
[attachment 207248 batt2.jpg]

 

[kyledfx]

right , too expense ,too much trouble for lithium . hows that 9th battery in there? looks interesting. i like to run boost most of the time at old remote spots , it helps for me .

 

[nw1886]

For me having a few battery packs (alkaline and one extra NIMH) has me never needing more juice. If I was just getting set up, I might purchase a new improved pack but now...why? No conceivable need. If you would enjoy "knowing" you have stronger packs...nothing the matter with that. (For me, I'd just put more gas in the tank instead.)

 

[earthmansurfer]

I've been reading up more on the Sanyo Eneloop AA (2nd gen) rechargeable batteries. They are rated at 1900Mah but tests from a variety of reviewers have shown they hold over 2000 MaH (closer to 2100-2200). This is a big concern as many other battery brands that were tested, e.g., 2700Mah only held like 1600Mah. So these batteries have been tested by a variety of people and the results are very very impressive. Look it up yourself. They hold 90% of the charge after 6 mos and 85% after one year. Regular NiMh rechargeables don't hold their charge well at all so don't make much sense to back up your rechargebles, but as a primary they are great of course. 8 of the Eneloops cost under 20 bucks shipped so in the long run if anyone uses alkaline as a backup or as their primary, these are a very cost effective replacement (well, you also need a nice charger).

 

[Larry (IL)]

I have read a lot of nice reviews on the eneloop batteries.

 

[Rob (IL)]

If I was using rechargeable batteries for a backup pack the Eneloop would be the way to go. Since I've never had to go to the backup, I'll just use alkaline. The reason is, rechargeable batteries are only cost affective if they are run often. They would be great for the main pack. Buying Eneloop and charging once a year would not save money. ROB

 

[ferner]

Rob (IL), how you have done this 9 cell pack?

 

[Rob (IL)]

[size=large]This is a 2 year old post.[/size] I now use LI ION packs in all my detectors. Are they needed, [size=large]NO.[/size] The 2200mah pack does 12+ hours and the 2900 mah pack does 20+ hours. The big advantage is they don't discharge while sitting and they are lighter. The packs also have the cigarette lighter charger. Things happen in two years.

 

[Rob (IL)]

[size=large]Learn to use the forum search option.[/size] It is a big help. Here is your information.

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?66,995136,995136#msg-995136

[attachment 254332 2013-01-08_154601.jpg]

 

[oneon]

I know its an old post but just wanted to say I hunted with my hp 2900 today 6 hours tx boost all day and back light at max. When I was done the voltage was still at 11. Just incredible. I know its expensive but it's well worth it in my estimation. In one of the spots where I hunt I can only run the boost comfortably with the 5.3 but when your hunting in trash you just can't beat it. The boost is great in the right circumstances. And this battery is amazing. It unleashes the full potential of this machine.

 

[BeachCleaner]

I made my own lithium pack out of 6 Panasonic 3100 mah 18650 cells here is a picture of the modified AA pack with some old 18650 cells I had as at the time of the photo I was still waiting for the new ones to arrive. This pack fits in just like normal except it doesn't use the sliding cover (the cells have a dab of glue holding them in place. The pack is 6200mah and I have run for days without ever getting below 11 volts, it's way overkill but it was still cheaper than the new 2900mah packs. I never worry about juice anymore, I like the feeling of having an all but endless power supply so I still charge it ever few hunts or so 20+ hours is about half empty.