ExCal BatteryPods=Headache

[stoneshirt]

Hello,Everybody
My last Post here was on the subject of the PP Switch.Ok I understand it,just need Parts..
Now I'm trying to re-do my Battery Pods.I got some GP 1800Mh Rechargables and tryed to install them in the Rechargable Pod,They seemed too tight a fit,but slipped into the Alkaline Pod nicely.Now I've come across the PDF download for the ExCal11,which states" Rechargables cannot be used in the Alkaline Pod,insufficient Voltage"
Wha'ts the Deal?,they seem to be the same. Although the Rechargable Pod seemed to be a bit smaller inside Diameter?? I then put the newly made-up Pod on the ExCal Wall Charger,and left it for around 13 Hrs.It got pretty hot.I checked the Voltage output on that 10 Yr old charger and it reads 18Volts,although on the Charger it says Output 15Volts.Did I read somewhere that these old Wall Chargers will Not cook a Bat Pack? I try to Read up on Chargers,but the whole thing gives me a Headache.Seems like every Charger mentioned or referred to has different Out-puts.I have a few Wall Charges lying around,one,for example, says !2V 1000Mh,would this do the Job? and how do you determine charging Time? Aspirin Please.Ken
Also,my Friends,I'm doing some replacement of the O Rings,are those Horseshoe Retaining Clips for the Shafts as Scary as they look? any Tricks on getting them off and on? Looks like building a Ship in a Bottle,to me.

 

[tvr]

When they say don't use rechargeable batteries in the alkaline pack, they mean don't use AA size rechargeable batteries in the original holder that holds 8 alkaline batteries. The 10 cell NiMH pack that you get as an aftermarket update will work just fine. Just slip it in.

8 alkaline batteries at 1.5 volts each = 12 volts. 10 NiMH rechargeables at 1.2 volts each = 12 volts; same for NiCd rechargeable cells. If you use 8 NiCd or NiMH AA sized batteries in the clip in AA battery pack you will only get to 9.6 volts.

With the original Minelab charger, after they reach full charge, the charger continues to charge and they can get hot. I'd recommend getting the peak detecting charger that the same folks who sell the aftermarket battery pack sell. It senses when the pack is charged. It shows a red light while charging and a green light when fully charged. The batteries can get warm using this charger too, but you won't wait any where near as long and can monitor it and unplug when the light turns green. Here is a link for a charger Excal Charger

OldBeechnut posted a video or a link to one of his videos that shows pulling things apart. In a quick search I didn't locate the correct one, but if you are concerned about taking things apart, search for his video and see how things on the Excal come apart.
Cheers,
tvr

 

[stoneshirt]

TVR,hello and thanks.Thanks for the link,It looks like I'll have to start using Shipping/Mailing Services and get some of this stuff being offered on line.I've lived here in Costa Rica/Panama for 10Yrs.and have been reluctant to use the Mail/Shipping Services,from all the Horror Stories I'v heard,about things disappearing enroute.Not to mention the fact that I've been so poor,and always end up making the things I need.Ja ja...You cleared up some things for me.But, I still don't have it clear about the Voltages involved,When I opened up myEX/Cal rechargable Bat Pac.It contained 8 AA Cells,Rechargable.And thats what I'm putting back in,8 Rechargables(GP 1800MaH) ????? In doing all this I did notice the difference in the size of the Battery Holders,I sanded and Filed,trying to get one to fit in a Pod(the Rechargable),it fit too tight,but went into the other(the Alkiline Pod so I went with it,Like I say,these things give me a Headache.
Also,soon after I Posted,I came across a Post That I had overlooked.There is no need to remove those Horseshoe retainer Clips to get those Pots out of the Housing!
Live and Learn.Ken

 

[tvr]

When I opened up myEX/Cal rechargable Bat Pac.It contained 8 AA Cells,Rechargable.

Were the 8 AA cells soldered together or in a 8 cell holder that slides in after the AA cells are clipped in?

Had not heard of 8 rechargeable cells being used as standard, normally it's a 10 cell pack to get the voltage with the rechargeable pack up to the 12 volts that 8 alkaline cells nominally produce. The old sword model I have has a 10 cell rechargeable as do the blue tube 1000 and the Excal II that I more recently picked up.

I'm wondering if, prior to you getting the Excal, someone stuffed an alkaline clip with rechargeable cells and just used that? If it works, great! It probably will not run near as long as a normal 10 cell rechargeable pack before dropping voltage too low to run right.

Any way ... now that I hear your location I can see why sourcing parts may be an issue.

I think user scott.f has a retirement home in Costa Rica. He may have some ideas about getting things there. Wouldn't hurt to private message him through the forum and see if he is still getting forum PM's and may have some thoughts on obtaining parts in that part of the world; though he may be in the same situation you are.

Here is one of his posts about finds on the beaches: http://www.findmall.com/read.php?26,2139141,2139141#msg-2139141

 

[stoneshirt]

TVR.Hi,I just found your Reply as of Oct 7..This subject of Batteries is so convoluted,like I said,it gives me a Headache.I have 4 Batt. Packs I'm dealing with here in front of me.I think I might have mislead you in my confusion.I'm re-doing the Pack for my ExplorerXS and the Pack from my ExCal 1000 was emptyed out some years ago,when I went to renew it and ran out of Money,I honestly don't remember the Batt. configuration.Although,what I have off my Shelve (dusty) is that empty Re-Chargable Pod and with it a Plastic 8Cell Holder (with a 9V Batt. Clip on it.I bought this MD Brand new,so its all original stuff.These are a 12V. Machine right?
Ken.
PS..I lived in Golfito Costa Rica for around 4 Yrs.I found the Beaches to be dreary and dirty hard packed Sand in the Areas where I was.Although I did pull out a nice 1/4 Oz. Nuggetover on the Oso Pennnisula at an old Mining Camp.It was with the Minelab D** ,you know,theThree thousand Dollar one.God I can't even remember the Model.I love the Picture I saw one time of some Aussie(where they use these big Machines) standing in what appeared to be a Waist-deep Bomb Crater.He was holding an old Sardine Can up.and was'nt smiling.Ken

 

[tvr]

what I have off my Shelve (dusty) is that empty Re-Chargable Pod and with it a Plastic 8Cell Holder (with a 9V Batt. Clip on it.I bought this MD Brand new,so its all original stuff.These are a 12V. Machine right?

With all the parts on the shelf, I understand the confusion! The 9 volt connector in the pod fits either a normal rechargeable pack or the 8 cell holder. The 8 cell holder is for use with 8 alkaline AA size batteries. A normal rechargeable pack, as mentioned before, has 10 cells in it. Yes the Excal uses 12 Volts.

I have no idea what the Explorer packs are like; I have zero experience with the Explorer.

Sounds like you had some fun finding some gold with the old gold machine!
Cheers,
tvr

 

[Cameraniac]

I put a short, 1/4", 90 degree bend at the end of a straightened, wire coathanger and use it to remove and install the spring-clips. Works pretty good.