Guys,?
I had started this thread and here is my progress on this project. I bought a couple of Yaesu battery cases type FBA-25A. This case is meant to take 6 AA alkaline cells. I want to fit two 18650 cells in this case. I plan to use my mini-mill to cut two slots at the back of this case to accommodate the 18650 cells. I plan to reuse the contact hardware (the spring that goes at the negative side and the positive point) recovered from FBA-25A. The Li-Ion cells will go vertically and stick out at the back. (Finally, I plan on making a 3D printed shield to cover the exposed portion of these cells and this will be at the end of the project).
Oh, I have also procured a BMS circuit board for two Li-Ion cells. This tiny board will fit inside between the two 18650 cells. I have the feeling that the original wall wart charger may work.?
I read some comments on the Li-Ion cells. No, they are not low charge/discharge cycle limited. 18650 cells are used by Tesla in their cars and they last for many years. I have also studied the cells removed from laptop batteries. In most cases, the cells are still good though the laptops may have rejected them. This is the problem with the BMS board. I have replaced the BMS board in a couple of failed laptop batteries and the batteries work fine after that. That proves my point. I like Li-Ion 18650 cells because they carry a lot more mAH capacity and should last longer than NiMH.?
Thanks
73
Prasad AB3EH
