rechargeable batteries, odd size

[MrEE]

Hi all,

I am trying to replace the 11 battery cells (1.2V) inside a battery pack. The batteries are not standard size. They measure 1.1" x 0.66" or 28 mm x 16.8 mm. They look like shrunk C size batteries.
Anyone knows where to find new ones? The battery pack belongs to a Icom IC-A20 Transceiver.

 

[(*steve*)]

Are they not the relatively common (almost ubiquitous) sub-C batteries?

(No need to post in the wanted/for sale section if you're just after hints as to where to purchase something)

 

[MrEE]

I looked for sub-C batteries on e-bay, but they measure 42mm x 22mm (more than one seller).

 

[CocaCola]

2/3A is the cell you seek... Sometimes universally branded as 1/2A (although true 1/2A should be just a smidgen less tall)... Check the manufactures specs if size is crucial...

 

[Raven Luni]

Why isnt there a B? Always wondered that...

 

[MrEE]

Bingo!! thanks CocaCola and all the other replies. I never heard of the 2/3A before.

 

[CocaCola]

Why isnt there a B? Always wondered that...

There was at one time, they were high voltage batteries to drive tubes... They were upwards of 45-90V... But, as should be obvious the trend in 'batteries' and even electronics now is low voltage...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B_battery_(vacuum_tubes)

Same with 'B' cells old school... Scroll down to 'B'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_battery_sizes

 

[MrEE]

I suspect the original batteries are NiCd, but in general is it a good idea to use NiMH batteries instead? how about different capacity than the original ones?

 

[(*steve*)]

Only use NiMH if your charger supports them. Otherwise they will not be happy.

Also note that NiMH have a higher voltage and higher impedance than NiCd. Either of these may be an issue (but often are not)

 

[BobK]

NiCad are also better at large current draws than NIMH. I learned this when I tried to replace batteries for my drill / driver with NIMH. Even though the voltage was the same and capacity was higher, the NIMH were anemic. I had to go back to NiCad.

Bob