Batteries - ScubaBoard

Mike-G · March 23rd, 2007, 07:08 PM

Hi all,
Have not posted here in ages - kinda busy at work. Anyway, I want to build a new battery canister for my homemade video lights and wanted to get thoughts on NiCd vs. NiMH vs. SLA. I know there has been some discussion on this in the past but looking for fresh discussion - sorry for possible repeat topic. Also, the SLA cansiter I built 5 years ago was designed / built with 12v's worth of batteries but I've read about overdriving and that with time batteries will not achieve their actual full 1.2 volt (individual cell) charge. Any advice / opinion on design size of canister - 12v or 13.2v and your reasons for this?

Thanks,
Mike G.

Firediver · March 24th, 2007, 04:51 PM

You could use the same type canister I am using for my 50W Halogen dive lite. I am using 10000ma NiMH D cell batteries 10 of them to be exact. I found with the NiMH batteries they don't see to have memory and can take over charging without issue. As for overdriving I haven't done it. Really don't see the need to either. I get great burn time from my light now as is and it bright enough for now.. I have some pictures posted of my light and canister under the DIY canister light thread.. in more then one of the DIY light threads actually...... I purchased my batteries on E-bay as that is where I found the best deal.

Mike-G · March 24th, 2007, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the feedback Firediver. What kind of charger do you use? Is your battery canister & light setup homemade or purchased?

Mike G

Firediver · March 27th, 2007, 10:38 PM

My Cannister is home made..I got the charger from

http://www.all-battery.com/ it's a 0.9ma-1.9ma charger(could be amp.) can't remember exactly but it works.. :P I also use the 10 10000ma D-cell NiMH batteries... I paid $75.00 + shipping for $100 for the batteries... they were the most expensive part.

Firediver · March 27th, 2007, 10:40 PM

http://www.all-battery.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1351 this one.. but mine is an older model.. has all the different adapters from Taimya connectors and gator clamps.... works great and if you mess up your connect it has a fuse so you can't ruin the charger......

Mike-G · March 31st, 2007, 04:58 PM

Thanks for the link Firediver. I just ordered two 3500 mah batteries and a charger for about $100. More than SLA but they are much lighter!