I read somewhere that laptop batteries were actually composed of six 18650 size, 3.7 volt batteries. I also read these batteries were used in LED flashlights and that when a laptop battery failed it was common that it was only one or two of these 18650 batteries that failed. The rest are probably OK.
I took the battery out to my workshop and with great difficulty, cut the case open. Sure enough inside were six of what look like AA batteries on steroids soldered together in series. I took them apart and checked them with my meter, kicking myself for not recharging them before opening the case. Five of them read +/-4.1 volts and one, 2.5 volts. Well, now we know why the battery failed. Like a chain, series wired batteries are only as strong as it's weakest link. I now have five perfectly good rechargeable, 3.7 volt 18650 batteries.
I then looked on Ebay for an LED flashlight that takes these batteries, found and ordered one for $4.28 plus $.99 shipping from China. Next was a 18650 single cell charger for $1.76, shipping included. Gotta love Ebay!
The flashlight arrived today and I was actually surprised by the quality. It is aluminum and quite heavy, well worth the $4.28 in weight alone! 1600 Lumens, whatever they are. The battery charger has not arrived so I put in one of the partially charged batteries and there was light! It has four settings, low, medium, high and strobe. I am not sure what the strobe setting is for but I may have read somewhere that it blinds muggers. I will have to research this. So that is my story of recycling five 18650 batteries and I am now ready to strobe a mugger, if that is even legal in Canada.
EDIT: I Googled this strobe thing and it turns out that the strobe actually disrupts brain patterns, making it very difficult for the subjected person to carry out their planned activity and giving you time to run.
A warning though, it is even more effective on animals so probably not a good thing to point at a pet. Save it for the neighbors pit bull as it is rooting through your garbage.
You get the recycling award of the day. Or at least the scroungers award.
ReplyDeleteI hate throwing stuff out, Bill. That is why the actual "work" area of my workshop keeps shrinking. Remember that broken pressure washer? Well, it never made it down to the street...
DeleteThat was a fun experiment, now if you can buy one 18650 battery and solder them together you will be good to go with your laptop.
ReplyDeleteI actually could have done that and repaired it for three or four dollars. That is probably why they make the case so hard to get into that you end up destroying it!
DeleteThanks, Croft, an interesting post. I love to "learn stuff" while reading for pleasure. I, to, bought a not so inexpensive LED flashlight while I was at Betty's in January. It has that strobe light setting and I found that when I took Lacy out to the lawn for her business it was fun to watch her walking around with the strobe on - kind of like watching a canine Charlie Chaplin! As for the mugger-protection, I'm quite certain I'd not think of using it - on time!!!
ReplyDeleteI actually Googled this strobe thing and it turns out that the strobe actually disrupts brain patterns, making it very difficult for the subjected person to carry out their planned activity and giving you time to run.
DeleteA warning though, it is even more effective on animals so probably not a good thing to point at a dog.
Just be mindful that the strobe thing is particularly (let's say) "dangerous" around those with epilepsy, as strobe flashes have been known to trigger an episode.
DeleteBob is correct. A workmate of mine had seizures triggered by light flashing through the spinning rotor of a helicopter.
DeleteYou are one smart dude! You learn something new everyday. Hi Norma!
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say!
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