EG
Eric Garner
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 5:27 PM
So I managed to get one of the Fluke 731b's mentioned on the list a while
back. It was a little more chewed up than the description in the auction
led me to believe:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/112871219575380932919/posts/iDWyzwYYRdj?pid=6314634305601690930&oid=112871219575380932919
but it appears to be functional.
The NiCd pack appears to have leaked some time in the past and was removed,
which is fine since I was going to replace the batteries anyway.
Looking through the archives, replacement battery packs for the 731b has
been a popular topic but I have some questions that remain open.
-
NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
-
If I go with NiMH, is there a manufacturer that's prefered? reading
reviews of NiMH cells online leads me to believe that some manufacturers
(Tenergy) have lower quality and are less reliable.
-
If I go with NiCd would you expect problems if I used larger cells (4/5A
vs 2/3A)
thanks
--Eric
Eric Garner
So I managed to get one of the Fluke 731b's mentioned on the list a while
back. It was a little more chewed up than the description in the auction
led me to believe:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/112871219575380932919/posts/iDWyzwYYRdj?pid=6314634305601690930&oid=112871219575380932919
but it appears to be functional.
The NiCd pack appears to have leaked some time in the past and was removed,
which is fine since I was going to replace the batteries anyway.
Looking through the archives, replacement battery packs for the 731b has
been a popular topic but I have some questions that remain open.
1. NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
2. If I go with NiMH, is there a manufacturer that's prefered? reading
reviews of NiMH cells online leads me to believe that some manufacturers
(Tenergy) have lower quality and are less reliable.
3. If I go with NiCd would you expect problems if I used larger cells (4/5A
vs 2/3A)
thanks
--Eric
_________________________________________
Eric Garner
TM
Tom Miller
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 7:32 PM
NiMH does not do too well in float charge conditions and that is the main
state a 731B will spend its time.
Regards,
Tom
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Garner" garnere@gmail.com
To: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" volt-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 1:27 PM
Subject: [volt-nuts] fluke 731b battery pack
So I managed to get one of the Fluke 731b's mentioned on the list a while
back. It was a little more chewed up than the description in the auction
led me to believe:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/112871219575380932919/posts/iDWyzwYYRdj?pid=6314634305601690930&oid=112871219575380932919
but it appears to be functional.
The NiCd pack appears to have leaked some time in the past and was
removed,
which is fine since I was going to replace the batteries anyway.
Looking through the archives, replacement battery packs for the 731b has
been a popular topic but I have some questions that remain open.
-
NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
-
If I go with NiMH, is there a manufacturer that's prefered? reading
reviews of NiMH cells online leads me to believe that some manufacturers
(Tenergy) have lower quality and are less reliable.
-
If I go with NiCd would you expect problems if I used larger cells
(4/5A
vs 2/3A)
thanks
--Eric
Eric Garner
volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
NiMH does not do too well in float charge conditions and that is the main
state a 731B will spend its time.
Regards,
Tom
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Garner" <garnere@gmail.com>
To: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" <volt-nuts@febo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 1:27 PM
Subject: [volt-nuts] fluke 731b battery pack
> So I managed to get one of the Fluke 731b's mentioned on the list a while
> back. It was a little more chewed up than the description in the auction
> led me to believe:
>
> https://plus.google.com/u/0/112871219575380932919/posts/iDWyzwYYRdj?pid=6314634305601690930&oid=112871219575380932919
>
> but it appears to be functional.
>
> The NiCd pack appears to have leaked some time in the past and was
> removed,
> which is fine since I was going to replace the batteries anyway.
>
> Looking through the archives, replacement battery packs for the 731b has
> been a popular topic but I have some questions that remain open.
>
> 1. NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
> because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
> there a downside to doing this?
>
> 2. If I go with NiMH, is there a manufacturer that's prefered? reading
> reviews of NiMH cells online leads me to believe that some manufacturers
> (Tenergy) have lower quality and are less reliable.
>
> 3. If I go with NiCd would you expect problems if I used larger cells
> (4/5A
> vs 2/3A)
>
>
>
>
> thanks
>
> --Eric
> _________________________________________
> Eric Garner
> _______________________________________________
> volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
PK
Poul-Henning Kamp
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 7:37 PM
In message CABqdsz8mKPZ02mJsL=h5D5idBzom5crZkqzbTJguPomOY5aUHA@mail.gmail.com, Eric Garner writes:
I would go with NiMH, since the NiCd production volume of small
cells is now so low now that quality suffers.
You need to pay serious attention to the charging circuit, no
matter which chemistry you pick.
The trickle charge current is probably too high for modern NiCd and
guaranteed too high for NiMH.
If there is a bulk charge state, you should check the parameters
(current/timer) of that too.
Finally, try to measure the final config (ie: on the right shelf,
in the pile of kit) temperature of the battery pack, before
deciding/adjusting charging parameters, both NiCd and NiMH change
properties rapidly above approx 40C/100F.
--
Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20
phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956
FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe
Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.
--------
In message <CABqdsz8mKPZ02mJsL=h5D5idBzom5crZkqzbTJguPomOY5aUHA@mail.gmail.com>, Eric Garner writes:
I would go with NiMH, since the NiCd production volume of small
cells is now so low now that quality suffers.
You need to pay serious attention to the charging circuit, no
matter which chemistry you pick.
The trickle charge current is probably too high for modern NiCd and
guaranteed too high for NiMH.
If there is a bulk charge state, you should check the parameters
(current/timer) of that too.
Finally, try to measure the final config (ie: on the right shelf,
in the pile of kit) temperature of the battery pack, before
deciding/adjusting charging parameters, both NiCd and NiMH change
properties rapidly above approx 40C/100F.
--
Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20
phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956
FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe
Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.
BG
Bill Gold
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 7:37 PM
Eric:
I have been using NiMH AA batteries in my 731B for at least 15 years
now. I am sure that the specs say don't use them in a circuit designed for
NiCd but I haven't had any problems with over heating or overcharging. You
have to do some mods to the battery mounting to get them in there but once
done you are good for a lifetime. I have never checked to see how long the
NiMH batteries would run for but my guess would be longer than the original
NiCds.
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Garner" garnere@gmail.com
To: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" volt-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 10:27 AM
Subject: [volt-nuts] fluke 731b battery pack
So I managed to get one of the Fluke 731b's mentioned on the list a while
back. It was a little more chewed up than the description in the auction
led me to believe:
but it appears to be functional.
The NiCd pack appears to have leaked some time in the past and was
which is fine since I was going to replace the batteries anyway.
Looking through the archives, replacement battery packs for the 731b has
been a popular topic but I have some questions that remain open.
-
NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
-
If I go with NiMH, is there a manufacturer that's prefered? reading
reviews of NiMH cells online leads me to believe that some manufacturers
(Tenergy) have lower quality and are less reliable.
-
If I go with NiCd would you expect problems if I used larger cells
vs 2/3A)
thanks
--Eric
Eric Garner
volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Eric:
I have been using NiMH AA batteries in my 731B for at least 15 years
now. I am sure that the specs say don't use them in a circuit designed for
NiCd but I haven't had any problems with over heating or overcharging. You
have to do some mods to the battery mounting to get them in there but once
done you are good for a lifetime. I have never checked to see how long the
NiMH batteries would run for but my guess would be longer than the original
NiCds.
Bill
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Garner" <garnere@gmail.com>
To: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" <volt-nuts@febo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 10:27 AM
Subject: [volt-nuts] fluke 731b battery pack
> So I managed to get one of the Fluke 731b's mentioned on the list a while
> back. It was a little more chewed up than the description in the auction
> led me to believe:
>
>
https://plus.google.com/u/0/112871219575380932919/posts/iDWyzwYYRdj?pid=6314634305601690930&oid=112871219575380932919
>
> but it appears to be functional.
>
> The NiCd pack appears to have leaked some time in the past and was
removed,
> which is fine since I was going to replace the batteries anyway.
>
> Looking through the archives, replacement battery packs for the 731b has
> been a popular topic but I have some questions that remain open.
>
> 1. NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
> because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
> there a downside to doing this?
>
> 2. If I go with NiMH, is there a manufacturer that's prefered? reading
> reviews of NiMH cells online leads me to believe that some manufacturers
> (Tenergy) have lower quality and are less reliable.
>
> 3. If I go with NiCd would you expect problems if I used larger cells
(4/5A
> vs 2/3A)
>
>
>
>
> thanks
>
> --Eric
> _________________________________________
> Eric Garner
> _______________________________________________
> volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
D
David
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 8:10 PM
Are the low discharge NiMH cells available now any more rugged than
regular NiCd cells as far as charging current?
One solution I would consider is using LiFePO4 cells and modifying the
charger for current limited constant voltage.
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 19:37:12 +0000, you wrote:
In message CABqdsz8mKPZ02mJsL=h5D5idBzom5crZkqzbTJguPomOY5aUHA@mail.gmail.com, Eric Garner writes:
I would go with NiMH, since the NiCd production volume of small
cells is now so low now that quality suffers.
You need to pay serious attention to the charging circuit, no
matter which chemistry you pick.
The trickle charge current is probably too high for modern NiCd and
guaranteed too high for NiMH.
If there is a bulk charge state, you should check the parameters
(current/timer) of that too.
Finally, try to measure the final config (ie: on the right shelf,
in the pile of kit) temperature of the battery pack, before
deciding/adjusting charging parameters, both NiCd and NiMH change
properties rapidly above approx 40C/100F.
Are the low discharge NiMH cells available now any more rugged than
regular NiCd cells as far as charging current?
One solution I would consider is using LiFePO4 cells and modifying the
charger for current limited constant voltage.
On Wed, 03 Aug 2016 19:37:12 +0000, you wrote:
>--------
>In message <CABqdsz8mKPZ02mJsL=h5D5idBzom5crZkqzbTJguPomOY5aUHA@mail.gmail.com>, Eric Garner writes:
>
>I would go with NiMH, since the NiCd production volume of small
>cells is now so low now that quality suffers.
>
>You need to pay serious attention to the charging circuit, no
>matter which chemistry you pick.
>
>The trickle charge current is probably too high for modern NiCd and
>guaranteed too high for NiMH.
>
>If there is a bulk charge state, you should check the parameters
>(current/timer) of that too.
>
>Finally, try to measure the final config (ie: on the right shelf,
>in the pile of kit) temperature of the battery pack, before
>deciding/adjusting charging parameters, both NiCd and NiMH change
>properties rapidly above approx 40C/100F.
CS
Charles Steinmetz
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 8:34 PM
NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
"NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast
if they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower
internal (series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in
your application).
Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
obstacle.
Best regards,
Charles
Eric wrote:
> NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
> because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
> there a downside to doing this?
In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
"NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast
if they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower
internal (series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in
your application).
Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
obstacle.
Best regards,
Charles
D
David
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 9:08 PM
On Wed, 3 Aug 2016 16:34:31 -0400, you wrote:
NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
"NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast
if they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower
internal (series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in
your application).
That is my experience as well however I do like the better low
discharge NiMH cells. Some are better than other though.
Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
Low leakage and high temperature NiCd cells seem to last a lot longer
than other types and you will not find any consumer versions of these
but the price is high.
Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
obstacle.
Best regards,
Charles
I looked at the schematic and is seems feasible without excessive
effort. Either the existing simple series preregulator can be
modified or replaced allowing it to both charge the battery (through a
blocking diode) and power the instrument or a completely separate
power charging circuit can be added in parallel.
The difficulty of maintaining charge in a backup application using
NiMH cells would lead me to consider LiFePO4 cells instead. The only
serious difficulty would be preventing excessive discharge which will
ruin a lithium (or PbSO4) based rechargeable battery in short order.
On Wed, 3 Aug 2016 16:34:31 -0400, you wrote:
>Eric wrote:
>
>> NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
>> because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
>> there a downside to doing this?
>
>In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
>substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
>"NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast
>if they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
>translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
>quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower
>internal (series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in
>your application).
That is my experience as well however I do like the better low
discharge NiMH cells. Some are better than other though.
>Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
>due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
>military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
>given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
>aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
Low leakage and high temperature NiCd cells seem to last a lot longer
than other types and you will not find any consumer versions of these
but the price is high.
>Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
>trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
>temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
>choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
>
>That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
>lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
>anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
>
>I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
>would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
>obstacle.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Charles
I looked at the schematic and is seems feasible without excessive
effort. Either the existing simple series preregulator can be
modified or replaced allowing it to both charge the battery (through a
blocking diode) and power the instrument or a completely separate
power charging circuit can be added in parallel.
The difficulty of maintaining charge in a backup application using
NiMH cells would lead me to consider LiFePO4 cells instead. The only
serious difficulty would be preventing excessive discharge which will
ruin a lithium (or PbSO4) based rechargeable battery in short order.
OE
Orin Eman
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 9:12 PM
The battery in the 731B is charged via a diode and 510 ohm resistor from
the rectified DC, before the smoothing capacitor. The smoothing capacitor
and power supply is fed by another diode, so the battery is charged with a
pulse waveform.
If you have no battery, then this pulse charge waveform will get around the
power supply regulator (since the regulated supply and battery are diode
switched) and increase noise on the output. I therefore don't recommend
running without a battery installed... (though you could remove CR5 or or
R30).
Even with the battery installed, if it's good, at full charge, you can
still get charging pulses bypassing the regulator. I built a high-side
switch to switch between the battery and power supply on my 731B.
I got the local Batteries Plus to build a new battery pack. They usually
have NiCd cells of the right size and will build a battery pack while you
wait. With an NiCd pack so easily available, I saw no reason to change
battery type.
Orin.
On Wed, Aug 3, 2016 at 1:34 PM, Charles Steinmetz csteinmetz@yandex.com
wrote:
Eric wrote:
NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
"NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast if
they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower internal
(series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in your
application).
Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
obstacle.
Best regards,
Charles
volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
The battery in the 731B is charged via a diode and 510 ohm resistor from
the rectified DC, before the smoothing capacitor. The smoothing capacitor
and power supply is fed by another diode, so the battery is charged with a
pulse waveform.
If you have no battery, then this pulse charge waveform will get around the
power supply regulator (since the regulated supply and battery are diode
switched) and increase noise on the output. I therefore don't recommend
running without a battery installed... (though you could remove CR5 or or
R30).
Even with the battery installed, if it's good, at full charge, you can
still get charging pulses bypassing the regulator. I built a high-side
switch to switch between the battery and power supply on my 731B.
I got the local Batteries Plus to build a new battery pack. They usually
have NiCd cells of the right size and will build a battery pack while you
wait. With an NiCd pack so easily available, I saw no reason to change
battery type.
Orin.
On Wed, Aug 3, 2016 at 1:34 PM, Charles Steinmetz <csteinmetz@yandex.com>
wrote:
> Eric wrote:
>
> NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
>> because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
>> there a downside to doing this?
>>
>
> In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
> substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
> "NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast if
> they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
> translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
> quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower internal
> (series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in your
> application).
>
> Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
> due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
> military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
> given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
> aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
>
> Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
> trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
> temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
> choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
>
> That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
> lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
> anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
>
> I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
> would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
> obstacle.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Charles
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
TM
Tom Miller
Wed, Aug 3, 2016 9:20 PM
I like the LiFe idea except for the restrictions on shipping by air or USPS.
That shouldn't be too much of a problem for most that have access to a local
cal lab.
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" davidwhess@gmail.com
To: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" volt-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 5:08 PM
Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] fluke 731b battery pack
On Wed, 3 Aug 2016 16:34:31 -0400, you wrote:
NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
there a downside to doing this?
In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
"NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast
if they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower
internal (series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in
your application).
That is my experience as well however I do like the better low
discharge NiMH cells. Some are better than other though.
Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
Low leakage and high temperature NiCd cells seem to last a lot longer
than other types and you will not find any consumer versions of these
but the price is high.
Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
obstacle.
Best regards,
Charles
I looked at the schematic and is seems feasible without excessive
effort. Either the existing simple series preregulator can be
modified or replaced allowing it to both charge the battery (through a
blocking diode) and power the instrument or a completely separate
power charging circuit can be added in parallel.
The difficulty of maintaining charge in a backup application using
NiMH cells would lead me to consider LiFePO4 cells instead. The only
serious difficulty would be preventing excessive discharge which will
ruin a lithium (or PbSO4) based rechargeable battery in short order.
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I like the LiFe idea except for the restrictions on shipping by air or USPS.
That shouldn't be too much of a problem for most that have access to a local
cal lab.
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" <davidwhess@gmail.com>
To: "Discussion of precise voltage measurement" <volt-nuts@febo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 5:08 PM
Subject: Re: [volt-nuts] fluke 731b battery pack
> On Wed, 3 Aug 2016 16:34:31 -0400, you wrote:
>
>>Eric wrote:
>>
>>> NiMH cells seem to work in the 731b so I'd prefer to use them over NiCd
>>> because of the higher capacity and lower toxicity of potential leaks. Is
>>> there a downside to doing this?
>>
>>In my experience, good NiCDs are preferable to NiMHs. Good NiCds have
>>substantially lower self-leakage than NiMHs (this is true even of the
>>"NEW!! Low-discharge!!" NiMHs). NiCds also don't degrade nearly as fast
>>if they are left too long on trickle charge. Both of these features
>>translate directly into increased life for the NiCds. NiCds are also
>>quieter, and capable of larger current drains, due to their lower
>>internal (series) resistance (high current is not really an issue in
>>your application).
>
> That is my experience as well however I do like the better low
> discharge NiMH cells. Some are better than other though.
>
>>Consumer-type NiCds may suffer from the problem PHK noted (poor quality
>>due to low production volumes), but there are still many industrial and
>>military applications that specify NiCDs for some or all of the reasons
>>given above. Excellent NiCds are readily available -- just look for
>>aerospace-grade parts rather than consumer batteries.
>
> Low leakage and high temperature NiCd cells seem to last a lot longer
> than other types and you will not find any consumer versions of these
> but the price is high.
>
>>Many built-in charging circuits are crude and leave the batteries on a
>>trickle current that is really too high, particularly given the
>>temperatures inside electronic instruments. So whichever batteries you
>>choose, plan on redesigning the charging circuit.
>>
>>That brings up the possibility of using either LiFePO4 or SLA (sealed
>>lead-acid) batteries -- if you have to redesign the charging circuit
>>anyway, you can just as easily design it for LiFePO4 or SLA.
>>
>>I have not evaluated the 731B power supply in particular, but LiFePO4
>>would be my presumptive choice unless I encountered an insurmountable
>>obstacle.
>>
>>Best regards,
>>
>>Charles
>
> I looked at the schematic and is seems feasible without excessive
> effort. Either the existing simple series preregulator can be
> modified or replaced allowing it to both charge the battery (through a
> blocking diode) and power the instrument or a completely separate
> power charging circuit can be added in parallel.
>
> The difficulty of maintaining charge in a backup application using
> NiMH cells would lead me to consider LiFePO4 cells instead. The only
> serious difficulty would be preventing excessive discharge which will
> ruin a lithium (or PbSO4) based rechargeable battery in short order.
> _______________________________________________
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> To unsubscribe, go to
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> and follow the instructions there.