This is, in some ways, related to my last post topic too...

I have been looking at various types of battery options to power projects.

At first I was thinking about Sealed Lead Acid Cells. (This are not
necessarily ruled out...)

But...

I have some BP-511 Batteries.

They are Lithium Ion Rechargeable.

They are for My Canon SLR and I have always liked them.

During My Search for Batteries that I like, I recently found the BP-535.

It is Basically a BP-511, but about 4 times the Capacity, in a larger case,
for about $12-22 depending on the one purchased.

I have been trying to find "Technical Details" on it. So far I have found
NO Technical Details about these things...

Specifically charging sequences, voltages, and what the 4 metal tabs are.

I think the "+" and "-" are covered, but that still leaves the 2 tabs
marked as "B" and "D"?

Also...

Any idea where I could get Battery Holders for these if I went this route?
(I have thought about buying REALLY CHEAP CHARGERS for these just to
tear them apart for the Battery Holder Part, and possibly even going to
second hand stores for old/broken devices that used these...)

My last, current option, is just to get a bunch of rechargeable Lithium
Ion Batteries in some standard size, "AA"-"C"-"D" Cells, and getting
the appropriately sized plastic/pvc tubes to make a holder for them.

(I have been tending to like that idea more-and-more the last week or so...)

B and D are probably two ends of a thermistor. For measuring temp while charging.

BM

You have to be very careful when charging Lithium Ion Rechargeable batteries.

Temperature can be critical. I don't know if I would trust a home made charger.

Look at the trouble Apple had with their batteries or Boeing for that matter.

Different batteries but lousy engineering caused fires in both cases.

Ralph

Hello Ralph,

Thanks for the Warning...

I have paid great attention to numerous failures regarding Lithium-Ion usage.

I think the "worst of all" was Tesla... Come-on Elon? (Probably he was leaving that
to "underlings"...)

Yes, I am very aware that Litium-Ion batteries can burn or worse turn into "little
bmbs"! (After I wrote that I thought it may be better, now-a-days, to abbreviate!)

More-and-more of them are coming with Integrated Control Circuitry to prevent both
charging and discharging issues. (Maybe that was what Apple, Boeing, and Tesla had
thought they were using? :) )

I have more projects that are using battery power now and while I have been, mostly happily, using Energizer Rechargables but I have been reviewing options.

Since I ran into the BP-535 I am starting to like that more-and-more for my uses.

That was why I was wondering about additional Technical Details regarding that particular battery. (Well "Battery Pack"...)

My "old/original" charger for my BP-511, which the BP-535 can use too, did use "all 4"
of the metal contacts on the battery pack.

The "new chargers" ONLY use the "+" and the "-" contacts?

I got to thinking that maybe that design has been updated to include Integrated Control
Circuitry and those other 2 metal contacts are no longer used?

Still looking for Technical Details, as well as battery holders for these...

"Still looking for Technical Details, as well as battery holders for these..."

As far as battery holders go I have a concept of printing a "battery holder" that will fit/integrate a different companies charger.

I have a number of 18v. power tools and I have some B&D 20v. lawn tools.

I'd love to be able to use my 20v. batteries on my 18v. Makita power tools.

Plus I'd like to make a two battery holder, especially for my lawn tools.

I have a 3D printer coming so I could print out the holders (as long as I can draw them in my 3D modeling GeoMagic).

Knowing what each pin is would really help.

Of course I don't know when I'll get around to doing this right now it is just a concept.

If you know 3D cad and can make a drawing of your battery holder I'll be able to print out one for you.

Ralph

Hello Ralph,

Thanks, that does sound pretty cool.

I have been watching the posts you have been making regarding your 3-D Printer.

Hopefully you will get it soon, and it work well!

I have often thought about 3-D Printers and uses. Custom Cases, Custom Strange Parts,
Various Holders, etc...

I have been playing around with the multiple BP-511 Batteries that I have. (They have
the same connection/battery holder requirements as the BP-535 I found before, and I can
use my current "manufacturer chargers"!.)

I can make a pretty decent batter holder using 4 small bolts, spacers, and washers.

I think I may end up going that way. (More flexible too.)

Who knows though...