Home
Okay, so this guide was first posted by sgNerf on the NerfSG forums but I have added some links so that we Aussies can make good use of this guide too.
Here we go.
Okay, with the availability of the Nerf Stampede, there is now alot more interest in voltage increase mods and i have been receiving tons of queries on what kind of batteries and the circuit setups that are suitable for such mods.
Here is a link to my Nerf Stampede Voltage Increase / RoF & Firing Tests thread:
http://nerfsg.freeforums.org/nerf-stampede-voltage-increase-rof-firing-tests-t1845.html
Note that i am not an electrical engineer or electronics expert, my experience is based on my own hobby research on the batteries and actual hands-on testing with them on modded Nerf Stampedes.
Those of you with experience in RC cars/helicopters/planes and who already have Li-Po battery packs and chargers would already be familiar with how to work with such circuits and power sources.
For this guide, i will focus on explaining the basics of using 14500 (ie. AA sized) rechargeable batteries, as i prefer to use these type of battery sizes due to their versatility in usage. Because of their AA compatible size, they are not just limited to hobby or modding usage, they can also be used other devices like CREE torch lights or even to replace batteries in compact electronics devices (with proper voltage matching).
In addition, with individual batteries, its easier to increase or decrease voltage in steps by simply using more or less batteries.
Here is a quick guide on the various 14500/AA spec batteries i've tried and tested so far.
To start with, the photo below shows 4 batteries... from left to right:
TrustFire 3.7V 900mAh Protected Li-Ion rechargeable battery
TrustFire 3.7V 900mAh Unprotected Li-Ion rechargeable battery
Eneloop 1.2V 2000mAh Ni-mH rechargeable battery
EverReady Gold 1.5V Alkaline battery
Here are some good batteries --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultra-fire-14500-3-6v-900mah-2pack-975
As once said by Clunk07
As you can see, the EverReady, Eneloop and Unprotected TrustFire batteries are all around the same length, but the Protected TrustFire battery is slightly longer. Note that this may affect its installation in some battery holders or devices.
Battery Comparisons:
Normal 1.5V AA Alkaline Battery
These are are easily found at just about every store locally. They have a nominal output of 1.5V each and can be used to provide equivalent voltage as a D-sized battery. But note that they have much lower mAh (approx 3,000 mAh) than a D-sized battery (approx 20,000+ mAh), so the duration of their usage will also naturally be much shorter. In addition, they are single-use batteries and cannot be recharged, so on the long-term they would cost more to keep replacing.
Eneloop 1.2V AA Ni-mH Rechargeable Battery
Eneloop batteries are commonly found at most major hardware stores. They have a nominal output of 1.2V each, but at full charge can show up to 1.4V power. These batteries have very good shelf-life and can sustain their power output well. Most experienced rechargable battery users like Eneloops because of their quality and efficiency. As expected, capacity is not as high as D-sized batteries, and actually lower than normal alkaline batteries, but the offset is Eneloops can be recharged up to 1,000 times, so on the long-term it offers big cost savings. In addition, they can be used in most electronic devices too. They should only be charged in chargers designed to charge Ni-Mh rechargables.
TrustFire 3.7V Protected Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
TrustFire batteries (or similiar brands) usually have to be sourced from specialized battery shops. They have a nominal output of 3.7V each, but at full charge can show up to 4.2V power. These batteries offer good performance and very high power outputs, so they are commonly used for CREE torch lights or special high powered devices. Their 900mAh capacity is much lower in comparison to other types of rechargeable batteries but its offset by high voltage outputs. The protected versions have an extra circuit at both ends that prevent the battery from getting overcharged or overdischarged, so it helps prolong the life-span and efficiency of the battery. They MUST only be charged in chargers designed to charge Li-Ion rechargeable.
Note: I have tested these TrustFire 3.7V Protected Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries in my modded Stampedes and so far they have not been able to work properly, the discharge rate is limited by the protection circuits which cut in when the current draw is too high.
TrustFire 3.7V Unprotected Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
The same as TrustFire batteries mentioned above, they usually have to be sourced from specialized battery shops too. They also have a nominal output of 3.7V each, but at full charge can show up to 4.2V power. These batteries also offer good performance and very high power outputs. The unprotected versions operate more like normal batteries. Overcharging is quite rare as most Li-Ion chargers have inbuilt overcharge protection circuits already, but users have to watch that their unprotected Li-Ion batteries don't get discharged too low or it'll affect the life-span and efficiency of the batteries, one way is to note if the device starts to slow down, that's an indication to re-charge the batteries. They MUST only be charged in chargers designed to charge Li-Ion rechargeable.
Note: I have tested these TrustFire 3.7V Unprotected Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries in my modded Stampedes and so far they have been working perfectly!
Summary:
- Normal 1.5V AA Alkaline batteries are okay if you have no access to rechargables or for testing purposes.
- Eneloops are good all round rechargable batteries that can also work in many other electronics devices.
- Protected 14500 TrustFire batteries can't work in modded Stampedes, unless they are special versions with high discharge rates.
- Unprotected 14500 TrustFire batteries work perfectly in modded Stampedes.
Ways to Install Batteries and Interface with a modded Stampede:
You can use the original Stampede battery sled by encasing your 14500 or AA-sized batteries in D-battery converters, these are plastic casings which hold the AA batteries to adapt them to D-sized battery.
The D-battery converters come in either 1AA to D converter or 2AA to D converter. Note that 2AA to D converters will still output the same voltage from both batteries, but as they are in parallel, their mAh would combine and therefore double, which in theory means they can last 2 times longer.
Conventional AA battery holders can also be used too, they come in 2AA, 4AA, 6AA, 8AA, 10AA battery holder sizes etc. You can connect them to modded Stampedes using alligator clip wires.
Here are some examples:
With these selections of various battery converters and holders, you can increase or decrease the voltage output of your setup by the number of batteries used.
As an example, i currently use 4 x 14500 TrustFire batteries in a 4AA battery holder and connect it to my modded Stampede, at full charge of 4.2V each, that gives me around 16.8V of power.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- DO NOT Mix Different Batteries Of Different Voltage, Capacity, Chemistry OR Size! It Can Cause Overloading And Lead To Early Failure With Dangerous Consequences!
- DO NOT Charge Rechargeable Batteries In Chargers Not Specifically Designed For The Battery Type![/b]
Other Battery Related Equipment:
For my TrustFire batteries, i currently use the TrustFire TR-001 Li-Ion charger, it can charge 2 batteries at a time via individual charging channels and is compatible with a range of different sized Li-Ion batteries. These chargers also have to be sourced from specialized battery shops too.
Here is the charger, note that this one is black however it is the same. --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-tr-001-multi-purpose-lithium-battery-charger-12594
Just to share, with its output of 4.2V @ 500Ma, it can charge 2 x TrustFire 14500 900mAh batteries from 3.2V to 4.2V in around 2-3 hours.
I store all my batteries in AA battery storage casings, they prevent the batteries contacts from accidentally touching and shorting out. You can get battery storage casing at most electronics stores.
I would highly recommend anyone using rechargeable batteries to get a Multimeter, they are very useful to help users find out exactly the status of their batteries and to discover any problems in their batteries before its too late. I have used my Multimeter to detect a number of faulty or under-performing batteries which may have otherwise caused issues if i had used them in my electronic devices.
Here is a link to the multimeter --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-multimeter-a830l-mini-594
DIY Dummy AA Battery
Here are 2 methods i've successfully tested out to make DIY dummy AA batteries (they are designed to bypass empty battery slots so that added up voltage can be varied):
(Battery converters can be bought here --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/translucent-1-aa-to-d-battery-converter-cases-2-pack-22596
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/translucent-aaa-to-aa-type-battery-converter-cases-4-case-54457
Get some AAA to AA battery converters (from Unicell @ SGD$1-2 for 4 pcs), along with either a pack of 40mm length pan head metal bolts (HomeFix code: H-H12) or some 5mm thick copper wire from Daiso (SGD$2 a pack).
If you are using the metal bolts, simply encase the bolt within the AAA to AA battery converter.
If you are using the thick copper wire, just cut a length of it and use a pair of needle nose pliers to bend some coils at each end for better contact, then encase them within the AAA to AA battery converter.
Thats it... make a few sets and you can now replace the empty battery slots in any holders with dummy AA batteries.
This simple mod is reversible so you can just remove the metal bolt or thick copper wire and the battery converters can still be used to encase AAA batteries.
Special thanks to Clunk07 for his advice and sgNerf for his numerous guides.
I hope you found this useful, I know it helped me quite a bit.
Thanks.
Here we go.
Okay, with the availability of the Nerf Stampede, there is now alot more interest in voltage increase mods and i have been receiving tons of queries on what kind of batteries and the circuit setups that are suitable for such mods.
Here is a link to my Nerf Stampede Voltage Increase / RoF & Firing Tests thread:
http://nerfsg.freeforums.org/nerf-stampede-voltage-increase-rof-firing-tests-t1845.html
Note that i am not an electrical engineer or electronics expert, my experience is based on my own hobby research on the batteries and actual hands-on testing with them on modded Nerf Stampedes.
Those of you with experience in RC cars/helicopters/planes and who already have Li-Po battery packs and chargers would already be familiar with how to work with such circuits and power sources.
For this guide, i will focus on explaining the basics of using 14500 (ie. AA sized) rechargeable batteries, as i prefer to use these type of battery sizes due to their versatility in usage. Because of their AA compatible size, they are not just limited to hobby or modding usage, they can also be used other devices like CREE torch lights or even to replace batteries in compact electronics devices (with proper voltage matching).
In addition, with individual batteries, its easier to increase or decrease voltage in steps by simply using more or less batteries.
Here is a quick guide on the various 14500/AA spec batteries i've tried and tested so far.
To start with, the photo below shows 4 batteries... from left to right:
TrustFire 3.7V 900mAh Protected Li-Ion rechargeable battery
TrustFire 3.7V 900mAh Unprotected Li-Ion rechargeable battery
Eneloop 1.2V 2000mAh Ni-mH rechargeable battery
EverReady Gold 1.5V Alkaline battery
Here are some good batteries --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultra-fire-14500-3-6v-900mah-2pack-975
As once said by Clunk07
Just remember to do a little research on charging non-PCB batt's. They can overcharge, and may explode (unlikely, but possible). I monitor my batt's while they charge, and test with a DMM to ensure they don't go past 4.2 volts.
As you can see, the EverReady, Eneloop and Unprotected TrustFire batteries are all around the same length, but the Protected TrustFire battery is slightly longer. Note that this may affect its installation in some battery holders or devices.
Battery Comparisons:
Normal 1.5V AA Alkaline Battery
These are are easily found at just about every store locally. They have a nominal output of 1.5V each and can be used to provide equivalent voltage as a D-sized battery. But note that they have much lower mAh (approx 3,000 mAh) than a D-sized battery (approx 20,000+ mAh), so the duration of their usage will also naturally be much shorter. In addition, they are single-use batteries and cannot be recharged, so on the long-term they would cost more to keep replacing.
Eneloop 1.2V AA Ni-mH Rechargeable Battery
Eneloop batteries are commonly found at most major hardware stores. They have a nominal output of 1.2V each, but at full charge can show up to 1.4V power. These batteries have very good shelf-life and can sustain their power output well. Most experienced rechargable battery users like Eneloops because of their quality and efficiency. As expected, capacity is not as high as D-sized batteries, and actually lower than normal alkaline batteries, but the offset is Eneloops can be recharged up to 1,000 times, so on the long-term it offers big cost savings. In addition, they can be used in most electronic devices too. They should only be charged in chargers designed to charge Ni-Mh rechargables.
TrustFire 3.7V Protected Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
TrustFire batteries (or similiar brands) usually have to be sourced from specialized battery shops. They have a nominal output of 3.7V each, but at full charge can show up to 4.2V power. These batteries offer good performance and very high power outputs, so they are commonly used for CREE torch lights or special high powered devices. Their 900mAh capacity is much lower in comparison to other types of rechargeable batteries but its offset by high voltage outputs. The protected versions have an extra circuit at both ends that prevent the battery from getting overcharged or overdischarged, so it helps prolong the life-span and efficiency of the battery. They MUST only be charged in chargers designed to charge Li-Ion rechargeable.
Note: I have tested these TrustFire 3.7V Protected Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries in my modded Stampedes and so far they have not been able to work properly, the discharge rate is limited by the protection circuits which cut in when the current draw is too high.
TrustFire 3.7V Unprotected Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
The same as TrustFire batteries mentioned above, they usually have to be sourced from specialized battery shops too. They also have a nominal output of 3.7V each, but at full charge can show up to 4.2V power. These batteries also offer good performance and very high power outputs. The unprotected versions operate more like normal batteries. Overcharging is quite rare as most Li-Ion chargers have inbuilt overcharge protection circuits already, but users have to watch that their unprotected Li-Ion batteries don't get discharged too low or it'll affect the life-span and efficiency of the batteries, one way is to note if the device starts to slow down, that's an indication to re-charge the batteries. They MUST only be charged in chargers designed to charge Li-Ion rechargeable.
Note: I have tested these TrustFire 3.7V Unprotected Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries in my modded Stampedes and so far they have been working perfectly!
Summary:
- Normal 1.5V AA Alkaline batteries are okay if you have no access to rechargables or for testing purposes.
- Eneloops are good all round rechargable batteries that can also work in many other electronics devices.
- Protected 14500 TrustFire batteries can't work in modded Stampedes, unless they are special versions with high discharge rates.
- Unprotected 14500 TrustFire batteries work perfectly in modded Stampedes.
Ways to Install Batteries and Interface with a modded Stampede:
You can use the original Stampede battery sled by encasing your 14500 or AA-sized batteries in D-battery converters, these are plastic casings which hold the AA batteries to adapt them to D-sized battery.
The D-battery converters come in either 1AA to D converter or 2AA to D converter. Note that 2AA to D converters will still output the same voltage from both batteries, but as they are in parallel, their mAh would combine and therefore double, which in theory means they can last 2 times longer.
Conventional AA battery holders can also be used too, they come in 2AA, 4AA, 6AA, 8AA, 10AA battery holder sizes etc. You can connect them to modded Stampedes using alligator clip wires.
Here are some examples:
With these selections of various battery converters and holders, you can increase or decrease the voltage output of your setup by the number of batteries used.
As an example, i currently use 4 x 14500 TrustFire batteries in a 4AA battery holder and connect it to my modded Stampede, at full charge of 4.2V each, that gives me around 16.8V of power.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- DO NOT Mix Different Batteries Of Different Voltage, Capacity, Chemistry OR Size! It Can Cause Overloading And Lead To Early Failure With Dangerous Consequences!
- DO NOT Charge Rechargeable Batteries In Chargers Not Specifically Designed For The Battery Type![/b]
Other Battery Related Equipment:
For my TrustFire batteries, i currently use the TrustFire TR-001 Li-Ion charger, it can charge 2 batteries at a time via individual charging channels and is compatible with a range of different sized Li-Ion batteries. These chargers also have to be sourced from specialized battery shops too.
Here is the charger, note that this one is black however it is the same. --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-tr-001-multi-purpose-lithium-battery-charger-12594
Just to share, with its output of 4.2V @ 500Ma, it can charge 2 x TrustFire 14500 900mAh batteries from 3.2V to 4.2V in around 2-3 hours.
I store all my batteries in AA battery storage casings, they prevent the batteries contacts from accidentally touching and shorting out. You can get battery storage casing at most electronics stores.
I would highly recommend anyone using rechargeable batteries to get a Multimeter, they are very useful to help users find out exactly the status of their batteries and to discover any problems in their batteries before its too late. I have used my Multimeter to detect a number of faulty or under-performing batteries which may have otherwise caused issues if i had used them in my electronic devices.
Here is a link to the multimeter --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital-multimeter-a830l-mini-594
DIY Dummy AA Battery
Here are 2 methods i've successfully tested out to make DIY dummy AA batteries (they are designed to bypass empty battery slots so that added up voltage can be varied):
(Battery converters can be bought here --> http://www.dealextreme.com/p/translucent-1-aa-to-d-battery-converter-cases-2-pack-22596
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/translucent-aaa-to-aa-type-battery-converter-cases-4-case-54457
Get some AAA to AA battery converters (from Unicell @ SGD$1-2 for 4 pcs), along with either a pack of 40mm length pan head metal bolts (HomeFix code: H-H12) or some 5mm thick copper wire from Daiso (SGD$2 a pack).
If you are using the metal bolts, simply encase the bolt within the AAA to AA battery converter.
If you are using the thick copper wire, just cut a length of it and use a pair of needle nose pliers to bend some coils at each end for better contact, then encase them within the AAA to AA battery converter.
Thats it... make a few sets and you can now replace the empty battery slots in any holders with dummy AA batteries.
This simple mod is reversible so you can just remove the metal bolt or thick copper wire and the battery converters can still be used to encase AAA batteries.
Special thanks to Clunk07 for his advice and sgNerf for his numerous guides.
I hope you found this useful, I know it helped me quite a bit.
Thanks.
