Boe-Bot Using Rechargeable Batteries

Indra

Hi all,

Sorry if the topic in subject has been discussed before, but for now I still have no time to surf the forum to find it out.

I have new boe-bot rev. C and have ordered parallax adaptor 7.2V, but here I would like to ask about the possibility to use common rechargeable batteries (1.2V with 2500mA, or recently now there is 2700mA, if I am not wrong). I think I would like to make my boe-bot more portable and because in the near future I will make some intensive activities with my boe-bot so I don't want frequently do replacement for (and buy) standard non rechargeable alkaline batteries that boe-bot used.

If it is possible, How many rechargeable batteries should I used in series configuration? (please give me explanation with voltage and current side of view).

Also, I have read about the use of rechargeable Ni-MH battery of 7.2V with 4200mA, but I can't find that type of battery. Is that safe to use this kind of battery? What any other option battery I can used?

Please, give me the information or related links to this topic in this forum.

Thank you very much in advanced.

- Indra.

Mike Green

You should use 5 x 1.2V rechargable batteries in series to provide about 6.2V for the Boe-Bot. You can put 4 of these cells in the standard Boe-Bot battery holder, then mount an additional 1 AA cell holder (from Radio Shack) on the metal platform above the ball/wheel. I used glue to hold this in place, then wired the extra cell in series with the original battery holder.

I use an MH-C777PLUS-II Universal Charger and Analyzer from Maha Energy Corp. to charge the 5 cells without removing them from the Boe-Bot. I made a charging cable with a socket on one end (also from Radio Shack) that matches the power connector from the batteries. The charger comes with a cable with two tinned wires on one end.

If you try to use only 4 rechargable cells, you get only 4.8V which is not enough for the Boe-Boe. You could use a 7.2V R/C car/plane battery pack, but you'd have to figure out how to mount it physically.

Post Edited (Mike Green) : 8/12/2007 4:35:45 PM GMT

Whit

As he always does, Mike has given an excellent answer to your question.

As far as searching for this sort of info on the forum, please see this link - http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=562370·It has some great info.

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Whit+


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

Wozoo

I have found that both my BoeBot & Homework board work fine as long as I use alkaline rechargeable batteries. They are able to hold 9 volts when recharged. Although they are more expensive initially, recharging sure cuts down on the numbers of batteries you have to buy!

Wozoo

About the rechargeable alkaline batteries - I guess I should be a bit more definite - I am using 4 1.5 volt rechargeables for my BoeBot and a 9 volt rechargeable for the Homework board, which I am presently endeavouring to turn into a robot, too.

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)

There's a solution forthcoming from Parallax: the BOE-Boost, which adds an extra cell (or two) to the four-battery holder. You can read about it here:

····http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=655826

-Phil

Whit

Thanks for the link Phil. That is a neat little product. Wonder when we might see those?

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Whit+


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)

'No idea. 'Still waiting for first articles...

-Phil

Senna

Hi, guys I'm using 6 1.2 volts Nimh bateries for my boe without any issues. I have made a clip that connects to botton where the original battey holder was located. Couple things: I would not recommend to use 1.5 V batteries with this setup for all the reasons that have been indicated. The space is very tight but is possible take a look @ my pics.

Regards,

Senna