Pismo battery(s) dying

1. IRO - 1 August 2004

   One is on its last legs, the other only OK. Replacements look like costing around US$100 equals over NZ$200 by the time I get screwed for freight. Add to that the thought that Li-Ion cells are no famous for their recharge cycle capacity.

   Are there any alternatives or have Apple locked us into buying the damn things?

   Actually, I just had a thought.....what if a 12v lead-acid gel cell was packed into an appropriate case and fitted into the Pismo's carry bag. Might require an adjustable regulator to tweak the voltage to Pismo's 10.8V. Scavenge a cable from a dead PSU to get the right plug.

   Might just work.....

   ------
   ~IRO
   My ambition in Life is to build something that will
   REALLY last....at least until I've finished building it.

2. Joel Farris - 2 August 2004

   I sure wish I knew something about battery design. I want the same thing you're talking about, but I can't build it myself

   Joel Farris | Q: It reverses the logical flow of conversation. twinkledust Designs | A: Why is top posting frowned upon? http://twinkledust.com| AIM chat: FarrisJoel | "John Kerry: A walking, talking contradiction"

3. Paul Fuchs - 2 August 2004

   I have a 12 v deep cycle lead acid batery on my boat and run my Pismo off of it - works like a charm. Only problem is that it weighs 47 lbs. --
   Paul Fuchs
   paulfuchs-at-attglobal-dot-net
   Sitting on a small rock (St. John) in the Caribbean

4. Ron Parsons - 3 August 2004

   I have a Pismo compact charger/power supply for auto or airplane use. Such a device would simplify your connection.

   Ron Parsons

5. John Johnson - 3 August 2004

   The only commercially available batteries for your Pismo are the Li-ion units. As you say, their cycle life is limited to something like 500-1000 cycles (partial cycles count as partial cycles, not full ones). I find my Pismo batteries are just fine. the original lasted me 3 years, my new one (made by BTI, purchased from CDW-not the cheapest place around) is 1.5 years old.

   I'll grant you your pricing sucks because of the shipping and exchange rates, but disagree with your assessment of the quality of the battery.

   HTH

   Later,
   John

   johajohn@indianahoosiers.edu

   'indiana' is a noun. Leave only the noun between @ and .edu to reply

6. Pat Janes - 3 August 2004

   I've recently picked up a Pismo battery (5400 mAh) that's marketed by BTI. I ran it into the ground at slightly more than 4 hours of usage.

   NewerTech also sells a couple of different Pismo batteries, a 4800 mAh and a 6600 mAh.

   The original Apple battery is (IIRC) 4800 mAh.

7. Eric Johnson - 3 August 2004

   I agree, my pismo battery lasted 4 years.

   ej

8. IRO - 4 August 2004

   Whoops! make that 24V input for the Pismo PSU.

   ------
   ~IRO
   My ambition in Life is to build something that will
   REALLY last....at least until I've finished building it.