The Museum of HP Calculators

HP Forum Archive 09

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replacing NICd packs with std batteries
Message #1 Posted by Bernhard Haussler on 2 Jan 2003, 11:18 a.m.

I "inherited" an HP 21 from a colleague who cannot resist collecting things that look like they could work. Being in Namibia the chances of laying my hands on a replacement battery pack and charger are slim. So I replaced the NICd cells with 2 std aa penlight batteries. The calculator works ! ! ! !

However, I am concerned that the higher voltage may cause damage. Can anybody give me advice?

Thanks Bernhard

      
Re: replacing NICd packs with std batteries
Message #2 Posted by DaveJ on 2 Jan 2003, 12:31 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Bernhard Haussler

You should have few to no problems. many people have done it in the past. You can get individual NiCAd or NiMH rechargable cells also.

      
Re: replacing NICd packs with std batteries
Message #3 Posted by Andrés C. Rodríguez (Argentina) on 2 Jan 2003, 5:21 p.m.,
in response to message #1 by Bernhard Haussler

In my experience, alkaline AA batteries are acceptable, the excess voltage is within tolerances. Of course, I cannot offer any warranty. Please never use the AC adapter with non-rechargeable batteries; only use it with proven, good rechargeables and with clean contacts. Failure to do so will damage your calculator in a split second and beyond repairability. If possible, just avoid the AC adapter, and use an external recharger.


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