re-celling a 24v Ni Mh battery for a Cambridge bike

[silversurfer]

Hi folks, some time since I visited the forum, my Torq is behaving itself!
I have a retired neighbor who uses a 4 year old Cambridge (powercycle?). The 24v HiMh battery is pretty well worn out, but the battery casing is fine. I wonder is it possible to have it re-celled by an enterprising business? I am a retired engineer; I could probably open it up and solder in new cells myself, (if I could find any) but a commercial job would prob. have a guarantee.
Any leads very welcome, thanks silversurfer.

 

[NRG]

I don't know of a commercial outfit that does recell's, somebody may know. There where a couple of threads about this back in 2009 based on the D type cells. I've checked the links but the batteries that where suitable seem to be no longer available:

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/5139-has-anyone-tried-re-cell-pack-hybrid-batteries.html?highlight=recell

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/5146-battery-re-cell-maplins-hybrid-d-cells.html#post65258

A Google search lists these as a possible replacement but no detailed technical data is given...

Ansmann D NiMH 10000mAh Pack of 2 at Battery Force

Tag ones here, again no details on suitability:

GP 1.2V 10Ah NiMh D CELL - Tagged


Of course this is assuming you need D cells!


Edit, found the Ansmann tech sheet at RS components, they also stock them: http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0d1b/0900766b80d1bb94.pdf

 

[silversurfer]

Thanks for advice and searches,
I have checked out the suppliers that have availablity, and I assume (I havn't stripped the case) it will need a bit more than nominal 24 volts, so I think 26 volts = 22 batteries = £250.00
Last year I bought a lot of Aldi NiMi 'D' cells to make a backup pack for my ailling 36 v Torq. But, by time I had made up a plastic water tube container and wiring, connectors etc half the cells had 'gone bad' on me! Wouldn't accept charge! Burnt my fingers, so to speak on that one!
So, if it is going to cost £250.00 for cells plus, if something goes wrong I get the flak I think it is better to consider the £370.00 for the agents replacement Lithium conversion.
Looks like I will have to pass on the bad news. Thanks for advice, silversurfer.

 

[EricHutton]

I bought a load of these recently to DIY a 36v 9ah battery.

9000mah nimh D cells currently on offer at Buy-a-battery web site at £9.98 for a pack of two.

<..edit..update...> Here's a link for a GP900DHC_DS.pdf data sheet for the batteries.

 

[chazpope]

I have re-celled Powacycle Cambridge twice

First time it cost me £69 for 20 hybrid cells form maplins - see thread - this was some time ago and more than 1000 recharges later this battery is still usable

Right now I am re-celling with 10Ah Tenergy that cost me £130 (incl VAT and customs) from the US - tried it today - works great.

You need 20 D cells (can't fit more in the case)

Do not just buy any cells from Hong-Kong - mostly they do not work, I got some off ebay and had to ask for refund which was tricky.

 

[canny_nic]

Hi. Just bought a Cambridge off eBay. Says he can't charge as no charger. But I reckon I might need a new battery anyway. Do you know where I could buy both charger and battery. !?

Regards
Nic

 

[Danidl]

Hi. Just bought a Cambridge off eBay. Says he can't charge as no charger. But I reckon I might need a new battery anyway. Do you know where I could buy both charger and battery. !?

Regards
Nic

.. my suggestion is to buy a lithium battery complete with charger . If your bike was a nominal 24v one then you need a 29 V charger. There are many kits including housings, brackets available and all you need do is splice into where the leads from the original battery went.

 

[canny_nic]

Thanks. Someone just sent me this link

http://www.bga-reworking.co.uk/e-bike-batteries/insat-li-nmc-ebike-battery-10ah-24v-36v-48v.html

Are these compatible ?

 

[Danidl]

Thanks. Someone just sent me this link

http://www.bga-reworking.co.uk/e-bike-batteries/insat-li-nmc-ebike-battery-10ah-24v-36v-48v.html

Are these compatible ?

Electrically compatible yes. , Mechanically compatible , well you need to measure. When I had the task of refitting my UrbanMover um20 bike, I bought from China an assembly called little frog a black box which clipped onto the seatpost above the rear carrier and wired it down to the motor controller. All you need to ensure, and this is very important is that the power polarity is correct. Eg the positive connection from the new battery goes to the positive location of the old battery. ...