Replacement Nite-Rider battery

Dave Bloom <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I have a 12 volt "Nite-Rider Digital" dual beam lighting system. The 12v NiMH battery is composed
of 11 1.2v 4000 mA "4/3A" cells. The first time the battery pack failed, after two years of near
daily use, I purchased a replacement for $100. I have since acquired another second-hand system.
Its battery pack failed, as well. I'd like to replace the cells. Then, I'd have spare and charged
battery packs. Should I replace the cells with like cells (4/3A) or could I use AA NiHM? Is there
a reasonable cost supplier of 4/3A cells? Even though the battery pack is designed to fit in a
water bottle holder, I don't use it there. I need my water bottle! The battery goes in the panier.

what kind of charger (wallwart/dumb or MicroBrute/smart)? a smart charger will enhance battery
life. "two years of near daily use" suggests around 500 service cycles, about right. the dirty
dark secret of NiMH is that they don't last as long as NiCds, maybe half the service life. and it
is much worst if abusted (esp too deep cycles). if economics is a parameter and bulk/weight is
not, consider a switch. NiCd will have an lower intitial cost but may require a new charger.
"Nicd Lady" (www.nicdlady.com) can rebuild your pack or sell you a viable alternative. it is not
that she is the only source but she deal w/ cyclists and knows what you need.

Dave Bloom said:

I have a 12 volt "Nite-Rider Digital" dual beam lighting system. The 12v NiMH battery is composed
of 11 1.2v 4000 mA "4/3A" cells. The first time the battery pack failed, after two years of near
daily use, I purchased a replacement for $100. I have since acquired another second-hand system.
Its battery pack failed, as well. I'd like to replace the cells. Then, I'd have spare and charged
battery packs. Should I replace the cells with like cells (4/3A) or could I use AA NiHM? Is there a
reasonable cost supplier of 4/3A cells? Even though the battery pack is designed to fit in a water
bottle holder, I don't use it there. I need my water bottle! The battery goes in the panier.

here you go batterystation.comspecials.htmOpen ↗

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toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions.

"Dave Bloom" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have a 12 volt "Nite-Rider Digital" dual beam lighting system. The 12v NiMH battery is composed
of 11 1.2v 4000 mA "4/3A" cells. The first time the battery pack failed, after two years of near
daily use, I purchased a replacement for $100. I have since acquired another second-hand system.
Its battery pack failed, as well. I'd like to replace the cells. Then, I'd have spare and charged
battery packs. Should I replace the cells with like cells (4/3A) or could I use AA NiHM? Is there
a reasonable cost supplier of 4/3A cells? Even though the battery pack is designed to fit in a
water bottle holder, I don't use it there. I need my water bottle! The battery goes in the panier.

For the batteries, look at: worldofrc.combattery.htmOpen ↗ It'd cost you about $60
for 11 batteries.

The AA cells are of much lower capacity, not more than 2300mAH.

"Dave Bloom" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have a 12 volt "Nite-Rider Digital" dual beam lighting system. The 12v NiMH battery is composed
of 11 1.2v 4000 mA "4/3A" cells. The first time the battery pack failed, after two years of near
daily use, I purchased a replacement for $100. I have since acquired another second-hand system.
Its battery pack failed, as well. I'd like to replace the cells. Then, I'd have spare and charged
battery packs. Should I replace the cells with like cells (4/3A) or could I use AA NiHM? Is there
a reasonable cost supplier of 4/3A cells? Even though the battery pack is designed to fit in a
water bottle holder, I don't use it there. I need my water bottle! The battery goes in the panier.

Thanks,

Dave Bloom San Diego, CA

Here is a reply fron a year ago or so. Different batteries but same concept. You should be able to
get the whole thing assembled and ready to stuff back into your old case for a reasonable price.
--------------
If you are interested in rebuilding your NiteRider 6V waterbottle battery. I posted this about a
year ago. I've been using the battery regularly since then and it still works great. Just don't
overcharge or completely discharge and it should have a long life.
------
I just did this a couple of weeks ago. I ordered an assembled 6V 5 D cell battery from
batterystation.combatterystation.comOpen ↗ . Assembled with Sanyo KR-4400 nicads with solder tabs. The batteries
are $5.00 each and you can have them assembled (wired and shrink wrapped) for and additional $5.00.
I had them assemble the battery in a modified style #33 as indicated on their site. Should cost you
less than $40.00 with transportation.

I found the best tool to disassemble the NiteRider waterbottle case was an old fashioned bottle
opener. First squeeze and kneed the bottle where the threads are to crack the glue (seems like hot
melt). Slide the flat end under the threaded seam and work it around to break the old glue. The
diagonal hashes you see on the bottle are actually threads. The seam is at top of the threads below
the ridge that runs around the bottle. Takes a little patience. Unscrew the top half. Cut the leads
close to the battery. Dig out the hardened foam around the batteries and remove from the base.
Support and wrap the new battery with some foam. Add a couple pieces of heat shrink. Solder the
leads together. Screw most of the way together. Add a bead of silicon seal around the top and
complete closure.

The BatteryStation is a small business and it took a couple of weeks. But the result was about $90
less than a new 6 Volt battery from NiteRider and should be good as new.

Bill Brannon

b REMOVE brannon AT OBVIOUS att DOT net