Hot Rod your old Dustbuster

I finally got tired of having my old dustbuster as a nicd memory-effect demonstrator (it would fade immediately, but then after about 45 seconds come back with some usable power, annoying to wait for). So I decided to replace the battery pack. In the process I realized that I could extend run time and power, hot rodding it to a slightly higher voltage.

Step 1 Background and Prep.

This particular dustbuster is a wet/dry model, about 10 years old. When I popped out the battery panel I discovered the battery pack was only 3 sub-c size nicd cells. There was room in the compartment for four, so I decided to accept the risk of an extra 1.2V from a 4th cell. This turned out to be a good move so far, although I don't expect the motor to last forever. Given the short duty cycle of typical dust busting, it should be fine. I also marked the leads on the buster so I wouldn't forget which was which.

Then I went online and found 3300mAh sub-c NiMH batteries with solder tabs (these can be found at several battery suppliers, really the only important part is to get Sub-C size NiMH batteries of any reasonable capacity. Getting them with solder tabs makes it easy to make the final pack, so I advise them. I also found out that the stock charger has a reputation for wrecking the batteries, so I'm using my smart charger instead, it's a MRC 959 super brain charger.

Comments

[abadfart]

how much power?? 

[rocketguy]

I'd say it was about %20-30 more than stock, and lasts many times longer. 

[abadfart]

cool that will be cheaper than a robovac 

[rocketguy]

And I've finally needed to recharge it, 10 months later. Freaking awesome new batteries.

[12V]

the original batteries are probably 1200mah.

[rocketguy]

I wouldn't be surprised, or even less, 1Ah? Now you can get AA's that have more than that...

[GorillazMiko]

Hahahaha! "Someone's applying their RC knowledge ;-)". Haha, great Instructable by the way.

[Hands Without Shadows]

Someone's applying their RC knowledge ;-)