Trying to convert to button cell batteries

yellow_cad Jun 24, 2020

  1. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    I have N Scale snow plow that is not powered, but is fitted with blinking lights. The lights are powered by a N size 1.5 volt photo battery. I would like to convert the source of power to button cell battery. I happen to have an abundance of button cell AG12 LR43 which are approximately 12 mm in diameter and a good size for my application. Does anyone know of a source for a battery holder that take this size battery with leads or at least terminals to solder? I can find lots of holders for larger button cells just not the size I am seeking. Thanks for any help on this. Jim
     
  2. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Check DigiKey or Mouser
     
  3. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    E-bay is also a good source for things like this, quality varies and you will have to wait for shipping from China, but I have been able to acquire just about anything I have needed for my electronics experiments from there.
     
  4. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    if you can't find an inexpensive holder for the batteries that you already have, other size holders are available on ebay, as well as matching sized batteries from 1.50 for ten ... a pretty good deal ...
     
  5. yellow_cad

    yellow_cad TrainBoard Member

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    I have searched the two sites Rick gave me as well as Ebay and Google, but I can't find anywhere where it tells me the diameter of the battery. When I type in 1.5 volt 12 mm diameter button cell battery holder, I don't get any parts that tell me enough to know if the part will work for me. Maybe my description isn't complete. I don't know what they need to get me where I am trying to be.
     
  6. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    I fear you are currently on a fool's errand. Battery holders are fast becoming and electrical equivalent of a buggy whip. Perhaps you could fabricate something from plastic tubing. Another option would be to harvest one from some other use. I would look for one of the more common giveaway tiny flashlights that are made of machined aluminum. Remove the LED and wire to your lights.
     
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  7. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    when I look at the 'bay, most button battery holders 12mm, are designed to fit the CR1220 ??
     
  8. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    s .. the LR43 battery actually has a width of 11.6 mm and a height of 4.2mm, you will probably find something if you look for the correct size ..
     
  9. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    these are for 11.6mm https://www.digikey.com/products/en...|86&quantity=&ColumnSort=0&page=1&pageSize=25

    these are for 12mm https://www.digikey.com/products/en...|86&quantity=&ColumnSort=0&page=1&pageSize=25

    just select the battery cell size (coin 11.6mm or coin 12mm) in the filters. Category is Battery Holder
     
  10. NtheBasement

    NtheBasement TrainBoard Member

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    Or see if you can find something cheap at a dollar store that takes LR43's, then cannibalize it.
     
  11. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    What's the modern-day substitute for a battery holder?
     
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  12. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Might be easier to go with a different size battery. I find hundreds of battery holders for cmos button batteries ! You may be putting the cart before the horse in a sense. If you have an abundance of batteries you cant find holders for...they arent doing you much good. Button battery holders...with on/off switches can be found on the cheap. Button batteries themselves are fairly cheap by the dozen. May be time to rethink and reevaluate. Just sayin(y)
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2020
  13. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    Small rechargeable LiPo batteries that weigh next to nothing and can last for days on a single charge (powering LEDs) and well... can be recharged.
     
  14. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Oh, I see. I thought these were too large to fit in an N Scale car, but they've gotten smaller no doubt.
     
  15. Massey

    Massey TrainBoard Member

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    I have a couple at home that would easily fit into an N scale car or hopper, a whole mess more that could fit in HO and larger scales, and if I were to own any G scale I have a couple from my R/C cars that would allow a train to run almost all day on a single charge. Look on ebay for the batts, they come in all sizes, the ones for the mini quad copters are what I would use for N scale.
     
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  16. bill pearce

    bill pearce TrainBoard Member

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    They have been largely replaced by holders molded into devices plastic shell.
     
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  17. Thomas M Beckendorf

    Thomas M Beckendorf New Member

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