Using Different Types Of Batteries

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and feasibility of replacing CR2016 watch batteries with AA or AAA batteries in various electronic devices. Participants explore the implications of such modifications, particularly regarding voltage matching and device compatibility.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes successfully replacing a CR2016 battery with two AA batteries in series and questions the safety of this practice for other devices.
  • Another participant notes that watch batteries have low capacity and maximum current, suggesting that replacing them with AA/AAA batteries is generally acceptable, but cautions against the reverse substitution.
  • Concerns are raised about devices that may have built-in charging circuits, recommending adherence to factory-recommended batteries in such cases.
  • It is emphasized that CR2016 batteries are not rechargeable, and any built-in rechargeable batteries are typically integrated into more expensive equipment.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the input and seeks reassurance about their planned modifications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that replacing watch batteries with AA/AAA batteries can be safe, but there are differing views on specific device compatibility and the implications of built-in charging circuits. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader applicability of these modifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations related to device specifications, such as built-in charging circuits and the non-rechargeability of certain battery types. There is also an acknowledgment of the varying current capacities of different battery types.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in battery modifications for electronic devices, particularly those looking to enhance battery life or replace watch batteries with more common battery types.

DaleSwanson
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I have a bathroom scale which uses a 3v CR2016 battery. The battery only lasted about a month before needing to be changed. I thought that perhaps I was getting old batteries from stores, so I bought from a variety of stores and they all died quickly. My solution was to find the wires going to battery, and splice in a 2 AA battery holder from some old device I had. So I replaced the 3v CR2016 with 2 1.5v AAs in series. This worked quite well.

My question is if this is safe to do in other places. I didn't really care about the scale, but I may do this with some more expensive electronics. Is this fine to do as long as I match the voltages? I plan on replacing anything that can take AAs or AAAs that currently takes watch batteries and doesn't need to. Also I may think about running some devices I want longer battery life out of on Ds instead of AAs. So would all this be fine? I won't be doing anything crazy like trying to start a car from 8 AAA batteries.
 
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Watch batteries have low capacity and low maximum current because they are small
Replacing them with AA/AAA will be fine, the other way around probably wouldn't be!

Watch batteries also tend to get used in places where the device is only going to be used occasionally so if you used NiCad/NiMh rechargeables you might have a problem with them going flat from self discharge.
 
Some device have build in charging circuit for the battery. If this is the case then it's best to stick with factory recommended battery.
 
Not for CR2016 style batteries - they aren't rechargeable.
Any built in rechargeable lithium battery is going to be either tagged and soldered to the board, or in equipment expensive enough that you aren't going to play with it.
 
Thanks for the help. I was fairly sure it was ok, I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was missing before I tried it on anything else.
 

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