What Battery did Marty Cooper use in 1973?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the type of battery used by Marty Cooper during the first mobile phone call in 1973. Participants explore historical battery technologies, particularly focusing on lead acid and Nickel-Cadmium batteries, and their evolution over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Kathy inquires about the specific battery used by Marty Cooper for the first mobile phone call, noting the use of Nickel-Cadmium batteries in the 1980s.
  • RonL suggests that the battery was likely a lead acid battery made by Harker batteries.
  • Another participant references a Wikipedia article stating that Nickel-Cadmium batteries have been commercially produced in the USA since 1946, supporting RonL's suggestion.
  • A participant mentions that Marty Cooper complained about the weight of his battery, indicating it weighed 1 pound, and speculates on the reduction in size of batteries over the following decade.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding information on Harker batteries, leading to a humorous remark about Google search results.
  • A suggestion is made to contact Marty Cooper directly for clarification on the battery used.
  • Kathy raises the possibility that the battery may not have been rechargeable, as rechargeable batteries became popular later.
  • A participant shares a link to a battery they found, expressing surprise at its condition and suggesting that lead acid batteries may still hold value contrary to common belief.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the type of battery used, with some supporting the lead acid hypothesis while others reference Nickel-Cadmium technology. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific battery used by Cooper.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the historical context of battery technology, including the lack of definitive sources for the specific battery used in 1973 and the potential for confusion over battery types and their characteristics.

Cool4Kat
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Hello, lovely people. I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of battery Marty Cooper used for the very first cell (mobile) phone call in 1973? I know that by the 80s they were using Nickel-Cadmium batteries but I don't know about that first one.

Thanks in advance,

Kathy
 
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Cool4Kat said:
Hello, lovely people. I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of battery Marty Cooper used for the very first cell (mobile) phone call in 1973? I know that by the 80s they were using Nickel-Cadmium batteries but I don't know about that first one.

Thanks in advance,

Kathy
I would almost bet good money that it was a lead acid made by Harker batteries :smile: :rolleyes: :biggrin:
 
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I read an article that said that they were produced since 1946 (in a Scientific American from 1948) however, Marty Cooper complained that his battery weighed 1 pound. 10 years later, the whole system weighed 1 pound so his battery must have gotten significantly smaller. Thanks
 
Well I tried to google Harker batteries and it seems the best google can do is give a batteries plus in Harker Hights, Tx. A big surprise for me. :wideeyed:
 
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Martin Cooper is still alive. You should try to contact him to ask your question.
 
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Cool4Kat said:
Hello, lovely people. I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of battery Marty Cooper used for the very first cell (mobile) phone call in 1973? I know that by the 80s they were using Nickel-Cadmium batteries but I don't know about that first one.

Thanks in advance,

Kathy
May not have been rechargeable. They did not become popular until later.
 
Almost 24 hours later I finally find some information, (I would have lost my bet I think :frown:) after at least 15 years in my shop (unmolested) I had to find one of my batteries and I'm still not sure if a history goes back into the 70's ? The following link seems to be the batteries I have.

http://www.enersys-emea.com/reserve/pdf/EN-CYC-AM-007_1208.pdf

To my surprise it looks as if the single cell is still good and will take/hold a charge. :woot:
Not that this post will mean much to most people, but to me it means lead acid batteries have value that most have been taught no longer exist ?:rolleyes:
 

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