Solar lights battery AA 900mAh 1.2V

[JimmieSParticipant @jimmies]

I have a rather old string of solar lights on the back fence with less output than a fire fly. Would any kind reader have thoughts  on the + and – of stepping up to a 1200Ah battery one instead.

Many thanks

Jim

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

If they are old the current battery will be a Nicad and the charge and control circuit won’t be suitable for a newer type.
If the battery is dying the result should be just short duration not dimness so maybe other parts of the circuit are past their best. If you can get at the battery just try a normal 1.5v drycell to see how bright it is to start with.

[JimmieSParticipant @jimmies]

Hi Bazyle

 

Many thanks, much appreciated. Here was I making a simple task difficult!

Jim

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

They may seem brighter as a NiCad is 1.2V a dry battery will be 1.5v. If they still work charge a NiCad/ Nimh up first if you can before fitting. 1200mA will be fine or even higher, in the summer they will hold up better. In the winter the limited daylight bright enough to recharge will see them go out at may be midnight. Good luck. Noel.

[JimmieSParticipant @jimmies]

Many thanks Noel.

[JimmieSParticipant @jimmies]

Hi again

No improvement so will have to go looking for replacements. Many thanks again folk.

Jim

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

1200 mAH will merely extend the period between recharging compared to a 900 mAH

As long as the replacement cell is 1.2 V, the brilliance will stay the same. A 1.5V dry cell will increase light output, but could shorten life of the LEDs.

before they folded, I bought some hybrid cells from Maplin, and have had good experience with then, in a number of applications.

Might be worth looking for similar replacements?

Howard

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, Maplin’s are still trading, albeit online only, and with a much reduced amount of products.

Regards Nick.

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