512kE battery

#1 Sun, 6 Jan 2013 - 21:53

I was wondering what size of battery the 512kE takes. I pulled the battery out of mine and it looked like it was almost ready to bust at the seams. I'm going to be placing an order soon for some PRAM batteries, and I would like to have one on hand so once I fix the floppy drive I can use it more often.

#2 Sun, 6 Jan 2013 - 23:35

It's a 4.5V type 523 alkaline battery. I thought they were no longer made, but it appears you can still get them.

http://www.batteriesinaflash.com/photographic/exell-a21px-523-en133a-pc133a-px21-1306ap-4-5v-alkaline-battery

#3 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 - 05:02

If you have trouble finding the exact type, or don't like the price, there is a handy hack that I have used. A standard 9v compact alakaline cell consists of 6 x AAAA cells spot-welded head to toe in sided that plastic rectangular package. You can peel of the package and carefully separate the cells into two sets of three - each will deliver 4.5v.

I wrapped one trio in plastic tape, and it fits neatly into the battery compartment of my 512ke. It's a bit shorter than the original, so I wrapped a small cube of plastic foam in aluminium foil to pad it out for a firm contact with the terminal at the top of the battery compartment.

Works perfectly, price $1.50 - and I have a spare ready.

Rick

#4 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 - 12:45

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380337832602?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Not as thrifty a solution, but no hacking required. [

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#5 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 - 22:34

I think that ebay seller has his Mac models wrong - the Compacts take 4.5v, his item is 3.6v. Also not sure whether a lithium will deliver the peak milliamps that alkaline can do. Anyway, I'm afraid it's the wrong battery. I wonder how long until somebody calls him on it.

For an Australian customer, seller offers shipping at $23.95 - giving a price+shipping comparison of $33.90 v. $1.50! Indeed not so thrifty for me!

#6 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 - 23:15

Thanks for the warning, looks like I'll be rolling my own in that case.

I should get in touch with him with this info.

#7 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 - 01:44

I can't swear to it, but I think I saw 4.5V batteries on the rack at Microcenter. I'll check next time I'm there. They have the 3.6Vs for later logic boards for sure.

Also some (cheap) 9V batteries now are stacks of six flat 1.5V cells instead of six AAAAs. Might grab a couple of brands just in case

#8 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 - 13:24

There is always:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/180814661762?var=480064481003&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Use three AA alkaline to get 4.5 Volts. Use three rechargeables to get 3.6 Volt.

#9 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 - 13:37

I think I've purchased mine in the past from eBay, but you can get then on Amazon.