LEGO 8043 - Battery Improvement Mod

[teleing]

Hello everyone at eurobricks!

I'm new in this forum.

I decided to open an account, so I can share my simple mod.

About two years ago I got the Motorized Excavator 8043. The model is awesome, I think it has been one of the most beautiful and complete sets.

Since the model needs 6 batteries, I decided to use Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.

The only problem is that this kind of batteries provide only 1.2 Volts, therefore, the PF battery pack only achieves 7.2 volts with 6 batteries, instead of the 9 required (and provided by 6 alcaline batteries).

I don't want to spend money on disposable expensive batteries.

I decided to look for a way to use 8 batteries and provide 9.6 Volts

Long ago I found a mod where the user used a standard battery pack. I can't found the post to thank the guy who did it.

Here's what I used:

2x Battery Holder 4xAA

2x 9V Battery Clip

8x 1.2 Volt Rechargeable Batteries

1x Switch (I didnt connected it, but you can)

Wiring:

-You can use a PF cable to do this (Search in the forum/web there are lots of tutorials).

-OR you can canibalize the original battery box (PF extension wire is not available in my country D: )

I won't write, since the images explain it clearly:

Wiring Diagram por Teleing, en Flickr

Connection diagram por Teleing, en Flickr

Use a bit of glue por Teleing, en Flickr

Overview por Teleing, en Flickr

Modifications on the Excavator:

From book 1, page 61: Replace Steps 4~8 For the following:

New Step por Teleing, en Flickr

(You can take the black piece from the spare parts included in the model)

With this we can allow the battery pack to have enough space in the excavator.

Now it's pretty simple, you connect the battery box and take it in place: I used the grey part to hold the wires in place

I also did a little review of the improvements between 7.2 and 9.6 V: 8043test.txt

The general improvement was about 30%, You can see immediately the excavator is faster, lifting the boom, rotating, etc. AND, the gear switch moves smoothly.

FULL GALLERY http://www.flickr.com/photos/teleing/

Thanks for reading, hope my work is useful to you.

[DLuders]

I like your modification of the Power Functions Battery Box, because many people are seeking

[skylinedan]

Hey Dave, where did you find that banner ? Just curious, I know those guys, or more importaintly the owner, LOL.

[DLuders]

I just Googled it. I don't know anything more about it....

[DarkShadow73]

Hello everyone at eurobricks!

I'm new in this forum.

I decided to open an account, so I can share my simple mod.

<<SNIP>>

Interesting setup...I love the power of the NiMh batteries, but they always require re-charging...I bought Energizer NiMh with led readout chargers, but if you use it a lot, they go down fast and need recharging, my remotes screws are starting to get stripped from all the unscrewing, too bad there isn't a way like with PF battery box to merely remove the cover instead of screws...

Edited January 16, 2013 by Pandora
Please do not quote pictures or vast volumes of text, thank you.