C-size batteries are expensive, and rechargeable NiMH C's are both expensive and hard to find, so I decided to use AA-to-C adapters with rechargeable AA's. The AA and C batteries are the same length, so all you need to do is "widen" the AA battery so that it's as thick as the C battery. I had a couple real adpaters which work fine (you can buy them online if not in local stores), but decided to make my own when a quick search on ebay told me the adapters would be a couple bucks each (and I have a bunch of lights I loan out to friends).
So... using PVC pipe (1/2", the thick-walled 600 psi stuff, $1.69 for 10 feet at Lowe's) and a little duct tape, the solution was actually pretty easy. Cut the pipe into lengths just shorter than the battery (the battery ends need to be exposed for electical contact). Wrap the outside of the PVC pieces with duct tape until they're the same diameter as a C battery. Slip a AA battery inside and you've got an adapter. The AA battery fit is a little loose, so I wrapped a thin strip of duct tape around the middle of each battery until they were snug inside the pipe. It's not too much tape, so they still fit into the charger and most other electronics you might use them for (except mini-mag lites, and probably a few other things, but you can always unwrap the little bit of tape on the battery). Ideally, you would put something inside the PVC tube to narrow the diameter (maybe those adhesive felt or rubber dots for protecting furniture) , but duct tape on the batteries was my quick solution. I'll post a follow-up if I think of better ideas.
Seems to work fine, I could give another report later after a few dives (I'm heading to Monterey in a week!), but the light I tested powers on just fine. I thought it might be a little dull with the rechargeables since the're not the full 1.5V of alkalines, but the light seems as bright as ever.
Anyway, this AA to C adapter will likely work for anything you might need a C battery for. AA rechargeables are so much cheaper than C's, that you'll never need to buy disposeable batteries again (good for your wallet AND the environment!)
Typical NiMH battery capacity is about 2500 mAH for AA's, C's, and D's. I've seen higher capacities on C's and D's online, but the ones in Wal-Mart were still just 2500 mAH. Their best NiMH AA's were Duracell 2650 mAH (8 batteries for under $17)... so I'd get more life from them than from the far more expensive NiMH C's they sold (and I wouldn't need a new charger... most only fit AA's and AAA's). I'm guessing I'll get at least 1-2 hours of good light before recharging, so might get 2 or 3 night dives per charge... will test soon.
Anyway, thought others might want to know about this... those of you not using super-pricey HID lights, anyway. And even you have to have SOMETHING that runs on C's.
Enjoy,
--Jesse W.
So... using PVC pipe (1/2", the thick-walled 600 psi stuff, $1.69 for 10 feet at Lowe's) and a little duct tape, the solution was actually pretty easy. Cut the pipe into lengths just shorter than the battery (the battery ends need to be exposed for electical contact). Wrap the outside of the PVC pieces with duct tape until they're the same diameter as a C battery. Slip a AA battery inside and you've got an adapter. The AA battery fit is a little loose, so I wrapped a thin strip of duct tape around the middle of each battery until they were snug inside the pipe. It's not too much tape, so they still fit into the charger and most other electronics you might use them for (except mini-mag lites, and probably a few other things, but you can always unwrap the little bit of tape on the battery). Ideally, you would put something inside the PVC tube to narrow the diameter (maybe those adhesive felt or rubber dots for protecting furniture) , but duct tape on the batteries was my quick solution. I'll post a follow-up if I think of better ideas.
Seems to work fine, I could give another report later after a few dives (I'm heading to Monterey in a week!), but the light I tested powers on just fine. I thought it might be a little dull with the rechargeables since the're not the full 1.5V of alkalines, but the light seems as bright as ever.
Anyway, this AA to C adapter will likely work for anything you might need a C battery for. AA rechargeables are so much cheaper than C's, that you'll never need to buy disposeable batteries again (good for your wallet AND the environment!)
Typical NiMH battery capacity is about 2500 mAH for AA's, C's, and D's. I've seen higher capacities on C's and D's online, but the ones in Wal-Mart were still just 2500 mAH. Their best NiMH AA's were Duracell 2650 mAH (8 batteries for under $17)... so I'd get more life from them than from the far more expensive NiMH C's they sold (and I wouldn't need a new charger... most only fit AA's and AAA's). I'm guessing I'll get at least 1-2 hours of good light before recharging, so might get 2 or 3 night dives per charge... will test soon.
Anyway, thought others might want to know about this... those of you not using super-pricey HID lights, anyway. And even you have to have SOMETHING that runs on C's.
Enjoy,
--Jesse W.
