Venture Pro V3 - extended batteries?

[TMurrr]

I recently bought a Venture Pro V3 Heated Vest. A couple of bullets before we get into my question.

• Yes, I know I can buy additional venture pro battery packs. They're out of stock at Ventureheat, DiveRightInScuba has them marked up to $200 (from $140) and Reef Photo appears to have them in stock but its a "special order item" - I'm looking for alternative solutions at this time.
• I don't like the idea of swapping batteries and exposing connections to salt / rain on the dive boat. I'd rather have a single set of battery packs that lasts all day vs managing multiple stock battery sets.
• Yes, I know the dangers of custom battery packs, electricity, fire, and safety. All caution would be used in anything DIY or custom. My preference is something bigger from another brand thats a simple adaptor to plug-in. I'm also open to DIY.
• Yes, I've read Venture Pro's customer service and warranty are both basically non-existent.
• I exclusively plan on using the heated vest underneath a wetsuit. Yes, I know I could use a thicker wetsuit... or switch to a drysuit...

I've used the heated vest on a couple dives. The first being a long night dive (batteries held up fine for levels and temps I used them at). The 2nd time was an all day diving day in which I did multiple drops and "babied" the vest heat wise expecting it to run out at some point. It did. The stock batteries that come with it simply don't provide enough juice for my needs. I know I could buy another pair (see above) but before I pull the trigger on the stock solution, I'd like to ask the board.

Are there any bigger custom battery packs that work with the Venture Pro V3?
Has anyone else had any success with a DIY solution? If so, mind sharing some steps?
Would any provided solution work under a wetsuit, my intended use case?

I have access to a 3D printer, am very comfortable with most things DIY and electricity, but generally prefer to copy others pre-existing working solutions vs coming up with my own.
My preference is something bigger from another brand thats a simply plug and play, or many a small adaptor.
I even have an older Dive Rite Cannister light (MR11?) that I could also build a new battery for and re-purpose the housing for the heated vest.

 

[davehicks]

This is a very poor idea, and pound foolish to boot. Buy the $200 batteries if that is your only option for OEM batteries. A DIY solution is going to cost nearly that much anyway after your are done experimenting. Making a hack-o-matic battery pack for immersed underwater use is a great way to hurt yourself very badly.

 

[TMurrr]

This is a very poor idea, and pound foolish to boot. Buy the $200 batteries if that is your only option for OEM batteries. A DIY solution is going to cost nearly that much anyway after your are done experimenting. Making a hack-o-matic battery pack for immersed underwater use is a great way to hurt yourself very badly.

I don’t think you really read my entire post. I’m not opposed to spending the money for OEM… and I fully understand the risks involved in alternate solutions.

But I was asking if any alternate solutions for the Venture Pro even exist, and if so, what the trade offs are.

 

[Whitrzac]

Do your batteries have the e/o style plug?
You could easily make an external battery to using a canister

 

[TMurrr]

Do your batteries have the e/o style plug?
You could easily make an external battery to using a canister

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