No one knows how long lithium Ion batteries can or should last - and I have some that I am still using with 15+ years on them - and that is a big problem! I see a need here for a company to step in and fill the gap to provide custom batteries for refurbishing and restoring vintage gear, so if such a place already exists, please let me know. I'd love to be able to use some of this stuff again!
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By Fran

14 thoughts on “The vintage li-ion battery problem”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dice Roll says:

    Unfortunately Fran only generic Android tablets are eligible to outlive planned obsolescence because Samsung has a software time bomb in thier custom version of Android . If you don't buy a new computer after samsung makes your computer slow Samsung will just destroy your battery .

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joshua Scholar says:

    You can usually find new batteries for old laptops shipped from China.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andy Turner says:

    As a company I own deals with mostly NiCad Batteries this is something we've been looking into over the last 12 months to see where we can diversify. The problem is trying to find a particular pack that would warrant the investment to give a return.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jon Mason says:

    I have found laptop batteries on ebay. Also most laptop packs use the 3.* 18000 batteries in series or series parallel. Same with power tools.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ragdolltrucking says:

    Ive run into the same problem and found that:
    1.) many old devices are still popular in less wealthy countries so aftermarket batteries are still produced (try ebay international)
    2.) cheap knock off laptop batteries are actually what you describe, generic flat lithium cells, stacked together to match the correct voltage (not that this helps, i just found it interesting)
    3.) i have had good luck with new old stock batteries, even when they were close to 20 years old they still worked great.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars FennecTECH says:

    Custom PCBs and 3D printing for phone batteries will do. Look up the 3D printed GBA SP batteries

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dmitry Hetman says:

    You can find used battery for galaxy S or even new one pretty easy/

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars P_ Mouse says:

    The Samsung galaxy s relay! I miss that thing so much! The last time I was able to type normally on a phone!!

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keith carpenter says:

    Lifepo are the best alternative for the lower current applications that liion were originally used for.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cyan says:

    One thing you may want to consider if you do find batteries for your old Android phone is that the device is unlikely to be receiving current security updates. This can mean walking around with your personal data on a horrible security liability (that may in turn infect other devices). I know that's a bit 'wet blanket' but I think it's a concern (and naturally this applies to laptops and such too).

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alien_man says:

    Perhaps 3D printing is the answer. The problem i had with trying to rebuild laptop batteries for example was i couldnt open it without breaking it and i wouldnt dare trust something that holds those high power 18650s but you might be able to get a perfect fit for not just laptops but those small flat ones could fit the small hobbyist batteries. Ive made my own phone powerbanks from broken tablets and a low power bank that isnt big enough for my needs but i could never find a good enough shell and have always wanted to get into the software to use with the 3d printers. I recently made a friend that has one and ha e been debating learning since i cant afford one myself.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CursedFox says:

    cool but nobodies willing to buy them because they are so cheap they won't even upgrade

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars livvy94 says:

    Another thing I'm curious about is vintage chargers. I bought an old pro-level VHS camcorder on eBay, and I was able to find a replacement battery, but the charger doesn't work some of the time. When you plug it into the wall, the LED comes on, but when you insert the battery, the light slowly fades out until it's completely dead.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Davidson says:

    Where are the solid state lithium batteries they promised us???

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