Flaming batteries

tgotb

OK, just fixed mine; what you need is a 2.1mm line socket.

I got one from Maplin (part no JK11M), isn't waterproof in any way, but as I don't use it off-road I don't reckon that's a huge issue; connection is soldered, and it's only ~8V. Much easier to connect/disconnect than the original. If you want a waterproof equivalent, you can probably find something on Ebay; neatest solution is probably to find a cable with the right connector on one end, cut to length and solder on to the battery. It's a standard connector for CCTV power cables, so there should be plenty around.

If you solder a new connector onto the existing cable (as I did) be careful. Shorting the connections, even briefly, could damage the battery (potentially catastrophically, as ITB demonstrated).

If you haven't damaged your connector, give it a very careful look anyway. The inner insulators are *very* thin; mine turned out to be completely mullered even though the outer had only just started to fail, it's a miracle mine hadn't suffered the same fate as ITB's.

itboffin

Thanks for that, so let me get this straight you've repaired you're existing battery pack?

I've been doing some research and come up with the following which I hope will be of some help to other SSC P7 owners

Replacement packs can be purchased from DX for $29.94 with free shipping http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.32756
I have no idea if this pack is better quality than the BestOfferBuy model I bought, it does look different in the pics.
or

You can build you own (DIY 18650 battery pack) :shock:

I'm sure you can source the parts from lots of places but as I'm buying some stuff anyway I might as well get it all in one place.

You will need :-

4 x 18650 2400 mAh rechargeable protected batteries -

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.20392 -
4 x BK-18650-PC2-ND battery holders - Digikey.com is a good source
1 or 2 chargers - http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1251

glue to stick the holders together
some copper cable to link the cells
soldering iron and solder
DC sockets to connect to your P7 head - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=43091
velco strap to hold them all together and a pouch or bag for the finished product

Now then those individual holders are cheap enough but the postage is a little steep, so I think I'll buy a lot of them to make it worth while.