[Milsurplus] Re: [armyradios] ** BB-490/U ** Where ? ***

[Alan Tasker]

>Where can I purchase Fresh
>BB-490  (Sealed Rechargeable Lead Acid Battery)

This is a "Rock and a hard place" question.

First of all, I wish I knew why the military ever thought they could 
succeed with a lead acid chemistry. If this type of battery is not kept 
charged, they sulphate and die. Who in the military has the time to keep 
track? What about the ones in stores? Use 'em or lose 'em??? Such a deal 
for the tax payers dollar!

This brings up the question of why would any of us want these either? I 
know I do not have the time to check out the rechargeables that I have to 
keep them charged up.

The alternative is the Ni-Cad type, BB-390, BB-590, or the BA-5590 Lithium 
non-rechargeable. The old date code BB-590 that are around do not generally 
hold a charge. My guess is that there is some electrolyte leakage inside 
that discharges them fairly quickly. I have not had the time to cut one 
open to see if this is indeed the case, but I know it is the case with 
other "old date code" multi-cell Ni-Cads that I have here.

Does anyone know what size cells are used in a BB-590? Ni-Cad cells are 
pretty available and therefor inexpensive on e-B-a-y these days. The cheap 
way out is to cut one open and replace the cells. Or, do as Brooke suggests 
and buy a new Ni-Cad battery.