[Milsurplus] TBY-8 batteries

[Barry Hauser]

Hi Roger & crew:

The Willard batteries were "wet-cell" -- lead-acid rechargeable 
battieries.  I have several TBY-X's, but no batteries and will be 
interested in your results.  I haven't seen the actual battery pack for 
the TBY's, or at least, don't recall.  I do have several other pieces of 
equipment that used them.  GE made a rechargeable AM BC portable radio, 
made largely of pot-metal, that used the same type.  I have several 
Sprague interference locator receivers that have 3-cell Willards in 
them, in the same condition as yours.  The ones in the Spragues are 
interesting -- they have specific gravity indicators on each cell -- 
mini hydrometers consisting of a tube shaped area with 3 or 4 tiny 
colored balls.  The number floating would indicate the state of charge.  
Also, each cell had a molded-in fitting or nipple with a small rubber 
hose venting to the outside of the case.  Each cell also has a filling 
cap.  I think these were shipped dry, as auto batteries used to be 
shipped, and the acid had to be measured out and poured into each cell 
when installed.

I'm not sure what a "dryfit" battery is.  Is that the same as 
conventional carbon-zinc or alkaline?

The most direct electrical equivalent would be a "gel cell" battery -- 
the completely sealed modern version of a small lead acid battery.  
These are readily available under Yuasa brand, or even Panasonic, 
Powersonic, and a lot of other names.  They are often used as backup 
batteries for alarm systems and are also widely used in computer battery 
backup systems.  In fact, if you have a computer backup battery unit and 
it's not holding a charge long enough or won't take a charge, it's 
possible to match up the same size and rated batteries.
They are all now very popular in the form of those portable auto booster 
packs -- to jump start a car with a dead battery.

For what it's worth, the gel cells, like wet cells, are 2 volts per cell 
and come in six and twelve-volt models in a range of amp-hour ratings, 
shapes and sizes.  Like auto batteries, you have to charge them 
periodically even if not used, to prevent sulfation - the stuff that 
forms between the plates and the bottom which short out the works.

As for opening the old Willard -- I've never done it.  The question is 
what might dissolve the glue without attacking the case?  One approach 
might be to use a hack saw or coping saw with a fine toothed blade and 
cut through the seam.  Then dress up the edges with sand paper or 
whatever and fashion some way to fasten the top back on.  However, 
whatever you do, be careful of the lead and other compounds in there.  
Use a dust mask and eye protection.  Another approach -- take a nice 
photo of the Willard from the side and ends.  Print it full size on 
quality paper, cut out and glue to the sides of your replacement battery 
pack with a notation "For historical accuracy, this is how the battery 
used to appear." 

I'm joking, but in a way, I'm not... ;-)

Hope this was at least somewhat helpful.
Barry



Roger Basford wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I've had a TBY-8 transceiver now for about a year and on Sunday I 
> bought two more, plus the vibrator PSU and a "Willard ER-40-4" wet 
> battery pack. The battery is long-dead but the case could be used to 
> hold two modern Dryfit 6 volt batteries - if I knew how to open the 
> old cell! I think it's a perspex-type plastic and the lid appears to 
> be glued in place. Anyone been down this road before and found a 
> suitable solvent or another method of opening the lid? Also, was this 
> a lead-acid battery? Nothing shows up on Google. The battery has a 
> brown sludgy appearance inside, perhaps lead-oxide?
>
> TIA,
>
> Roger Basford/G3VKM - Norfolk, England.
>
>