Using Dead Batteries to Test for Dead Batteries -- Episode 571

Dead battery? That's a matter of perspective! Instead of recycling coin cell batteries when their time is due, I will put them to good use and show you a secret feature of a Raspberry Pi Pico - and what sets it apart from other microcontrollers. Let's use the dead batteries to check for dead batteries, so I never have to doubt the battery again! I'll end up with a nifty box to keep my batteries organised, tested, and ready to use!

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Code and 3D Models

Episode 571 Resources

Bill of Materials

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Raspberry Pi Pico	RASPBERRY PI	1	Buy Now
0.96" I2C Display	MIDAS	1	Buy Now
10k resistor	MULTICOMP PRO	1	Buy Now
IN4007 diode	NTE ELECTRONICS	1	Buy Now
CR2032 battery holder	MULTICOMP PRO	1	Buy Now
Switch	OMRON	1	Buy Now

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beacon_dave over 2 years ago

Perhaps you could use Karen's 'juicer' to extend the life of those dead batteries even further?

/challenges-projects/element14-presents/thelearningcircuit/w/documents/4041/the-learning-circuit-39-inductor-project-battery-juicer
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notenoughtech over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

Oh, that's neat. I wonder how low the battery could go and still provide enough joules to power the tester and reach 1.8V
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notenoughtech over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

Oh, that's neat. I wonder how low the battery could go and still provide enough joules to power the tester and reach 1.8V
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beacon_dave over 2 years ago in reply to notenoughtech

If you check out John's comment:

/challenges-projects/element14-presents/thelearningcircuit/w/documents/4041/the-learning-circuit-39-inductor-project-battery-juicer?CommentId=06408919-8975-4aa5-9223-759ed4e5d4a6

he managed to get the circuit it to operate down to 0.6 volts with a 2N2222 and suggests even down to 0.2 volts by substituting it with a germanium device.

If your battery slot can accommodate two coin batteries in series, then that may be another way to extend the life of the dead battery.
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notenoughtech over 2 years ago in reply to beacon_dave

that's a material for "testing dead batteries with even more dead batteries" follow up
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