Battery Adapter - Convert AA size to D size Battery

[phosphor]

Is anyone aware of a battery adapter to convert a AA size battery to a D size battery that will work in a D cell Maglite ?
Thanks in advance for any help....and perhaps suggestions how to get the benefits of lithium batteries for my D call Maglite.

- regards

 

[42]

Funny you should ask. I just bought a set of Eneloop batteries http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-Eneloop-Battery-Charger-Batteries/dp/B00198BF9W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1217188444&sr=8-6 from Amazon. It came with the charger 8 AAs 2 AAAs AND 4 each of AA to C adapters and AA to D adapters.

Mark

 

[Lynx_Arc]

I made some 4AA to D cell adapters using nylon bolts I cut off the ends and screwed nuts over fender washers. I used a slice from an inner tube to hold the cells in place it is crude for sure but you can do 2,3,or 4 cells if space permits it. I don't see why there isn't a $3 3AA parallel to D convertor for sale that looks just like the 3AAA battery cartridges in flashlights. I could love to have a dozen of them to use in 8D lanterns and radios and stuff where the runtime of a single AA is not enough but rechargable D cells are more expensive and harder to manage for occasional use

 

[Mr_Light]

I use the DX AA to D adapters in Maglites by bending the tail spring so the spring crosses the center of the battery. The spring will then work for any size battery.

 

[Flying Turtle]

I've seen adapter sets at WalMart in the photo section. I think the brand was "Digital Concepts". Seems like it came with 4 AA rechargeables.

Geoff

 

[LEDninja]

1.5V AA to 1.5V D
http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/...html?SP_id=&osCsid=huov1jd711cp96d7u7j3s9d9g7
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3228
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=2744
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=2710
2xAA to 1.5V D
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7031
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=2676
3AA to 4.5V D
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=2723

 

[gswitter]

4AA->D parallel adapters - may require some fiddling, but they're very handy!

 

[kirby]

1.5V AA to 1.5V D

3AA to 4.5V D
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=2723

Hi
Are you sure that it is 3AA to 4.5V D and not 1.5V D?

I can't find any clarification on KD's web site on that.

 

[Mr Happy]

Are you sure that it is 3AA to 4.5V D and not 1.5V D?

I can't find any clarification on KD's web site on that.

Yes it is 3AA to 4.5 V D. I have previously bought some of them. Be aware though, that they have "lightweight" construction and have about a 0.3 volt drop at 1 amp draw. Some custom resistance mods are helpful to improve performance.

If you look closely at the pictures you can see how they are constructed.

 

[kirby]

4AA->D parallel adapters - may require some fiddling, but they're very handy!

How is the quality of construction for this one? Better then DX and KD's adapters?

What fiddling is needed for this one? The diameter with cells inserted is larger then D size?

Shipping cost for this one is high to overseas destination ....

Thanks.

 

[gswitter]

How is the quality of construction for this one?

Decent

Better then DX and KD's adapters?

No idea. I've read enough comments about the quality (the resistance, specifically) of the DX and KD adapters, that I've never bothered to order any. Aren't the DX and KD offerings series adapters? The Aventrade adapters are the only parallel options I've come across.

What fiddling is needed for this one? The diameter with cells inserted is larger then D size?

The holes in the top that are intended for the positive terminal buttons of the AA cells are a little too small and cause contact issues with some cells (Eneloops, for example). You can fix this by opening the holes with a Dremel, adding solder blobs, using magnets, etc, but the adapters might not work for your application out of the box. The diameter of the cells (even that of the porky Eneloops) isn't a problem for the adapter, but one of these adapters with four larger cells probably won't fit in a Mag D tube.

 

[kirby]

but one of these adapters with four larger cells probably won't fit in a Mag D tube.

If you only put three AA cells in, would it fit a Mag D tube?

 

[gswitter]

If you only put three AA cells in, would it fit a Mag D tube?

Yup. 4x will work in Mag D, if they are thinner cells. But with thicker cells (like Eneloops), you have to leave one bay empty. I've used these adapters in other applications, and 4x Eneloops are fine, but Mag D tubes are a little to snug.

 

[Photon Joe]

I have had good results using the standard 1 AA > D adapters by placing a coin (25 cents)
on the bottom so that the spring has plenty of metal to contact.
I guess that a small circle of tin or other metal that is easy to cut to size would do as well, the spring tension holds it in place easily.

 

[phosphor]

Yup. 4x will work in Mag D, if they are thinner cells. But with thicker cells (like Eneloops), you have to leave one bay empty. I've used these adapters in other applications, and 4x Eneloops are fine, but Mag D tubes are a little to snug.

I appreciate your thorough explanation !

Photon Joe :
I have had good results using the standard 1 AA > D adapters by placing a coin (25 cents)
on the bottom so that the spring has plenty of metal to contact.
I guess that a small circle of tin or other metal that is easy to cut to size would do as well, the spring tension holds it in place easily.

Good tip Joe....thanks !

- regards