Big Beam Model 700

[lemlux]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20760&item=2071287954&rd=1

When I bought this light I guessed that its very large battery department was for a 24 volt bulb with 4 batteries connected in serial. (See the picture of the 4-battery connector pad.)

Today I talked to Frank Drew at Big Beam who advised that this is actually a 6V light designed for 4 very large cylindrical NIDA # 905 1.5 V screw terminal batteries. These large batteries were primarily used to ignite model airplane engines. I remember them from the 1950's and will see if they are still made and sold.

 

[Kirk]

lemlux,
Eveready has an alkaline version, # EN6. 52,000 MAH capacity! They get kind of spendy though. I paid about $10 each 2 years ago. I bought mine from Ralph's of Lafayette, www.ralphselectronics.com . It appears they have stock, but they cost $13.27 each now. Radio Shack can get the carbon-zinc as a special order, but they cost even more as I recall.
Kirk

 

[lemlux]

Kirk:

Thanks.

I just looked up the EN6 and see that is it has a 68 mm diameter, 170 mm overall height and weighs 17.1 oz.

The highest current drain for which EN6 specs are published is 450 mA. The battery will run at 450 mA for 90 hours before dropping to 0.9 V.

I can't imagine why someone would buy the carbon zinc for more money.

I doubt if I'll stay with the original bulb or battery arrangement. At least I know I have a 6V bulb in the light to begin with.