Dummy Batteries: Where to Buy?

[lemlux]

Once upon a time I had 2 D cell dummies that came with a 1981 12 V portable JVC portable 5" or 6" color TV that accomodated either 8 alkalines plus 2 dummies or 10 NICADs.

I also had one or two AA dummies that came with some electronic product or another.

Today I have no dummies and don't know where to go to get them. (Actually I have some nesting battery conversion kits which I could stuff full of tin foil [how old do you have to be to say "tin foil" instead of "aluminum foil"?], but that wouldn't provide reliable, low resistance contact.)

Where does one find battery dummies?

(Klaus and Silviron have almost shamed me into using dummies in a DB 6AA rather than mixing battery types in a DB 4AA)

 

[txwest]

Easiest thing to do is make it. Take an old battery, put a piece of electrical tape on the Pos end, then wrap it in foil. TX

 

[lemlux]

TXwst:

What if your battery chamber tolerances are so tight that a dead battery wrapped in foil won't fit?

 

[lemlux]

txwst:

In spite of what I said in the first post, I rolled up some foil and crunched it into an AAA to AA adapter. I then taped it shut so it wouldn't pop open. I get an almost perfect reading on a continuity check, so I think I'll run with this lighter weight dummy.

 

[txwest]

I haven't seen a AAA to AA adapter, but this does sound like a much lighter weight solution then the wrapped battery. TX

 

[lemlux]

TxWst:

Imagine a clear or translucent plastic Easter Egg that snaps together in the center.

Now morph the egg into the shape of an AA battery. Place a metal positive nipple receiver on the top inside and a recessed metal surface for the base of an AAA battery at the bottom. If you put an AAA in the receiver, it fits perfectly. I was able to make a slightly oversize aluminum foil roll in the center which compressed to a firm fit. It is much lighter than a battery.

I had no idea that a $1.25 adapter set would be so useful and versatile.

Plug AAA to AA (Use as AA dummy)

Plug AA or A to C (Can use A rechargeables in C devices. Also can use as part of a charging fixture for A and 4/3 A batteries) This adapter has no bottom connector because AA and C batteries are 50.5 and 50 mm tall, respectively. It doesn't make a good dummy.

Plug C to D (Can use C batteries in D devices or make D dummy.)

When I bought 5, I only imagined I would adapt an AA to a D to match batteries with the 3AA D Cell sized battery packs I've ordered. (The hobby shop guy ran away to a trade show in Vegas all last week after saying He'd be finished last Tuesday.)

Plug C into D.