New life for GloBee fireplugs

[bill bischoff]

I have determined that two sub C Ni-Cd or Ni-MH cells will fit in a GloBee Fireplug in place of the 2 volt, 5Ah sealed lead acid cell. The sub C cells are also available in a variety of capacities, including 5Ah. It is not essential to have 5Ah, however. The capacity merely determines how often they will need to be charged. When wired in series two Sub C's put out 2.4 volts, which is easily tamed by the GloBee's standard rheostat. A pair of sub C's will cost less than $10, while a replacement lead acid cell will be at least $20. I also like the fact that Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries will peak charge with an appropriate charger, which I think will give them a longer service life. Try it next time your GloBee Fireplug needs a new battery. An added bonus racing pitmen will enjoy, this conversion takes 9 ounces off the weight of the stock unit.

[Dan McEntee]

  That is what I intend to do with mine, after getting one of your units. The Cyclin 2volt, 5 amp battery is such a tight fit in the battery case, and I like the better cost also. There were some vendors at the AirVenture convention in Oshkosh that would have some good deals on the Cyclon batteries, but I haven't been back there in a few years. Your unit works very well, but there is something nice and nostalgic about using the Fireplug every now and then!!
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[BillLee]

I have determined that two sub C Ni-Cd or Ni-MH cells will fit in a GloBee Fireplug in place of the 2 volt, 5Ah sealed lead acid cell. The sub C cells are also available in a variety of capacities, including 5Ah. It is not essential to have 5Ah, however. The capacity merely determines how often they will need to be charged. When wired in series two Sub C's put out 2.4 volts, which is easily tamed by the GloBee's standard rheostat. A pair of sub C's will cost less than $10, while a replacement lead acid cell will be at least $20. I also like the fact that Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries will peak charge with an appropriate charger, which I think will give them a longer service life. Try it next time your GloBee Fireplug needs a new battery. An added bonus racing pitmen will enjoy, this conversion takes 9 ounces off the weight of the stock unit.

What is the arrangement? Vertical stack? Side-by-side?

Just bought a new Cyclon battery for my Globee, so not directly in the market (yet. Maybe in 5-10 years when this one finally fails).

[bill bischoff]

Upright, side by side. Here are some photos. The battery pack was cannibalized from a six cell RC car pack. This is usually cheaper than buying loose cells, and you get the black plastic end caps. The end caps are just barely too wide to fit in the case, so they were trimmed off a bit. The assembled pack is installed upside down as this helps with the wire routing and placement.