BATTERY PACK
The new battery tray size is actually a better fit for the batteries in their new configuration
than what I had, previously. I am running a 14.4V system, which requires 12 cells. This pack
is constructed using 12 NiMH 3000mAh Sub-C batteries. I will be constructing two more backup
packs using the Sub-C NiCd cells that came out of the same cordless drills that the motors came
from.
What you cannot see in this image is an inner lining in the tray, cut and folded from a cereal
box. This lining is a protective measure to prevent shorts in the event the shrink wrap
around the batteries becomes compromised. It will also help prevent the shrink wrap from
becoming compromised.
UPDATE: Yet another modification. I did not like the wires coming off the side of the battery
tray, so I modified the battery pack to make the wires come out the middle. This is an
improvement on more than one account as it provides better support for the wires, internally,
to prevent detachment due to vibration, and also provides a more direct and secure route for
the wires to reach the motor controllers (not to mention shorter). I hate wasting material,
such as heat shrink tubing, but this modification was worthwhile. I now know how I need to
construct the two back-up battery packs using the Sub-C NiCd batteries.