Trilobite batteries

[u3b3rg33k]

So everything I see about DIY battery packs says you can't fit two built with sub-C batteries, since they're too thick. It would appear that a few 3rd parties have started selling them:

$60ea (2200mAh) http://www.bigupbattery.com/Electrolux- ... pb1107.htm
$45ea (2200mAh) http://www.batterybay.net/Battery-for-E ... t110vx.htm

Seems to me the sub-C batteries are all around 3200-3800mAh, so that would imply that these are built with smaller cells, meaning one should be able to fit two packs. At these prices, I figure it's cheaper than me DIYing it, and if I can fit two, so much the better.

Has anyone tried random 3rd party batteries? Seems electrolux won't replace them (they've had mine for the last three months! I just called for an update and they'll get back to me).

[vespaman]

About 1,5 years ago, I ordered new batteries from a german company, http://www.newtec.de (I'm in Sweden, so not too far).
Those batteries where 3400mAh, a little bit too fat, so the lid of the battery compartment looks a bit swollen. But they have been working great. They are pretty expensive though, almost double the price of the 2200.

Tomorrow morning, I'm picking up my second trilobite (used) for my basement, and I am pretty sure the batteries will need replacement, so I'm considering the 2200mAh ones for the new one.

[u3b3rg33k]

What kind of runtime do you see now? I'm curious, I figure the robot may be pre-programmed to assume the batteries are of 2.2Ah capacity (as I'm told the neato's are), but if not, the run time may be improved substantially.

Assuming the former is the case, the only advantage to a higher capacity pack would be longer cycle life (less % DoD).

I'm going to try out the 2.2Ah pack as I want it to fit perfectly.

[vespaman]

I don't know actually. I would guess something like 40 minutes each pack. The trilobite only changes to the next battery pack when the Voltage goes below a certain level.
The area is easily covered within one charge now, which is what is important in my house, since the room furthest away is a bit tricky to get to for the Trilobite.

I actually bought two used (good shape) ZA2 last week-end instead of one, and tonight I ordered 4 packs of 2200mAh from UK ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replacement-battery-for-Elektrolux-Trilobite-ZA2-2200mAh-CE-RoHS-/300733804534?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_Batteries_SM&hash=item460521aff6 for them, since they will anyway service simpler areas.
According to the pictures, it is the same batteries that you have on your pictures.

[newmom]

The Trilobibite battery is available now through batterybay.com






Battery for Elektrolux Trilobite, Trilobite ZA1, Trilobite ZA2



$43.79 which includes shipping. That sounds like a very good deal to me? I didn't realize there was even a place to get them. Does anyone see any reason that I shouldn't buy this? I assume this is the right battery?