DMR Battery solution

[Marac]

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Hi there. I am very new to this forum and also to Leica cameras. I have an M8 (wifes) and I also have 2xR8 bodies, one film and one with a DMR attached. Like so many people here, I have had a nightmare trying to find a solution to this battery issue..

 

The cells used in the DMR battery are the same cells used for the M8/9 with the exception that there are 2 of them in the DMR.. If you are handy with a soldering Iron then go ahead and do that. A friend and I are now working on another way to maybe use another single 7.2v L-Ion and have the option to charge IN CAMERA, we have already built a test one that is proving to be very successful we just need to make it more attractive and finalise the tests, we still have an issue incorporating the cameras built in battery meter. I worry not about such things.. The good news is that the DMR lasted over 400 shots so far..

 

When we perfect it we will be offering this service to others so if anyone is interested please let me know.

 

Thanks

[Marac]

An update.

 

We have successfully replaced the DMR cells using the Leica M8/9 batteries.

 

I also found there was a problem with the charging circuit on my DMR Battery and that has gotten in the way of using certain ideas.

 

I am happy to say that finally I have managed to repair my DMR battery and it is working flawlessly. I will be on the lookout for another DMR battery to try and find a better solution.

 

We built a prototype unit that was 3.6A and could be charged in camera but due to the charging circuit we had to put it off and get my R8/DMR unit working.

[petermcwerner]

McAccu in Germany state they recondition DMR batteries with new cells. Price: 70 EUR per battery. Does anybody have experience with their work?

Thanks

Peter

[Marac]

Just an update really, The Battery was flawless last week and bagged 300+ shots with chimping (a few) and still had enough power left. I bottled out and put it on charge before going out next day however, it was paid assignment so had to be sure.

 

DIY - 2xM9 batts from ebay, they drop right in, exactly the same as the originals, if you can solder and have the nerve GO FOR IT, I did and I'm very pleased I did.

 

The case opening was the hardest part and it looks a bit tatty after glueing it back together but HEY, once its loaded in the DMR nobody but you will ever know.

 

I have no worry now about repairing another battery should I ever encounter one on the used market.

 

If anyone is going to try this and would like some advice please contact me.

[farnz]

These are Lithium-Ion batteries so I hope you've managed to sort out the overcharging safety circuitry.

 

Pete.

[Marac]

Yes thanks Farnz they work a treat.

[jaapv]

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What Pete means is that even if they work fine, LiIon batteries need specific circuitry to guard against overcharging. Otherwise they can catch fire or explode. I agree with him that this DIY solution does not appear to be very safe.

[Marac]

What Pete means is that even if they work fine, LiIon batteries need specific circuitry to guard against overcharging. Otherwise they can catch fire or explode. I agree with him that this DIY solution does not appear to be very safe.

 

Yes I understand this, the original battery contains such circuitry because the original batteries are also LIon. I appreciate you genuine concern but do not worry, my DIY repair is perfectly safe and has been tested. My friend Mark Barker designed PSU units for space satellites and he oversaw the whole rebuild and we are making excellent progress on building a 3A+ battery solution (with safe charging circuit)

 

Other things we have done is to build a digital sensor into a TLR with CF card slot and battery.

 

Hand held cordless 80cm softbox good for 1000 shots.. we have been doing this kind of thing for years.. some work, some don't but (touch wood) none have blown up or caused injury.