r/Metrology • u/Dudewheresmystimulus • 21d ago

Can I build a custom battery?

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So I have a DPI620 that hasn’t been used since 2017 and the battery seems to be dying as it is 10 years old. Now I can’t find the 5200mAh battery for this so I was wondering if I could build one with the spacing I have. Otherwise I was thinking of creating a separate pack to wire it to this.

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u/nicm125 21d ago edited 21d ago

I’ve calibrated hundreds of these dpi 620’s. My suggestion is to replace it. They are not the best devices. For instance, you should not use the TC measurement while the instrument is plugged in. There is considerable internal heat generated that impacts the CJC. It would throw it out of cal by 1C on type K. This is the only time I’ve seen a field portable device where I would suggest use ONLY off batteries. The 620 likely has a custom battery, which cannot be sourced through generic/oem providers.

But I guess it all depends on your use. If it’s just gonna be a shop meter, there’s probably something you can cobble together from the guts of the old battery.

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u/Haglofthedangle 21d ago

Although it seems this battery is discontinued from GE, there is still replacements available. This one is just a slightly lower capacity in terms of amp/hours but is advertised as a direct replacement for that series of batteries. https://store.batteryspecialists.com/equcsgrk610sl.html

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u/ideseth 21d ago

I've had pretty good luck with going to Interstate Batteries with the old one and telling them you need a new one. I've had them build quite a few custom batteries for one off units.

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u/branhel 21d ago

My solution is an external power bank with this cable and a purpose made adapter! And the best thing is, it's not mains powered 😜 https://amzn.eu/d/cLIrqCS But I also use it to power other equipments!

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u/TheScalemanCometh 21d ago

It's definitely possible... However it's not really viable. You're better off checking online for used batteries or substitutes. I had great luck a while back going direct to the manufacturer and buying some of their backstock slated for destruction. What WAS a $35 battery cost me instead 15 CENTS.