Note to self: Don't step on eGo batteries

[Victor Frankenstein]

I somehow managed to drop my eGo in the lawn and apparently it was stepped on. It popped it apart between the button and the battery case.

There are two wires which go from the battery to a small board behind the button. One of these wires got yanked out of the board. It looks like a fairly simple solder job to fix.

I keep seeing PVs that say "solder free". What is the reason for this? Is it because solder sometimes contains lead?

I'm pretty sure this eGo can be repaired, but I'd like to know the worry behind solder first.

 

[notsoogood]

Hubby says there's nothing to worry about. Just fix it!!

 

[Raenon]

Solder can be made leadfree, I think the bigger selling point is that solder-free means that it's purely mechanical, and theoretically is simpler. Simpler theoretically means less prone to problems.

Obviously, there are different opinions from all over, but that's the basic concept.

 

[notsoogood]

Once the solder cools it is a solid. Unless you plan on licking it I don't see a problem!

 

[Victor Frankenstein]

Once the solder cools it is a solid. Unless you plan on licking it I don't see a problem!

That's what I thought as well. You'd have to suck REALLY hard to pull lead off solder.

I just didn't know if there was something else about it.

I'm going to see if I can get my solder tip inside that little space and fix this bugger.

 

[Victor Frankenstein]

Oh man, tight fit for the solder iron tip, solder and the little wire. Fixed it though.

Interesting thing; when you reconnect the battery the LED flashes 3 times.

 

[ScatRD]

The LED flash is probably the shut off regulator, it keeps you from draining the battery too low and causing damage to the cell.
Usually this is around 4.2vt per cell unless it's a mil-spec battery which usually cut off at 3.95 which gives a bit more use but shortens the life of the battery.

I can't say this as fact since I haven't had one apart.