fixing the digital caliper battery drain

[fixerup]

I was looking for a 3D print project and came across this caliper battery saver. It look like simple solution , compare to some modification I have seen were they wire in and mount a micro switch. Here is the link

Caliper Battery Saver by MajorOCD | Download free STL model | Printables.com

This is a remix of https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1734129 by derailed. | Download free 3D printable STL models

www.printables.com

The print only took 8 minutes, then I had to deburr and file some edges for a proper fit and it works like a charm on my Neiko caliper, so I printed a second one.
For my mastercraft caliper I will have to design my own, the data port cover is totally different. But if you look closely the mastercraft caliper it has a 3D printed battery cover. That was my very first 3D print I did. I didn't know anything about 3D printers, CAD, file type ............ Found the STL file example in printables.com and gave it a go and it worked. That when I first fell in love with this little toy machine.

 

[Dabbler]

neat idea!

 

[slow-poke]

Something else to consider is using the silver-oxide (SR44 or 357) battery instead of the Alkaline LR44's. The silver-oxide will last much longer.

 

[Susquatch]

Something else to consider is using the silver-oxide (SR44 or 357) battery instead of the Alkaline LR44's. The silver-oxide will last much longer.

I've wondered about that before. I might give it a try.

Fundamentally though, the problem is that the early calipers didn't have an auto shut off. No matter what you put in there, it's gunna die if you don't turn it off.

 

[Perry]

If you turn off your caliper and when you turn it back on it remembers the last position, it is not off. Just the display is off and the processor is still running.

If it starts at zero when you turn it back on, the unit is actually off and the batteries will probably last longer.

http://www.fliptronics.com/tip0006.html
Has some good information on the batteries. The SR44 are good with low power over long times, flatter discharge curve.


This thread might be interesting. (It was a black hole I fell into on evening...lol)
https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.c...gital-caliper-princess-auto.7141/#post-106435

Usually the calipers with the auto off are only turning off the display and remember the last position. The calipers that need you to manually turn them off, are actually being turned off.


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[ChazzC]

Interesting concept, but since I rarely use my non-Mitutoyo's it's easier to remove the battery and store it in the hole provided in the box liner (and no mods to the caliper head).

Yes, my permanently installed Center-Measuring Point Caliper in its customized case.

 

[Jswain]

I must have hit the lotto with my cheap master craft because the battery in it last year's and years.

 

[FatherWes]

This is a great idea. I had a Starrett electronic caliper. It was a very nice piece. But useless. The batteries wouldn’t last a month and required removal of 3 tiny Philips head screws to remove. A simple on/off would have made all the difference.

 

[whydontu]

Because I’m cheap, and don’t have a 3d printer, wouldn’t a piece of stiff nylon or acrylic do the same job as the slider?

 

[fixerup]

I usually pick up my 357 battery pack from the dollar store, maybe that explains why they don't last. They usually last about 6 month to a year, it's not bad. I was just looking for something to 3D print and this one was quick to print and install. I have read some complaining that their calipers would quickly drain batteries and went to the trouble of installing switches to completely isolate their batteries. I thought this quick 3D print might help some with this issues. Yes a stiff plastic carved to the right profile would probably work.