Deagostini R2-D2 - Buying R2-D2 s Batteries; Button-Top vs Flat-Top Batteries

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Read this section very carefully before buying batteries for R2-D2.
Buying R2-D2’s batteries:
Essential information
‘Button-top’ batteries. ‘Flat-top’ batteries.
R2-D2 is designed to use rechargeable 18650 lithium
ion (Li-ion) batteries, installed in the battery box
provided. You will need to buy six. This type of battery
is made by many leading electronics companies –
such as LG, Panasonic, Samsung or Sony – as well as
less well-known brands. They are widely available
online, and in some retail outlets. Popular uses
include powering e-cigarettes, ashlights, digital
devices, and even some e-cars, such as Tesla.
It is essential to note that the specication of 18650
batteries varies, so the ones you buy must match the
specications in the panel on page 3.
Some 18650 batteries have one end terminal
raised (like a regular battery), but others have both
ends at. As a safety measure, R2-D2’s battery box is
designed so that the button-top type with a raised
terminal only make contact when they are tted into
the battery box the correct way round. Batteries with
at ends will not make contact and cannot be used in
R2-D2.
It is quite common to nd batteries that include
internal protection circuitry. Do not buy the type
described as ‘protected’, as R2-D2 has his own
protection circuit.
Make sure you buy batteries with a nominal voltage of
3.7V (it is rare to nd ones in R2-D2’s that don`t match
this). But note that their capacity – in milliamp hours
(mAh) – can vary; typically from 1250 to 3600mAh, or
even more. You need batteries with a capacity of at least
2000mAh, but we recommend ones between
2600-2800mAh. The higher the capacity, the longer
R2-D2’s standby/operating time, but the batteries will
take longer to charge fully.
You may nd batteries describes as ‘high drain’/’high
discharge’ (intended for use in high-power applications
such as power tools or vaping devices). These are ne to
use, so long as they are the right voltage (3.7V). R2-D2’s
battery box has protection circuitry that will ensure that
the cells are only drained at the correct rate.