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Questions about Meow Toast battery replacement
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-11-07 22:31:06
Funny thing though...

www.ebay.co.uk

1/2AA 3V VARTA Battery L14250 CR14250 AXIAL LEADS TAGS CR1/2AA | eBay

TYPE: 1/2 AA,R6 ,LS-14250, L14250, CR14250, CR1/2AA. VARTA Lithium Battery. With Axial Leads. MADE IN GERMANY.
www.ebay.co.uk

This is what I put in my SE.
Posted by: Renegade on 2023-11-08 00:28:03
I bought about twenty of the black and silver EEMB batteries (ER34615 in 2013) via eBay and to date have had no problems with them. Even if ten years is still too early to judge their reliability... I'm slightly off-topic, but I think the EEMB brand can indeed be trusted.
Posted by: bigmessowires on 2023-11-08 08:47:39
The black and silver EEMB batteries are not Li-MnO2, they're the same Li-SOCl2 chemistry as all the original battery-bombs. Personally I would not use those unless you're committed to checking and replacing them on a regular schedule.
Posted by: bigmessowires on 2023-11-08 10:27:47
While we're discussing battery replacements, what do people recommend for replacing 4.5V batteries? Do these really need to be 4.5V or will something less work? You could substitute 3x 1.5V alkaline batteries but then you'd be creating a new battery bomb.
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-11-08 10:29:57
While we're discussing battery replacements, what do people recommend for replacing 4.5V batteries? Do these really need to be 4.5V or will something less work? You could substitute 3x 1.5V alkaline batteries but then you'd be creating a new battery bomb.
I actually run my P630s and 6500s without a battery.

I have a shortcut to the Mouse, SetDate and Memory control panels in startup items, although there are better ways to deal with this - tools that set most PRAM settings during boot.
Posted by: Fizzbinn on 2023-11-08 10:33:25
While we're discussing battery replacements, what do people recommend for replacing 4.5V batteries? Do these really need to be 4.5V or will something less work? You could substitute 3x 1.5V alkaline batteries but then you'd be creating a new battery bomb.

I use the same 3V Lithium batteries in my Macs that originally had 4.5V Alkaline batteries. Thread on this here:

Rayovac 4.5 battery replacement hack

I’ve previously used a 3 AAA battery holder to replace the dead Rayovac 4.5v “Computer Clock Battery” in a couple of my Macs. After some chat discussions I thought I’d try something different for my Performa 575, especially after noticing that in the Macintosh LC 520/550/575 Service Source doc...
68kmla.org 68kmla.org
Posted by: bigmessowires on 2023-11-08 13:17:23
I should have saved the dead 4.5V battery case and connector, but no biggie. So 3V actually works? That seems a little bit surprising, but is good news.
Posted by: volvo242gt on 2023-11-08 13:45:57
@tt those button cells were likely either alkaline or silver-oxide, both of which will leak, as evidenced by many older film cameras having corrosion in their battery chambers. With devices that use two 1.5 volt 357 (or PX76) style batteries, a better option is the CR 1/3N battery. Doesn't leak. For AA and AAA batteries, the Energizer lithium batteries are the best, but are rather expensive.
Posted by: justin_r on 2025-10-10 03:45:00
Is the MeowToast just not available built for purchase anymore? I had bought a bunch years ago and just ran out. The Etsy seller I got mine from apparently doesn't make them anymore and I don't see anywhere else that sells them built. I know I can download the gerber etc etc but I'd much rather just get them made and spend my time on more interesting problems.
Posted by: Siliconinsider on 2025-10-10 05:24:53
I make the MacBatt, but shipping to the US is a bit problematic at the moment.
Posted by: justin_r on 2025-10-10 05:33:24
I make the MacBatt, but shipping to the US is a bit problematic at the moment.
Yeah, sorry for not specifying it has to be US suppliers. I'd be ordering a bunch of stuff from you in normal times. So ridiculous.
Posted by: Breathing on 2025-10-11 00:53:03
Is the MeowToast just not available built for purchase anymore? I had bought a bunch years ago and just ran out. The Etsy seller I got mine from apparently doesn't make them anymore and I don't see anywhere else that sells them built. I know I can download the gerber etc etc but I'd much rather just get them made and spend my time on more interesting problems.
Hi Justin,
How many would you need, and by when? I’ll be visiting family in California at the end of November, and I can bring a handful of my version of the CR2032 battery holder with me:
https://www.printables.com/model/61...2032-adapter-for-apple-macin/comments/1664171

I still have a few extras that I’m not using since my entire collection is now equipped with this solution, and I’m nearly done updating the rest.
If you don't have a 3D printer I can also print the housing for you.
Posted by: justin_r on 2025-10-11 01:40:13
Hi Justin,
How many would you need, and by when? I’ll be visiting family in California at the end of November, and I can bring a handful of my version of the CR2032 battery holder with me:
https://www.printables.com/model/61...2032-adapter-for-apple-macin/comments/1664171

I still have a few extras that I’m not using since my entire collection is now equipped with this solution, and I’m nearly done updating the rest.
If you don't have a 3D printer I can also print the housing for you.
That's very kind of you. I picked up a dozen or so old Macs recently and have been going through them pulling batteries etc. In the past I've swapped in 2032 replacements right away but I'm thinking now I might just clean up this batch and send them on their way as is. A lot of parts availability has gone out the window because of my country's goofy tariff policies. I'll let you know soon if I'm keeping them and will take you up on it or if I'm just unloading everything at the VCF swap meet next week.
Posted by: is2scooby on 2025-10-11 08:48:36
I make the MacBatt, but shipping to the US is a bit problematic at the moment.
I have a couple of those (and a host of other things) in my cart in your Tindie store waiting for the tariff silliness to pass allowing you to ship to the US again. 🙂
Posted by: Siliconinsider on 2025-10-11 09:14:41
As soon as La Poste have a solution for us to ship, fingers crossed!
Posted by: campbellashe on 2025-11-04 18:35:44
Are there any US based equivalents as we wait for the Tariff issue to resolve? $50 shipping from France is hard for an item that is $2.99.
Posted by: Siliconinsider on 2025-11-04 19:03:29
At least, for my products, federate a group order to share shipping could be a solution. I am not happy to have to charge that much for shipping, this is my cheapest option actual cost 🙁
Posted by: Breathing on 2025-11-06 09:59:24
That's very kind of you. I picked up a dozen or so old Macs recently and have been going through them pulling batteries etc. In the past I've swapped in 2032 replacements right away but I'm thinking now I might just clean up this batch and send them on their way as is. A lot of parts availability has gone out the window because of my country's goofy tariff policies. I'll let you know soon if I'm keeping them and will take you up on it or if I'm just unloading everything at the VCF swap meet next week.
How was VCF swap? I’ll be leaving for the U.S. in two weeks, in case you’re still interested. Just to clarify, these aren’t the MacBatt but my handmade versions, and I want to make it clear that I have no intention of competing with or taking any business away from Siliconinsider.

If the ones I’m not using could be of any help to you, I’d be happy to send you the 8 units I have left (I’m not entirely sure how shipping works over there, though!).
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