Blackweb BT Speaker from Wally World

So I got a BT speaker from Wally World today. It's the "Blackweb Rugged Bluetooth Speaker, IPX5 Splash Proof" for $15.

• Blackweb Rugged Bluetooth Speaker allows you to easily enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, audio books and other media content
• Portable and rugged design features an IPX5 splash proof rating so you can use it at the park, on the beach or on a camping trip
• Expertly engineered to deliver superior sound quality
• 2 hours of charging time provides up to 7 hours of listening time or 1,500 hours of standby time
• Leverages Bluetooth technology so you can easily DJ from your smartphone, tablet or other personal electronic device
• Integrated carabiner clip allows you to hang the speaker

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It's plenty loud and it is indeed pretty rugged designed with nice rubber coating around it.

Ok, ok, ok. Enough with the advertisement, time to get into the meat!!

So I took this thing apart, naturally!! I was hoping it had an 18650 in it so I could upgrade it to 3000+mAh cell and get more than twice the run time. After cracking it open, come to find out it has an 18500 cell! UGH!!!!
Apparently from what I've found through some quick google-foo, I only found up to 2000mAh cells, by Panasonic. At least it's a good brand. There's loads of other labels with lower capacities, but not interested in any of those.

The one that comes in the speaker is the 1500mAh cell. So 2000mAh would be 25% boost, not a bad jump in run time. Buuut, I want more!!!

I'll need to crack it back open and re-examine the space, as I might be able to put a second 18500 on the other side of the case, if the pcb isn't in the way. (I'll also include some pictures, too). This would allow me to parallel them and get 270% the run time as I would put 2x 2000mAh cells in

Another thought I had was putting a Lipo cell in there, it would go under the speaker on the "back" side of the case. Though, the space is limited to about 50x50mm and maybe 4mm thick. Not sure if there are any lipos in that range with sufficient power. Plus, not sure what to search for for that size. Any ideas?

And, does anyone know of any 18500's that are more than 2000mAh? (and not the 2040mAh cells out there )

It doesn't sound like you have a lot of real estate in there. (Pun not intended)

I doubt you could get a LiPo that size with much more than about 1000mah.You might be able to squeeze two to four of these in.

Thnx Geek. 24mm would work, but at 5mm thick, I'd only get 2 in there. But thanks for the suggestion.

When I get back home this afternoon, I'll break it back down and take some photos with the calipers.

Korishan said:

Thnx Geek. 24mm would work, but at 5mm thick, I'd only get 2 in there. But thanks for the suggestion.

When I get back home this afternoon, I'll break it back down and take some photos with the calipers.

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That is the thinnest LiPo from a reputable supplier that I am aware of. Maybe you could buy one and see. It may be slightly under or slightly over. Say its 4.5mm you may be able to chisel out enough space to hold it. If it's 5.5mm your probably dead in the water.

I really don't think they make anything thinner. Or at least with any meaningful capacity.

Thanks.

I haven't gotten back to this because I've been fevered over the weekend Hopefully I'll be back to normal tomorrow.