Make a 12V Battery Pack With AA Batteries

Save money by making your own 12V battery pack from AA batteries. This power source can be used to power small devices such as radios. This can come in handy for your next camping trip, or in the event of a power outage.

Step 1 - Purchase the Required Material

Go to an electronics supply store, or a hardware store, in order to purchase eight 1.5V AA sized batteries. You will need eight because all together they will equal one 12V battery (1.5 × 8 = 12). You also need to purchase a battery pack kit. The kit, when assembled, will provide you with the components necessary to create your new power source.

Step 2 - Review Assembly Instructions

Review the assembly instructions for the battery pack. Be sure to check the kit to make sure that all of the parts that are needed for the assembly are included, and that all of the pieces appear to be in good condition. If any of the parts provided in the battery pack kit are damaged, the kit will need to be replaced.

Once you match the parts to the kit with the assembly instructions for the battery pack, set the parts in order of assembly in order to prepare for its construction.

Step 3 - Assemble Battery Pack

Assemble the battery pack in accordance with the instructions provided. The battery pack should contain a storage compartment for you to place the AA batteries inside. Place them in the compartment.

If the battery pack has a tester light, this should turn on and appear green. This indicates that the battery pack has been properly assembled and is ready to be used.

Step 4 - Attach 12V Battery Pack to an Electronic Item

You will need to attach the 12V battery pack to the electronic device that you are planning on using it with. You may have to do this manually. If so, ensure that the device is powered to prevent injury. You may want to consider wearing safety gloves to further prevent injury.

Use a screwdriver and a wire cutter to trim back the wires for the battery pack and the corresponding wire with the device. Join the wires together, matching the positive (red) and negative (black) wires together. Use small wire connectors to join the wires and apply electrician’s black tape over them. This will prevent a short circuit from occurring as a result of this process.

Step 5 - Test the Electronic Device

The electronic device can now be turned on to see if the 12V battery pack supplies power for its operation. If all of the instructions were followed correctly, you should be able to turn the electronic device on and power it with the battery pack. Try going over the steps again or using another electronic device if the one you are using will not power on. Otherwise, the problem lies in a faulty component.

You now have a portable power source that you can take anywhere. You will be the envy of your friends during your next camping trip!