Frequently Asked Questions

Re-cell basics

What is battery re-cell?

Re-cell replaces the worn-out cells inside a battery pack with brand-new ones. The battery's enclosure, circuitry and display are kept, and the old cells are sent for recycling. It works for lithium-ion, NiMH and NiCd batteries.

Why re-cell instead of buying new?

• Cost: a re-cell is often about half the price of a comparable new gold mount or V-mount battery.
• Performance: with today's cells, a re-celled battery often has more capacity than it did when it was new.
• Less e-waste: the enclosure and electronics stay in service, and the old cells are recycled into new battery materials.

Why do batteries wear out?

Battery cells are inherently consumable. Every charge cycle slowly raises their internal resistance and reduces their capacity. Factors such as heat, long storage at full or empty charge, and age all accelerate aging to varying degrees. Eventually the cells in a battery fail, even though its circuitry is still fine.

Is a re-celled battery safe?

Safety comes first. Every battery is performance-tested after re-cell service is completed, including checks that the protection cutoffs in its circuitry work properly.

This isn't DIY work: lithium-ion cells can be dangerous to handle without the right equipment and procedures, so we don't recommend opening battery packs yourself.

Will my battery's display and circuitry still work?

Yes. The original circuitry and display are kept and tested with the new cells. The one exception is the Hytron 50 upgrade: it's converted to lithium with new circuitry, so it gets a new display and a new serial number.

Capacity & warranty

What's the difference between Basic, Standard and Max?

They use different grades of new cells. Basic meets or beats the battery's original capacity, Standard adds more, and Max gives the most runtime. Each option's guaranteed minimum capacity and price is shown on the Order Service page, and Max is usually the best value per watt-hour.

What does "guaranteed minimum capacity" mean?

It's the lowest capacity a battery in that option is allowed to measure. Every battery is load-tested at a certain discharge rate before it ships (usually 5 Amps), and most come in about 10% above the guarantee.

Why are PAG options named PL94 and PL150?

PAG's own naming is used so the options are easy to recognize, and PAG names its batteries by nominal rating. A re-celled PL94 (or PL96) is about 110 Wh nominal, and a PL150 about 150 Wh. The guaranteed minimum shown for each option, 98 Wh and 125 Wh, is what the battery must actually measure before it ships.

What kind of cells do you use?

We exclusively utilize genuine cells from established manufacturers including EVE, Panasonic, and PKCell. Specific cell models are chosen for their above-average cycle life, so your battery goes as long as possible before it needs another re-cell.

Doesn't longer-lasting cells mean less repeat business for you?

That's kind of true... oops! There are no investors here demanding profit at the expense of quality. The mission is simply to reduce waste.

Is there a warranty?

Yes. Every re-cell includes a 1-year warranty covering the re-cell work.

Ordering & pricing

How do I order?

Use the Order Service page: choose your battery or charger, pick an option, and send the request. You'll get an email right away with your summary and shipping instructions. Nothing is charged until the work is done.

When do I pay?

An invoice is sent once the work is done, before your order ships back. NY sales tax (8.875%) applies to all orders, and return shipping is added to the invoice.

How long does it take?

Most common batteries are done in 2–5 business days after they arrive. Specialty batteries, Cine VCLX packs and chargers can take closer to 4–7 business days. Very large orders may take longer; feel free to ask and we will give you a better idea for your individual order.

What if my battery isn't listed?

Choose Other on the Order Service page and tell us what's on the label. You'll get a quote before you send anything.

Which batteries can't you service?

We wish we could fix every battery under the sun. However the reality is that there are some constraints.

• Anton Bauer Digital 90, 150 and 190, and Cine 150 and 190: unfortunately their logic boards often won't reliably wake up again following re-cell service.

• Anton Bauer Dionic XT and Titon: same issue as above, compounded with an intense application of adhesive that makes it extremely difficult to remove the old cells without damaging them.

• Core SWX (including Hypercore, Neo and Switronix): frequent logic board complications after a re-cell.

• IDX same as above.

• PAG models other than the PAGlink PL94, PL96 and PL150.

• Tool and e-bike batteries. These just aren't our specialty.

Looking for a replacement? Refurbished batteries are often in the store.

Do you offer battery diagnostics?

Yes. Every battery is tested when it arrives, and if one doesn't need new cells, you'll be told before any work is done. You can also send batteries in for a health check only: each one's condition is reported, and you decide how to proceed.

What if a battery can't be repaired once it arrives?

There's no charge. It can be recycled for free, or sent back to you.

Do you offer trade-in credit?

For many batteries, yes, as long as they're in good cosmetic condition with fully working circuitry. Email us with what you have and you'll get an offer.

Do you sell refurbished equipment?

Yes. Refurbished batteries and chargers are listed in the store when they're in stock.

Shipping

How do I ship lithium batteries?

1. Drain each battery to 30% or less.
2. Tape over every contact: mount terminals, D-Tap and USB ports.
3. Bubble-wrap each battery separately, and pack them tightly in a sturdy box with 2 inches of padding on every side.
4. Attach the UN3481 lithium battery label.
5. Ship by ground with UPS, FedEx or USPS, and reply to your confirmation email with the tracking number.

The full instructions and a printable label are in the shipping instructions (PDF).

Do you provide a shipping label?

We typically leave it up to customers to get your batteries to us. However, if you'd prefer, we can generate a shipping label for you, and this will be added to your bill. In order to generate the label, we'll need:

• Your return shipping address

• The box dimensions (L x W x H ")

• The box weight (lbs)

How is my order returned to me?

Once payment is recieved, orders ship standard ground to the return address on your order. Return shipping will be reflected on your invoice.

Can I drop off and pick up in person?

Yes, in Ridgewood, Queens, by appointment. Choose the "Drop off and pick up" option when you place your order, and we'll reply to set up a time.

Do you accept international orders?

Yes. Lithium batteries can't travel by ground from most countries, so place your order and wait for our reply with shipping options before sending anything. When you ship, declare it as equipment sent for repair to help avoid extra duties.

What about swollen or damaged batteries?

Swollen, cracked, leaking or punctured batteries fall under stricter shipping rules. Contact us before sending one.

Any tips for sending Cine VCLX batteries?

Ship the complete kit in its flight case, with the charger and cables. The whole system is tested, because a failing charger bank can ruin a freshly re-celled battery.

630 and 690 Wh packs contain cells that we are not able to stock, however we are able to convert these to the 560 Wh configuration.

Charger repair

Which chargers do you repair?

We frequently repair Anton Bauer LP2, LP4, TM4, T2/Titan2, TWQ and Cine VCLX chargers, plus Core SWX Fleet quad chargers. If it's not listed we may still be able to fix it; just choose "Other charger" on the Order Service page.

How much does charger repair cost?

Every charger goes through diagnostics for a flat $40 fee, waived if you go ahead with the repair. A repair quote is sent for your approval before any work is done. New manufacturer parts are used when available, and pre-owned parts are offered when available as a lower-cost, greener option.

Recycling & battery care

What happens to the old cells?

They're fully discharged for safety and then sent off for recycling. There, materials like lithium and cobalt are recovered and used to make new battery cells.

How can I make my batteries last longer?

Li-ion batteries:

• Store batteries at around 50% charge if they'll sit for a few weeks or more.

• Don't leave them fully charged or fully empty for long periods.

• Keep them out of heat: hot cars and direct sun speed up aging.

• Avoid running them completely flat when you can.

NiMH batteries:

• Always recharge immediately after use.

• Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.

• For long-term storage, switch the battery off and charge up to 100% at least once every 3 months.

• Never leave NiMH batteries fully discharged for multiple days.