Sony BP MZ-1 battery pack replacement based on 18650-type batteries

thingiverse

I tried reviving my 1992 Sony MZ-1 MiniDisc recorder off the grid using two 18650 batteries and a 3D printed design found on https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2297082. However, that model had several issues with sizing and alignment of the batteries with the device's contacts. So I designed a 2-part battery holder from scratch in SketchUp (file included, feel free to adapt). After printing the model, I added aluminum contacts made of thicker aluminum sheet, which is easy to find at any convenience store under the form of aluminum cups or recipients typically used for barbecue and oven. You could try regular aluminum wrap as well, but that's too flimsy, and I don't want to risk causing shorts. Look at the images on how to position both parts. Normally, I first gently slide in the part with two separate contacts, then the batteries (the right one first, watch polarity!), and finally the part with a single contact. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLMs_pZKgLs&feature=youtu.be if you still feel unsure on how to do it. Works really flawlessly every time. And as an added bonus: the MZ-1 plays many hours with just two 18650 batteries. If you have no printer, but would like to have this print, feel free to contact me through Facebook.