Cure for reversed battery and burnt parts.

[oldfox]

I posted the below in another thread and then I thought it might get more exposure in this section, so here it is.
************************************************** **************

Hi folks.
The CURE to connecting a battery backwards is a bridge rectifier. (4 pin device or 4 diodes)
Connect the battery to the AC inputs, disregarding polarity. The + and - outputs go to the original battery inputs.

If you doubt this, draw it out and try both directions of the battery. If connected properly in the circuit, + out will be + voltage. It's all black magic.

Sorry about this post being so late buy I just saw it.

Good luck,
Old Fox

[6666]

The bridge rectifier is a good idea, but you will get two voltage drops with it.
A single diode will only give you one voltage drop.

[oldfox]

>6666

1.4 volts. That's only one more alkaline. And not even 1/2 of another LiFePo.
If someone has a detector without a polarized battery pack connector, then it would be a good idea. It will take a bit of installation ingenuity though.
I never worry about battery pack size. I size it to what I need after the circuit is working on the bench.